You cannot become a CPA in Texas without a degree. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requires at least a bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours, including specific accounting and business courses. No alternative certification or experience-based pathway exists without meeting the education requirement.
What the Texas State Board Requires for CPA Licensure
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) enforces strict education and training rules. You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a board-recognized school to be eligible for CPA licensure.
Every CPA candidate must meet the following minimum standards before applying:
- Earn a degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete at least 150 credit hours, including upper-level coursework in accounting and business
- Pass all sections of the CPA exam
- Complete one year of supervised work under a licensed CPA
- Take a board-approved ethics course
- Submit to a background check
Texas does not allow substitutions or alternative qualifications in place of the degree requirement.
Why You Cannot Become a CPA in Texas Without a Degree
Unlike some states that may allow exam-only eligibility or partial licensing, Texas mandates both education and work experience for full CPA certification.
The CPA license in Texas ensures a uniform standard of education and ethical conduct for all professionals. According to the Texas State Board, this requirement protects public safety and maintains trust in financial reporting across business and government agencies.
All applicants must provide official transcripts verifying degree completion and accounting coursework. Experience, regardless of how extensive, cannot replace the education requirement.
Minimum Education Requirements for CPA Candidates in Texas
To meet Texas CPA requirements, candidates must satisfy a combination of total credit hours and subject-specific coursework.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Required. Must have a baccalaureate or higher from a board-recognized institution. |
| Accounting Coursework | 27–30 semester hours of upper-level accounting coursework. |
| Business Coursework | 24 semester hours of upper-level business coursework. |
| Total Semester Hours | 150 semester hours of college credit (undergraduate + graduate). |
| Experience | 1 year of supervised, full-time accounting work under a licensed CPA. |
| Ethics Course | A board-approved, three-semester-hour ethics course. |
| Background Check | Required for licensure. |
Credit must come from college-level classes, including specified upper-level accounting and business topics like financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and the business environment.
What If You Have a Degree in a Non-Business Field?
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-accounting discipline, you can still qualify as a CPA candidate by completing the necessary business and accounting coursework.
You don’t need to earn a second degree. Instead, you can take the required upper-level accounting courses at an accredited university or community college, either in person or online.
Examples of accepted business subjects include:
- Business law
- Marketing
- Finance
- Organizational behavior
You’ll also need to pass a board-approved ethics course and complete one year of experience under direct supervision of a licensed CPA.
CPA Exam and Licensure Timeline in Texas
Here is a typical step-by-step timeline for meeting all Texas CPA qualifications:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree (any major)
- Accumulate 150 total credit hours, including the required accounting and business coursework
- Submit transcripts and application to the Texas State Board
- Receive Notice to Schedule (NTS) for the Uniform CPA Examination
- Pass all four CPA exam sections (AUD, FAR, REG, BEC)
- Complete 1 year of supervised professional experience
- Pass the board-approved ethics exam
- Submit your final application for CPA licensure
Once licensed, your license period begins in your birth month and renews every year.
Alternatives If You Don’t Have a Bachelor’s Degree
Although you cannot get a CPA license without a degree in Texas, there are other professional paths you can pursue while completing your education.
Alternative accounting-related roles:
- Bookkeeper
- Tax preparer
- Payroll specialist
- Enrolled Agent (EA) – licensed by the IRS to handle tax returns
These roles require fewer education hours and often allow on-the-job training. Some also offer professional certifications that increase job credibility.
During this time, you can also take continuing education classes or enroll in an online degree completion program to eventually qualify for CPA certification.
Conclusion: A Bachelor’s Degree Is Mandatory for CPA Licensure in Texas
You must have a bachelor’s degree to become a CPA in Texas. There are no waivers, substitutions, or experience-based exceptions. To earn a CPA license in the state, you must complete 150 hours of education, pass the full CPA exam, meet experience requirements, and pass a state ethics exam.
If you don’t yet qualify, you can:
- Enroll in an online or in-person accounting degree program
- Begin working in a related field to gain experience
- Explore other credentials like Enrolled Agent or bookkeeping certifications
But to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant, a formal education is required.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
These are the most asked questions we get about becoming a CPA in Texas Without a Degree
Can you use credits from community college toward the 150-hour requirement if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree?
No. You must have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a board-recognized institution. Community college credits may count toward the total 150 hours but cannot substitute for the degree itself.
If you have a degree in a non-business field, can you still qualify by taking enough accounting and business courses?
Yes. As long as your degree is from a recognized school and you complete the required upper-level accounting and business coursework, you can apply for CPA licensure in Texas.
Can you get licensed as a CPA in Texas if you have an out-of-state license and don’t have a degree?
No. Texas requires all CPA candidates to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Licensure reciprocity does not waive this requirement.
Are there any special programs or waivers for people with extensive accounting experience but no degree?
No. The Texas State Board does not allow any experience-based waivers. All CPA applicants must meet the education requirement, regardless of how many years they’ve worked in public accounting.
