CPA License Cost in District of Columbia 2026: $1,266 Fees, $101K Salary
Getting a CPA license in District of Columbia costs $1,266 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.5 months.
CPA License in District of Columbia — Key Numbers
$1,266
Upfront Cost
$101K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$100
Renewal (every 1 yr)
0.5 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
CPA License Cost Breakdown — District of Columbia
Exam fee
$976
Application fee
$170
Initial license fee
$120
Total upfront
$1,266
Renewal fee (every 1 yr)
$100
CE hours required per cycle
40 hours
Salary without license (District of Columbia)
$71,500/yr
Salary with license (District of Columbia)
$101,400/yr
5-year net ROI
$148K
Licensing body: District of Columbia Board of Accountancy. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
CPA License in District of Columbia — What to Know
District of Columbia has one of the strongest CPA markets in the country. Public accounting, financial services, and corporate finance teams require or strongly prefer the CPA for senior roles. The $101K median reflects District of Columbia's above-average financial sector wages. The 150 credit-hour requirement applies in District of Columbia — most candidates complete 30 hours beyond a bachelor's degree before applying. The four CPA exam sections ($244 each) plus a review course ($1,500–$3,000) are the major cost; state fees are secondary. Most District of Columbia employers in public accounting cover exam fees at hire.