Click here to renew your 2013 Annual Registration / CPE Report online Please submit Firm Permits by July 1st at a glance … HOW TO BECOME A CPA In a nutshell, becoming a CPA around the country calls for 3 “E”s – education, examination and experience. A summary of North Dakota provisions are shown below. More details available by clicking the “become a CPA” link, at left. Education At least 150 semester hours of college education, including a BA or BS or higher degree or their equivalent, from an accepted college. At least 24 semester credits of accounting coursework or equivalent, and 24 credits of other business coursework (not including accounting principles. A provision exists for one holding 4 years of experience or 120 education credits at 12/31/99, and passing the CPA Exam by 12/31/04. For details, contact the Board office. Examinations Passage of the Uniform CPA Examination is expected, following Board regulations and policies. An ethics course is also required -- Professional Ethics: The AICPA Comprehensive Course. Experience At least 1 year of experience is expected, meeting relevant conditions. Good moral character is also expected, and of course there are costs and paperwork involved. About the Board The Board of Accountancy reviews the entrance qualifications of CPA candidates, annually registers accountants, monitors continuing education, and addresses consumer concerns. Virtually all Board records are open to the public, with no time limits (other than the record retention schedule). For records access, contact the Board office. There are 5 Governor-appointed board members, plus a small staff in Grand Forks. Contact the Board office at 800-532-5904.