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Iowa CPA License
As in other states, CPAs must first obtain their license before working as CPAs in Iowa. In Iowa, the method of becoming a CPA is similar to other states. The Iowa State Board of Accountancy, on the other hand, has some particular requirements that applicants must meet.
If you consider getting an Iowa CPA license or want to find out if someone else is licensed, this Iowa CPA license lookup provides the information you need. After going through the State of Iowa CPA license lookup, you will know what you need to do to get your own license, and you can also find out who currently has a license in the state.
How do I become a CPA in Iowa?
If you want to appear in the CPA license lookup Iowa lists, you will need to have an Iowa Accountant license.
To receive a CPA license in Iowa, prospective CPAs must complete three steps. Getting a formal education is the first step. They must then apply and pass the Uniform CPA Exam with passing grades.
Finally, they must gain practical experience in order to apply their skills. For aspiring CPAs, following this process is pivotal. The process described above is practiced in all states. Candidates must, however, meet the requirements of the Iowa State Board of Accountancy for each step.
Educational Requirements
As previously mentioned, the first step for aspiring CPAs in Iowa is to complete a formal education period. This education is needed for them to gain a basic understanding of accounting concepts.
Aspiring CPAs must enroll in an accounting program at a college or university. During this period, they must fulfill two requirements. These include a bachelor’s degree and 150 semester college hours.
Those who completed or are in the process of completing their education are also eligible to apply. These applicants must, however, ensure that their accounting program or degree will be recognized by the Iowa State Board of Accountancy.
Those who have received their education from a foreign university may also apply. Foreign Academic Credential Services, Inc. (FACS) or NASBA International Assessment Services must, however, assess their qualifications. It is important to determine if they are eligible to take the Uniform CPA Exam.
Aspiring CPAs must complete 150 semester hours in one of the following scenarios, as set out by the board.
They must complete an advanced degree in an accredited program with an accounting concentration.
They must complete an advanced degree in an accredited business program in business activities.
It must provide 24 semester hours of accounting courses in the areas mentioned below:
- Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
They must have a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting from an accredited college. It must provide 24 semester hours of accounting coursework in the areas mentioned below:
- Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
They must pursue a bachelor’s or higher degree with the following criteria. 24 semester hours of accounting classes at the elementary or basic level in the following areas:
- Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
Except for internships and life experience, 24 semester hours of business courses above the elementary level are required. The following elements are mandatory:
- Business law
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
Uniform CPA Exam
Applying for the Iowa Uniform CPA Exam is the next step for CPAs. This exam is required in order to receive an Iowa CPA license. To take the Iowa Uniform CPA Exam, CPAs must go through the following steps:
Aspiring CPAs must register with the Certified Public Accountants Examination Services either online or in person (CPAES).
They must provide their official and sealed college transcript with their application.
They must also submit the appropriate fee along with their application.
After obtaining their Notice to Schedule, they must register for the exam.
They can do so on Prometric’s website, where they can choose from four different testing locations.
Experience Requirements
Finally, before applying for an Iowa CPA license, aspiring CPAs must gain relevant work experience in their profession. During this period, the Iowa State Board of Accountancy expects them to meet the following standards.
Aspiring CPAs must complete the Code of Professional Conduct self-study course offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). They must pass it with a score of at least 90%.
They must gain qualified experience with supporting documents. It has to be in one of the areas mentioned below:
- Academia
- Government
- Private Accounting
- Public Accounting
Part-time or full-time experience of at least 12 months (or 2,000 hours) is needed for aspiring CPAs. This experience must be checked by a CPA and satisfy the criteria stated below. It must be in one of the following services:
- Accounting
- Advisory
- Attestation
- Consulting
- Financial
- Management
- Tax
Teaching a minimum of 24 semester hours in higher education accounting courses is required for aspiring CPAs gaining experience via academia.
It is required that those who gain experience via attestation complete two years of qualifying experience.
It must include one year of general accounting experience and one year of attestation experience.
The following competencies must be included in the experience:
- Financial statement compilation and analysis
- Understanding of management advisory functions
- Creating financial statements and budgets
- Design and forecast of standards and procedures
- Taxation, budgeting, cost analysis, and asset management
- Accounting Information Systems
Aspiring CPAs must also have their work experience checked by their supervising CPA. They must fill out the Attest Qualification and Verification of Experience forms.
