Certified Public Accountants are in high demand across the US. These are professionals that can handle any accounting and finance-related matters.

These individuals go through years of education and experience. However, they must work under a CPA license for their work to count. Each state in the US has its own requirements for CPAs to get their CPA license.

Aspiring Certified Public Accountants in North Dakota must go through similar requirements as other states. However, the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy may have some specific conditions for the licensure process.

The board overlooks the CPA license process for candidates in the state. Therefore, candidates must abide by all the conditions the board sets to get their licenses.

How to become a CPA in North Dakota?

As with other states, there are three steps in obtaining a CPA license in North Dakota. Candidates must first meet the education requirements set by the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy.

Then, they must take and pass their Uniform CPA Exam. Lastly, they must meet the experience requirements set by the board.

Educational Requirements

Obtaining formal education is crucial for all aspiring CPAs. It helps them understand the fundamentals of accounting while also preparing them for further practice.

Without this education, aspiring CPAs can’t pass the Uniform CPA Exam or work in professional environments. Therefore, the process is crucial for any candidate.

During this process, candidates must meet some requirements set by the board, as follows.

Candidates must enroll in an accredited North Dakota college or university that offers programs in accounting.
They must earn 150 semester hours of college credit and get a bachelor’s degree. Education must meet the following criteria.
- 24 semester hours of accounting courses. Candidates can also include up to 3 semester hours of business law in it.
- 24 semester hours of other business courses. Candidates can claim up to 3 semester hours of economics in this.
Candidates must confirm that the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy approves their college. Students who have acquired education in a foreign university must get their transcripts evaluated by approved evaluation services.

Uniform CPA Exam

The next step for candidates is to take and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This exam tests their knowledge of the fundamentals of accounting. The exam should be straightforward for candidates who have gone through formal education.

Candidates must go through the following procedures to take the exam.

Candidates must download the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy CPA Exam application and fill it out.
They must also provide a Reference Form to three non-relatives and non-students who can attest to their moral character.
They must include an official copy of their college transcript.
They must enclose a check or money order of $120 application payable to the board.
They must mail all these forms and documents to the board.
They must then schedule their exam once they get their Authorization to Test and Notice to Schedule.

Experience Requirements

Candidates must also meet the experience requirements set by the board to get their CPA license. These requirements include the following.

Candidates must pass The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Professional Ethics Comprehensive Course. They must do so before starting the process.
Candidates must complete one year (or 2,000 hours) of accounting experience. The experience must meet the following requirements.
- It must be in one of the following environments.
  - Academia.
  - Government Accounting.
  - Industry.
  - Public Accounting.
- The experience must include providing one of the following services or multiple of these.
  - Accounting
  - Attestation
  - Consulting
  - Financial Advisory
  - Management Advisory
  - Tax
- The experience must be under a licensed CPA’s supervision. Their supervisor will also be responsible for verifying their work experience.
- The experience must be within a period of four years.
Candidates must ask their supervising to complete the Certificate of Experience to verify their work experience. Candidates must fill out the form’s first two sections themselves and forward it to their supervisor.

Summary

Below is a summary of how to become a CPA in North Dakota.

Aspiring CPAs must obtain formal accounting education. During this period, they must meet the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy requirements.
Candidates must then take and pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
They must also obtain experience in relevant areas and environments. During this process, they must meet the requirements set by the board.
Lastly, they must apply for their North Dakota CPA license.

References

“State Board of Accountancy, North Dakota” – https://www.ndsba.nd.gov/
“Forms” – https://www.ndsba.nd.gov/forms
“Requirements to Become a CPA” – https://www.ndsba.nd.gov/requirements-become-cpa
“North Dakota | NASBA” – https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/northdakota/