Foreign Education & Work Experience

Question: I earned my degree outside of the United States. Will the California Board of Accountancy accept my credits?

Response: Yes. However, any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a California Board of Accountancy approved foreign credentials evaluation service. More information can be found on page 7 of CBA's CPA Licensing Applicant Handbook.

Question: Do I need to have a United States Social Security number to become a CPA in California?

Response: No, you can either have a United States Social Security Number (SSN) or a Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can find more information here.

Question: I earned my work experience outside of the United States. Will the California Board of Accountancy accept my experience?

Response: Yes, experience can be gained while working in a foreign country under the supervision of an actively licensed CPA or the foreign equivalent. Additionally, the foreign experience must be gained in a public practice setting in that country and not in industry. There is not an alternative route to this requirement.

Question: Can I apply to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam through California and sit to take the exam outside of the United States and its territories?

Response: Yes. You are authorized to sit for the exam in the following countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.