Certified Public Accountant License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a CPA in Washington, you need a BA with 24 credits in accounting (15 upper-level), 24 credits in business admin, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and complete 12 months/2,000 hours of accounting work verified by a licensed CPA. Washington has no state income tax. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.
- Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- Total Cost
- $2,175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 3 years
Requirements
Certified Public Accountant certification in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $1,000
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Certified Public Accountant license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.
Certified Public Accountant Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$64,440
Median
$96,180
Experienced
$143,210
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington provides detailed requirements: must have a B.A. with 24 semester credits in accounting (15 at upper/graduate level), 24 semester credits in business administration, pass the Uniform CPA exam, and have 12 months/2,000 hours of accounting work using skills generally used in business, accounting, and auditing, verified by a licensed CPA. No CE is listed for renewal. The Board of Accountancy oversees licensing. Seattle's tech industry (Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing), combined with no state income tax, creates a strong CPA market focused on corporate taxation and consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Certified Public Accountant license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $2,175, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Certified Public Accountant license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Certified Public Accountant license in Washington?
- You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Certified Public Accountant requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.