CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Arkansas
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Arkansas, candidates must meet specific education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. This includes holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing either one or two years of verified accounting experience, depending on their education level. Additionally, applicants must pass a criminal background check and an Arkansas Ethics Exam.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Arkansas
| Detail | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience Required | 2,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,019) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must pass a criminal background check. If holding a bachelor's degree, two years of verified experience are required. If holding a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional semester hours (150 total) or a graduate degree, one year of verified experience is required. There is no minimum age requirement. The license must be obtained within 3 years of passing the CPA Exam. An ethics exam is also required for licensure. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Arkansas
The median cpa salary in Arkansas is $64,180 per year, which is 21.4% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,670 |
| 25th | $50,300 |
| 50th (median) | $64,180 |
| 75th | $89,170 |
| 90th (experienced) | $118,730 |
Arkansas employs approximately 7,710 cpas.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Job Outlook
AI Impact on CPAs
High AI Exposure (Score: 1.48/1.00)
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
Is Becoming a CPA in Arkansas Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $64,180 in Arkansas, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Arkansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.