How Much Does CPA Exam & Licensing Cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia pricing is 12% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and Philadelphia's healthcare-education-finance economy.See our methodology
CPA Exam & Licensing Pricing in Philadelphia, PA
In Philadelphia, cpa exam & licensing costs are 12% above the national average, reflecting the city's healthcare-education-finance-driven economy. The union-heavy labor market means you have decent options when shopping for quotes. Most residents with a population base of 1.6M find the pricing competitive relative to the local cost of living.
Local climate plays a direct role in cpa exam & licensing costs here. Four distinct seasons mean year-round maintenance needs; freeze-thaw cycles damage foundations and pipes.
Market-specific factors matter in Philadelphia: historic district regulations can add 30-50% to renovation costs; strong trade unions ensure quality but higher rates.
Philadelphia has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your cpa exam & licensing project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
Philadelphia vs National Average
What Affects CPA Exam & Licensing Cost in Philadelphia?
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
Philadelphia Market Conditions
historic district regulations can add 30-50% to renovation costs; strong trade unions ensure quality but higher rates
Local Climate Impact
four distinct seasons mean year-round maintenance needs; freeze-thaw cycles damage foundations and pipes
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Tips to Save on CPA Exam & Licensing in Philadelphia
- 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 — get licensed in the cheapest state first
- 5.In Philadelphia, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
- 6.Philadelphia has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 CPA Exam & Licensing in Philadelphia Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,329 | — |
| 2021 | $3,469 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $3,695 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $3,798 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $3,920 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for CPA Exam & Licensing in Philadelphia
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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 Philadelphia than other cities?
Philadelphia's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the healthcare-education-finance economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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