Colorado Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensing Requirements

The BS in Accounting degree and MS in Accounting degree from Regis University provide a pathway towards a career as a CPA. We have both online and on-campus programs.

Requirements to become a licensed CPA in Colorado*:
  1. Successful completion of all four parts of the CPA exam
  2. Completion of 150 semester hours (including a baccalaureate degree)
  3. 1,800 hours of qualifying work experience
  4. Completion of a written ethics exam on the Code of Professional Conduct
Education Requirements to sit for the CPA Examination:
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher and 120 semester hours
  • 27 total semester hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework.
    • 21 of these hours must be above the introductory 100-level.
      • Of the 21 semester hours, three semester hours must include an auditing course concentrating on US GAAS (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards).
    • 21 total semester hours of non-duplicative business administration coursework and no more than 6 semester hours can be in any single subject area. Hours in excess of the 6-hour maximum may count toward the 120-hour requirement.
student diving in deeper into what it means to be a cpa

Accounting Programs at Regis

BS in Accounting - online or evening

MS in Accounting - online or evening

FastForward Combined Bachelor’s to Master’s in Accounting – online or evening

To apply for the CPA license:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher plus 30 additional hours (150 total hours)
  • 33 total semester hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework. 27 of these hours must be above the introductory 100-level. Students must have earned a course grade of C (or equivalent) or greater in these courses.
    • 6 of these hours must be in auditing which must include a three semester hours or more course concentrating on US GAAS
      • (example courses: AC 4800, AC 4830, AC 4850 or AC 6050, AC 6140, AC 6190)
    • 3 of these hours must be in accounting or business ethics
      • (example courses: AC 4910 or AC 6910)
  • 27 total semester hours of non-duplicative business administration coursework, which includes courses at Regis with a prefix of
    • (example courses: BA, EC, FIN, HR, MGT, MKT, PM)
  • No more than 9 semester hours can be in any single subject area. Hours in excess of the 9-hour maximum may count toward the 150-hour requirement.

* Visit the Colorado State Board of Accountancy for details and the most up-to-date current information.

Refer to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy for information on other state requirements.

Students should consult with an Accounting Faculty member and Academic Success Coach to map out their plans to ensure the correct courses are taken in preparation for the CPA exam.

Lead Change Through Innovation