CPA / Accounting License from Pennsylvania to Washington: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Washington State Board of Accountancy ↗
Yes — Washington recognizes CPA licenses from all states, including Pennsylvania. Apply to the Washington State Board of Accountancy for a reciprocal license; you will not repeat the full exam or education.
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Verdict
Full reciprocity
Washington recognizes substantial equivalency, so your Pennsylvania CPA license clears the bar on its own — the Washington State Board of Accountancy cares that you are a CPA in good standing, not that your license came from Pennsylvania. What remains is Washington-side: verification through CPAverify.org, the reciprocal application and fee, a background check, and any Washington ethics or rules-of-conduct exam. Do the mobility math first, though — if Washington is not becoming your principal place of business, practice privilege may let you work there without this application at all.
What changes, Pennsylvania → Washington
| Pennsylvania (current) | Washington (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 150 | 150 |
| Application fee | $65 ($65 non-refundable initial-licensure application fee; biennial renewal is $100) | $330 (application for an initial individual license / reciprocity, set by WAC 4-30-038) |
| Processing time | The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy does not publish a processing time | the Board of Accountancy does not publish a processing time for interstate reciprocal licenses |
| Licensing authority | Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy | Washington State Board of Accountancy |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Washington sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Washington's current requirements on the Washington State Board of Accountancy website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Washington State Board of Accountancy (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold an active license to practice public accounting from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction (NASBA NQAS list).
- Complete an AICPA Code of Professional Conduct course (8-hour minimum) and score 90% or better on the exam.
- Be in CPE compliance with your current licensing jurisdiction.
- Apply through the Board's online application system.
- Pay the fees ($330 (application for an initial individual license / reciprocity, set by WAC 4-30-038)) and allow the Board of Accountancy does not publish a processing time for interstate reciprocal licenses.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington accept a Pennsylvania CPA license?
Yes — Washington recognizes CPA licenses from all states, including Pennsylvania. Apply to the Washington State Board of Accountancy for a reciprocal license; you will not repeat the full exam or education.
Do I retake the CPA Exam moving from Pennsylvania to Washington?
No — the Uniform CPA Exam transfers with your license. The Uniform CPA Examination is never retaken; passage is confirmed through the existing substantially equivalent license (NASBA NQAS / CPAverify.org). Washington requires completion of a course covering the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct (minimum 8 hours) with a score of 90% or better on its examination, unless that was already part of the applicant's initial licensing qualifications..
Do I need a Washington license, or does mobility cover the move?
If Washington becomes your principal place of business, you apply to the Washington State Board of Accountancy for a reciprocal license. If you are only serving Washington clients from Pennsylvania, practice privilege usually covers you with no Washington license, notice, or fee.
What does the Pennsylvania-to-Washington move cost?
$330 (application for an initial individual license / reciprocity, set by WAC 4-30-038) (application for an initial individual license / reciprocity, set by WAC 4-30-038).
Can I keep my Pennsylvania CPA license after licensing in Washington?
Yes — CPA licenses stack, and many CPAs hold more than one. Keep the Pennsylvania license active (its renewal and CPE run separately) and mobility covers the states where you hold none.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Washington State Board of Accountancy — Interstate Reciprocal License (three methods; AICPA ethics 90% requirement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WAC 4-30-038 — Board of Accountancy fee schedule ($330 initial/reciprocity application) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Pennsylvania Department of State — CPA Licensure Requirements Snapshot (domestic reciprocity, Act 41 endorsement, $65 initial / $100 biennial renewal) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy — Board Resources and Documents (CPA Domestic Reciprocity Application: $65 fee, 150 hours, 1 year experience within preceding 5 years, 80 CPE hours; 5-years-without-lapse track) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]