Certificateholders (Individuals holding a valid Washington State CPA certificate as of June 30, 2001) - How to apply for a license:

If you are interested in applying for a CPA license, you must:

• Meet the Board’s experience requirement and file the appropriate experience affidavit form (see WAC 4-25-730 for the Board's rule governing licensure, and Policy 2001-2 Experience for additional guidance.)   
• File a Certificateholder License Application (No fee is required)
• Confirm that you have obtained the required Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for licensure:

• 120 CPE credit hours within the thirty-six months immediately preceding the date you file your application
• Limited to 24 CPE credit hours in nontechnical subject areas
• Including 4 CPE credit hours in professional ethics and regulations with specific application to the practice of public accounting in Washington State

(See RCW 18.04.105(4)(d) for the applicable statute and WAC 4-25-830[5] for the applicable Board rule)

Certificateholders who do not apply for a license must use the title "CPA-Inactive."  The word "Inactive" must be of the same font (style and size) as the word "CPA" or "Certified Public Accountant."  However, you may not use the title "CPA-Inactive" to offer or provide accounting, management consulting, tax, tax consulting, or similar services to the public (in other words you may not practice public accounting in association with the title "CPA-Inactive").

• Call Customer Service at (360) 753-2586 or  customerservice@cpaboard.wa.gov
• See Frequently Asked Questions