Requirements

Ohio CPA Exam Requirements (2026)

Ohio requires 150 semester hours and one year of experience. The Accountancy Board of Ohio manages the licensing process.

Quick answer

Ohio requires 150 semester hours, 1 year of experience, and passing all 4 CPA exam sections. Overseen by the Accountancy Board of Ohio.

150 hrs

Education

semester hours

1 yr

Experience

either

$60

Application Fee

state board

120 hrs

CPE

triennial

Licensing Timeline

Steps to CPA License in Ohio

1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 30 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam

Apply through NASBA and the Accountancy Board of Ohio.

3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam

Pass all four sections within 30 months.

4. Gain Professional Experience

Complete one year of supervised accounting experience.

5. Complete Ethics Requirements

Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam.

6. Apply for Your CPA License

Submit your license application to the Accountancy Board of Ohio.

Fee Breakdown

Fee estimates for Ohio — verify current amounts at Accountancy Board of Ohio
Fee TypeAmount
State Application Fee$60
Exam Fee (per section)$238
Total Exam Fees (4 sections)$952
Estimated Total (exam only)$1012

Your Ohio CPA Checklist

0/6 complete
1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 30 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam
3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam
4. Gain Professional Experience
5. Complete Ethics Requirements
6. Apply for Your CPA License

What makes Ohio unique

  • Ohio's board is named "Accountancy Board of Ohio" with a unique word order.
  • Triennial CPE of 120 hours with 3 hours of ethics.
  • The state requires 30 semester hours of accounting.

Education Requirements

Ohio requires 150 semester hours from an accredited institution, including 30 semester hours of accounting. Ohio State University and other state institutions offer strong accounting programs. By focusing on consistent, high-yield study habits and leveraging multi-dimensional diagnostics, you can systematically dismantle your exam anxieties. Committing to a daily pattern of active retrieval and careful error logging transforms how you study, driving your score steadily toward a passing result.

The accounting curriculum must cover financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.

CPA Exam and Experience

Ohio candidates apply through NASBA and test at Prometric centers in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and other locations. By focusing on consistent, high-yield study habits and leveraging multi-dimensional diagnostics, you can systematically dismantle your exam anxieties. Committing to a daily pattern of active retrieval and careful error logging transforms how you study, driving your score steadily toward a passing result.

One year of accounting experience under CPA supervision is required. Ohio's diverse economy provides opportunities in manufacturing, financial services, and professional services. By focusing on consistent, high-yield study habits and leveraging multi-dimensional diagnostics, you can systematically dismantle your exam anxieties. Committing to a daily pattern of active retrieval and careful error logging transforms how you study, driving your score steadily toward a passing result.

Fees and Licensing

Ohio's application fee is approximately $60. Total first-attempt costs are about $1,013. Many major public accounting firms and corporate employers maintain discretionary professional development funds that can be applied to targeted practice supplements. Presenting a clear, analytics-backed progress report to your learning manager can help justify the expense and secure firm-level sponsorship.

Triennial renewal fees apply. Ohio's moderate cost of living makes the CPA journey affordable. Many major public accounting firms and corporate employers maintain discretionary professional development funds that can be applied to targeted practice supplements. Presenting a clear, analytics-backed progress report to your learning manager can help justify the expense and secure firm-level sponsorship.

Continuing Professional Education

Ohio CPAs must complete 120 hours of CPE every three years (triennial cycle), including 3 hours of ethics. This is slightly less ethics than many states require. By focusing on consistent, high-yield study habits and leveraging multi-dimensional diagnostics, you can systematically dismantle your exam anxieties. Committing to a daily pattern of active retrieval and careful error logging transforms how you study, driving your score steadily toward a passing result.

The Ohio Society of CPAs offers extensive CPE programming throughout the state. By focusing on consistent, high-yield study habits and leveraging multi-dimensional diagnostics, you can systematically dismantle your exam anxieties. Committing to a daily pattern of active retrieval and careful error logging transforms how you study, driving your score steadily toward a passing result.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio allows candidates to sit with 120 hours and a bachelor's degree, with 150 hours needed for licensure.
What is Ohio's CPE requirement?
Ohio CPAs must complete 120 hours of CPE every three years, including 3 hours of ethics.
What type of experience does Ohio accept?
Ohio accepts experience in public, industry, government, or academic accounting under CPA supervision.