Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Kentucky
2026 data Kentucky board official source

Kentucky Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the Kentucky data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

To practice as a certified public accountant (cpa) in Kentucky, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and 1 year of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Kentucky's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

The initial price tag is $172, and renewal costs $145 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 80 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, certified public accountant (cpa)s should know: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$172
Renewal Fee
$145
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) All Kentucky licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kentucky licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky requires, passing an exam (Uniform CPA Examination), and an initial fee of $172. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Kentucky? ▼
Certification as a certified public accountant (cpa) in Kentucky means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Kentucky licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
For certified public accountant (cpa)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Kentucky licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for certified public accountant (cpa) licensing in Kentucky. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Kentucky? ▼
Licensed certified public accountant (cpa)s in Kentucky must complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $145.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.