Verified November 6, 2026 against the state board. Rules change, so read the board’s current rules before relying on them.
District of Columbia Board of Accountancy licenses CPAs in District of Columbia. Its rules and forms are the authority for everything on this page.
DC CPAs complete at least 80 hours of CPE, including 4 hours of professional ethics, in each two-year licensing cycle.
Sources: dlcp.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/DLCP/publication/attachments/Accountancy%20Continuing%20Professional%20Education%20Reporting%20Form%20(Fillable).pdf, dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-accountancy
DC CPA licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years and renew with the CPE Reporting Form.
Sources: dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-accountancy, code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2853.49, code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/26-183
DC licensure needs passage of the CPA Exam, a bachelor's or post-baccalaureate degree with an accounting concentration or its equivalent, and one or two years of experience verified by a licensed CPA.
Sources: code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2853.42, code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/26-183, dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-accountancy, dlcp.dc.gov/release/board-accountancy-announces-important-licensure-updates-expand-pathways-cpa-candidates, accountingtoday.com/news/washington-d-c-mayor-signs-cpa-pathways-bill
DC CPAs complete at least 80 hours of CPE, including 4 hours of professional ethics, in each two-year licensing cycle. At least 4 hours of professional ethics instruction in each two-year licensing cycle (17 DCMR 2530.1 and 2530.8).
The CPE Reporting Form is filed with renewal. Credits are subject to audit for 3 years. Caps per biennium: 40 hours as discussion leader, instructor or speaker; 20 hours for committee, dinner, luncheon or firm meetings; 20 hours for published articles or books. Nano-learning earns one-fifth credit per program. One semester hour equals 15 CPE hours.
DC CPA licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years and renew with the CPE Reporting Form. Every two years. December 31 of even-numbered years. The 2026 renewal window runs October 1 to December 31, 2026. Application no fee. License $175. Renewal $110. Late renewal $50. Reinstatement $295. Inactive status $175. Permit to practice $175. Duplicate license or verification $30.
Since September 25, 2026 (D.C. Law 26-183), a CPA whose principal place of business is outside DC practices in DC without a DC license if the CPA holds an unrestricted license in good standing from another state and met exam, education and experience requirements equal to DC's at initial licensure. Holders of practice privileges under the prior law keep them (D.C. Code 47-2853.49).
To sit: 120 undergraduate semester hours. For licensure, D.C. Code 47-2853.42 requires a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree with an accounting concentration, or a bachelor's plus the equivalent of an accounting concentration. Related business courses count toward that equivalent. D.C. Law 26-183 (B26-0494), effective September 25, 2026, ended the 150-hour requirement. A bachelor's degree with two years of experience and the CPA Exam now qualifies.
Two years of relevant experience with a baccalaureate degree, or one year with a post-baccalaureate degree. Thirty semester hours beyond the bachelor's minimum replace one year. Relevant experience uses accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills, and a licensed CPA verifies it.
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