CPA requirements in Washington
Washington licenses CPAs through the Washington State Board of Accountancy. Exam eligibility: 120 semester hours with required accounting coursework. Licensure: 150 semester hours on the standing route. Experience: one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience verified by a licensed CPA.
$96,550
median accountant wage, WashingtonBLS OEWS · May 2025
$102,700
mean annual wageBLS OEWS · May 2025
34,740
accounting jobs in the stateBLS OEWS · May 2025
Requirements
The sheet
| Exam eligibility (education) | 120 semester hours with required accounting coursework |
| License education | 150 semester hours on the standing route |
| Experience | One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience verified by a licensed CPA |
| Ethics requirement | AICPA Professional Ethics exam with a 90 percent pass mark |
| CPE after licensure | 120 hours per three-year cycle, including board-approved ethics |
Compiled 2026-08-02 from the board's published framework. Rules change; Washington State Board of Accountancy is the source of record before you file anything.
Pathway status
The 120-hour question in this state
Washington enacted alternative-pathway legislation in 2025. Confirm effective dates and rules with the board before relying on the shorter route. Cross-jurisdiction context: AICPA/NASBA model legislation, May 2025NASBA · May 2025, and NASBA's licensure-pathways list.
Moving
Reciprocity
Reciprocity for substantially equivalent licensees.
Neighbouring sheet: CPA requirements in Colorado. Path overview: how to become a CPA; exam detail: the CPA exam; all states: the master table.