The District of Columbia's 150-hour route is the one you can count on today. It takes a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration, 30 more hours, and one year of experience. To sit for the exam, the board page says you need 120 undergraduate semester hours, including a bachelor's degree.
A newer law would add a route with a bachelor's and two years of experience. Reports say the mayor signed it in August 2026 and it faces a 30-day congressional review. Don't count on it yet. Check with the District of Columbia Board of Accountancy before you choose your courses.
How to Get a CPA License in District of Columbia
Every route also asks you to pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Here's how the education and experience fit together in District of Columbia.
| Route | Education | Experience | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150-hour route | Bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting plus 30 additional hours, 150 total | One year | In effect |
| Bachelor's plus 2 years | Bachelor's degree, without the 30 extra hours | Two years of relevant experience, plus passing the exam | Scheduled |
Education to Sit for the CPA Exam in District of Columbia
The board page says you need 120 undergraduate semester hours or equivalent, including a bachelor's degree.
Coursework: At least 27 hours of accounting-related subjects, including 15 specified hours
What Changed Recently
In January 2026, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection said bill B26-0494 was still pending. Reports say the mayor signed Act 26-412 in August 2026 and it faces a 30-day congressional review.
What Accountants Earn in District of Columbia
Accountants and auditors in District of Columbia earned a median of $111,530 a year in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle half earned between $83,050 and $156,730. About 9,810 people held these jobs in the state.
Accounting Programs in District of Columbia
None of the programs on our main rankings are based in District of Columbia. You can still study online with a school in another state. Before you enroll, check that its accounting and business courses match what the board asks for. Our best online accounting degrees are a good place to start.
CPA Requirements in Nearby States
Thinking about working across a state line, or studying in one state and licensing in another? Each state sets its own rules, so here's where the states near District of Columbia stand on the bachelor's-plus-experience route.
- Maryland CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since October 1, 2026
- Virginia CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since January 1, 2026
- Delaware CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since July 1, 2026
Check With the District of Columbia Board of Accountancy
The board sets the rules and decides your application. We checked these requirements against official sources on October 12, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the details on the board's site before you apply.