CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Rhode Island
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Rhode Island, candidates must fulfill several requirements set by the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy. This includes completing 150 semester hours of education, passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, and accumulating 1,820 hours of verified work experience. Additionally, applicants must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher and pay an initial license fee of $375. Rhode Island also offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in substantially equivalent states.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Rhode Island Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours |
| Experience Required | 1,820.0 hours |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,423) |
| Application Fee | $375 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 120.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Rhode Island residency is required. Must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. No minimum age requirement. A Social Security number is required. The initial license fee is $375.00. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Rhode Island
The median cpa salary in Rhode Island is $90,040 per year, which is 10.2% above the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $58,970 |
| 25th | $74,470 |
| 50th (median) | $90,040 |
| 75th | $112,090 |
| 90th (experienced) | $145,290 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 5,980 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 Rhode Island Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,175 and a median salary of $90,040 in Rhode Island, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.