CPA in Alabama
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.
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route How to become a cpa in Alabama
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Alabama, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. This involves completing 150 semester hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and accruing one year (2000 hours) of qualified accounting experience. Alabama also has a minimum age requirement of 19 and requires U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Reciprocity is available for CPAs licensed in other states who meet Alabama's requirements, and out-of-state CPAs may practice under mobility provisions.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Alabama requirements
| Licensing body | Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,062) |
| Application fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Alabama offers reciprocity for out-of-state CPAs meeting education, experience, and possibly ethics exam requirements.Reciprocal states: Alabama offers reciprocity to CPAs licensed in other states if their license is active and in good standing, and they meet Alabama's education and experience requirements. An ethics exam may be required. Out-of-state CPAs with no Alabama office can practice under mobility provisions without an Alabama license if they hold an active license in another state. Military spouses may have the reciprocity application fee waived. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 19. Must be a U.S. citizen or legally present in the U.S. Good moral character is required. Alabama has a two-tier licensing system, issuing a certificate upon passing the exam and meeting education, with full licensure requiring experience. As of October 1, 2026, an alternative pathway to licensure will be available for candidates with a bachelor's degree and 2 years of verified full-time accounting experience, even without 150 semester hours. |
Source: Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Alabama? See whether Alabama recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our CPA license reciprocity guide.
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AI & tech impact
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- warningElevated AI disruption risk
Compare CPA head-to-head
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