How to Become a CPA in Nebraska? (2022 Requirement Update)

Getting a CPA license in Nebraska is mandatory for working as a Certified Public Accountant. Prospective CPAs in the state must meet the requirements set by the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy.

The board has various conditions that candidates must fulfil to get their CPA license. These requirements are different in each state.

The steps involved in getting a CPA license in the US across all states are the same. However, each board may have its own requirements for each step.

There same applies to Nebraska. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how to become a CPA in Nebraska. Candidates must go through a lengthy process to do so.

How to become a CPA in Nebraska?

Becoming a CPA in Nebraska isn’t any different from other states. Candidates must begin with acquiring formal education.

During this step, they must meet the educational requirements set by the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy.

Once they do so, they must pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Lastly, they must meet the experience requirements set by the board.

Educational Requirements

The first step for candidates is to go through formal education before obtaining their CPA license. This education allows them to gain fundamental knowledge related to accounting.

During the process, applicants must meet the following requirements.

Candidates must enrol in an accredited college or university in an accounting program. Candidates who have already enrolled in or graduated from a university or college must ensure the board will accept their credits.
Candidates must confirm that the accounting program they enrol in is accredited by an accrediting board recognized by the US Department of Education.
Candidates must complete 150 semester hours (or 225 quarter hours) of accounting program and a bachelor’s degree. The education must consist of the following.
- At least 30 semester hours or (45 quarter hours) in accounting-related subjects. These must include post-basic accounting subjects as follows:
  - Accounting Information systems
  - Auditing
  - Cost and managerial accounting
  - Financial accounting theory and problems
  - Governmental and not-for-profit accounting
  - Tax preparation and planning
- At least 36 semester hours (or 54 quarter hours) in business subjects which includes:
  - Business Communication
  - Business Ethics
  - Business law
  - Finance
  - Macroeconomics
  - Management
  - Marketing
  - Microeconomics
  - Principles of accounting
  - Quantitative applications in business
- 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of a general college education which includes:
  - Arts, natural sciences, social sciences and humanities
  - Mathematics
  - Oral and written communication skills
  - Statistics
- The remaining 24 semester hours/36 quarter hours can be electives.

Uniform CPA Exam

Once candidates meet the educational requirements set by the board, they must take the Uniform CPA Exam.

This exam tests their knowledge of the relevant accounting knowledge. Candidates must go through the following steps to take and pass the Uniform CPA Exam.

Candidates must apply to take the exam through NASBA, either online or through an application. They must send the application to the CPA Exam Services (CPAES).
They must also include the following documents with their applications.
- A certificate of enrollment form for those who are still enrolled in a college at the time of their initial application. This certificate states that they will complete their education within 60 days of taking their first CPA exam section.
- Authorization for Interstate Exchange Exam and Licensure Information for candidates from other states who want to transfer credit to Nebraska.
- ADA Modification Form in compliance with the American Disability act if necessary.
- Any related fees for the application and each section of the exam.
Candidates must schedule their exam through Prometric after they receive their Notification to Schedule. They must do so within six months of receiving the notification.
They must pass all four sections with a grade of at least 75% within an 18-month period.

Experience Requirements

Once candidates pass their Uniform CPA Exam, they must work to gain relevant experience. During this process, they must meet the following requirements set by the board.

Candidates must take and pass the Professional Ethics course offered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). They must get at least a 90% score on the exam.
Candidates must apply for their Nebraska CPA certificate using the Application for Certificate Issuance.
They must acquire the necessary experience, which meets the following requirements.
- The experience must come from academia, government, industry or public accountancy work.
- It must include at least 4,000 hours earned in a minimum of two years.
- It must be obtained under a CPA’s direct supervision with an active permit to practice within a licensed and registered CPA firm.
- Candidates working in government must complete three years of experience. It must be from the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts, Nebraska Department of Revenue or the Federal Internal Revenue Service.
They must have their supervising CPA complete the Public Accounting Experience Form, including a notarized signature.

Summary

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

Candidates must complete their educational requirements set by the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy.
Then, they must take and pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
They must complete the experience requirements set by the board.
Lastly, they must apply for their Nebraska state CPA license.

References

“Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy” – https://nbpa.nebraska.gov
“Licensing Requirements” – https://nbpa.nebraska.gov/individuals/licensing-requirements
“CPA Exam” – https://nbpa.nebraska.gov/exams/cpa-exam
“Forms and Applications” – https://nbpa.nebraska.gov/forms/forms-and-applications
“Nevada | NASBA” – https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/nevada/