2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

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

To practice as a certified public accountant (cpa) in Rhode Island, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on the Uniform CPA Examination 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 Rhode Island's professional licensing framework, which classifies training as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

Upfront cost is $384, with renewal running $310 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 80 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity is available: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$384
Renewal Fee
$310
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

License Reciprocity

CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions

Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires, passing an exam (Uniform CPA Examination), and an initial fee of $384. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Rhode Island?
To become a licensed certified public accountant (cpa) in Rhode Island, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Rhode Island from another state?
Rhode Island has reciprocity provisions: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing?
Yes, Rhode Island requires a criminal background check as part of the certified public accountant (cpa) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Rhode Island?
Licensed certified public accountant (cpa)s in Rhode Island must complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $310.

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

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