How Much Does CPA Exam & Licensing Cost in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines pricing is 15% below the national average. Updated for 2026.

Based on local labor rates, varied climate conditions, and Des Moines's diversified economy.See our methodology

Low End
$1,700
Average
$2,975
High End
$4,250
total cost
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CPA Exam & Licensing Pricing in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is one of the more affordable markets for cpa exam & licensing, with costs running about 15% below the national average. The city's diversified economy and balanced labor market create favorable conditions for competitive pricing. Getting multiple quotes from the 215K-population metro area is straightforward.

Local climate plays a direct role in cpa exam & licensing costs here. Harsh winters and hot summers mean year-round service needs; freeze-thaw cycles affect foundations.

Market-specific factors matter in Des Moines: moderate cost of living keeps contractor rates affordable.

Des Moines has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your cpa exam & licensing project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.

Des Moines vs National Average

Des Moines Average
$2,975
National Average
$3,500
Difference
-15%
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What Affects CPA Exam & Licensing Cost in Des Moines?

Components

Exam fees (4 sections): $800-$1,000. Review course: $1,500-$3,500. Application/licensing: $150-$500. Ethics exam: $100-$200

Review courses

Becker: $2,500-$3,500. Roger: $2,000-$3,000. Surgent: $1,500-$2,500. Wiley: $1,600-$2,600

Des Moines Market Conditions

moderate cost of living keeps contractor rates affordable

Local Climate Impact

harsh winters and hot summers mean year-round service needs; freeze-thaw cycles affect foundations

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Top-Rated CPA Exam & Licensing Pros in Des Moines, IA

4 providers

Scholar Academy

โœ… VERIFIED
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.8(139 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 851 Commerce Dr, Des Moines, IA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2001
โœ“ LicensedBBB: Aโšก Usually responds in 2 hours

Bright Minds Tutoring

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.5(172 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 537 Washington Ave, Des Moines, IA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 1999
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ Insured

Academic Edge Learning Lab

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…3.8(135 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 295 Oak Ave, Des Moines, IA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2016
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ Insured

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Tips to Save on CPA Exam & Licensing in Des Moines

  • 1.Employer reimbursement covers CPA costs at many accounting firms
  • 2.Used review course materials save 50-70%
  • 3.Pass all sections on the first attempt to avoid $200+ re-examination fees per section
  • 4.Some states have reciprocity โ€” get licensed in the cheapest state first
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๐Ÿ“ˆ CPA Exam & Licensing in Des Moines Cost Trends (2020โ€“2024)

Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years

$2,527
2020
$2,633
2021
$2,804
2022
$2,883
2023
$2,975
2024
YearNational AvgYoY Change
2020$2,527โ€”
2021$2,633+4.2%
2022$2,804+6.5%
2023$2,883+2.8%
2024$2,975+3.2%

Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Did You Pay?

Real costs reported by homeowners for CPA Exam & Licensing in Des Moines

$2,940
Avg Reported
$2,058
Lowest Reported
$4,263
Highest Reported

Recent Reports

$2,831
Dallas, TX ยท Jan 2024
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$2,753
Chicago, IL ยท Feb 2024
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$3,004
Phoenix, AZ ยท Mar 2024
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$3,272
Denver, CO ยท Apr 2024
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$2,800
Atlanta, GA ยท May 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†
$3,381
Seattle, WA ยท Jun 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CPA?

Most candidates take 12-18 months to pass all four sections while working. You must pass all sections within an 18-month rolling window. Add 1-2 years for the 150 credit hour education requirement if not already met.

Why does cpa exam & licensing cost different in Des Moines than other cities?

Des Moines's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the diversified economy, varied climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The balanced labor market also influences competitive pricing.

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