Step By Step to Become a CPA in Oregon (2022)

The requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant are similar across the US. However, the local accountancy board may add some provisions for aspiring CPAs in respective states.

The Oregon Board of Accountancy handles the licensure process for the state of Oregon. Similarly, it dictates aspiring CPAs’ requirements to get their license.

How to become a CPA in Oregon?

CPAs in Oregon must start by educating themselves in the field of accounting. They will need to obtain accounting knowledge that is relevant to their profession.

This knowledge will also help them pass the Uniform CPA, which is the next requirement in the process. Once they pass the exam, they must work in a practical environment and meet specific experience requirements.

Aspiring CPAs must ensure they meet various steps for each process. Once they complete every step and requirement, they can apply for their Oregon CPA license.

Educational Requirements

Obtaining education before getting a CPA license is crucial. Candidates also need to meet some requirements during their educational period to qualify for the CPA license.

Their knowledge should be relevant to the field and help them pass the Uniform CPA Exam. During their education period, candidates must meet the following requirements.

Candidates must enroll in a four-year university that offers accounting programs. During this period, they must obtain 150 semester hours of college credit and a bachelor’s degree.
Candidates must select a school accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies.
The board may also consider students who have obtained education from a foreign university. However, they must undergo a course-by-course evaluation by the NASBA International Evaluation Services.
Candidates must enroll in the proper classes for credit. The board provides a list of requirements aspiring CPAs must complete during their 150 semester hours of college credit. These include the following.
- 24 semester hours, or 36 quarter hours, in accounting, AND
- 24 semester or 36 quarter hours in accounting or related subjects. These may include:
  - Business
  - Communication
  - Economics
  - Finance
The board also accepts credit from community or two-year college courses. However, the credits must be transferrable to a four-year college.

Uniform CPA Exam

Once candidates complete 150 semester hours of college credit and obtain a bachelor’s degree, they are eligible to take the Uniform CPA Exam under the board’s rules. Candidates must go through the following steps to take the exam.

Candidates must download and complete the Oregon Board of Accountancy CPA Exam Application.
They must also download and complete a Candidate Release Form. The form must authorize the board to release their information to NASBA.
They must also include the following with their application.
- A 2”x2” passport-sized photo.
- A check or money order for $100, payable to the Oregon Board of Accountancy.
- The method of contact they prefer to receive their testing information.
- Sign the application and have it notarized.
Once they complete the application, they must mail it to the Oregon Board of Accountancy.
They must also request their official college transcript from their school, to be mailed directly to the Oregon Board of Accountancy.
They must schedule their exam after they receive their notice to schedule from the board.

Experience Requirements

The next step for aspiring CPAs, after passing their exam is to go through practical experience. Through this experience, they can apply their knowledge in relevant areas. Going through this process is mandatory for the licensure process. Candidates must meet the following requirements during their experience period.

Candidates must complete 12 months (or 2,080 hours) of full-time practical experience under a licensed CPA’s supervision.
The experience must be from one of the following standards.
- Attestation or assurance
- Industry/government/related businesses
- Other Professional standards
They must ensure they get the right experience for each of the above standards.
- For attestation or assurance, the requirements are:
  - Candidates must work in public accounting or a situation that is similar to it, like internal auditing. Candidates can also work in audit agencies, internal audit departments, or other organizations. There, they must go under peer review.
- For industry/government/related businesses, the requirements are:
  - Candidates must obtain an understanding of their employer’s industry and competitors.
  - They must obtain an understanding of competitiveness factors.
  - They must include the following skills and services.
    - Consulting skills
    - Internal audits
    - Personal financial planning
    - Tax practice
- For other professional standards, the experience must come from a public accounting practice, industry, government, or other business setting.
Candidates must ensure they demonstrate proficiency in each of the following seven core competencies.
- Understanding the Code of Professional Conduct.
- We are assessing the objects of an organization.
- I am preparing working papers with data that supports analyses and conclusions.
- Understanding information systems and transaction streams.
- Risk assessment and verification skills.
- Decision-making, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Expressing the scope of work and findings and conclusions through reports.
They must give their verifying CPA the board’s Instructions to the Supervisor/Licensee Employer and the Certificate of Experience to verify their experience.
They must complete an ethics exam through a home study course offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Conclusion

Given below is a summary of how to become a CPA in Oregon.

Aspiring CPAs must start with education and meet the Oregon Board of Accountancy requirements.
They must pass the Uniform CPA exam.
They must obtain the necessary experience and related requirements.
They must apply for their license.

References

“Oregon Board of Accountancy” – https://www.oregon.gov/BOA/
“License Application Requirements” – https://www.oregon.gov/BOA/Pages/License-Application-Requirements.aspx
“Licensing Forms” – https://www.oregon.gov/BOA/Pages/Licensing-Forms.aspx
“Oregon | NASBA” – https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/oregon/