How Much Does CPA Exam & Licensing Cost in San Jose, CA?
San Jose pricing is 52% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, mediterranean climate conditions, and San Jose's tech-manufacturing economy.See our methodology
CPA Exam & Licensing Pricing in San Jose, CA
San Jose is a high-cost market where cpa exam & licensing runs about 52% above the national average. The city's tech-manufacturing economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 1.0M, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in cpa exam & licensing costs here. Mild climate reduces weather-related emergency repairs; earthquake preparedness adds to construction costs.
Market-specific factors matter in San Jose: highest cost of living in the US means premium pricing for all services; tech worker salaries drive up contractor rates.
San Jose 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.
San Jose vs National Average
What Affects CPA Exam & Licensing Cost in San Jose?
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
San Jose Market Conditions
highest cost of living in the US means premium pricing for all services; tech worker salaries drive up contractor rates
Local Climate Impact
mild climate reduces weather-related emergency repairs; earthquake preparedness adds to construction costs
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Tips to Save on CPA Exam & Licensing in San Jose
- 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 San Jose, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
📈 CPA Exam & Licensing in San Jose Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,519 | — |
| 2021 | $4,709 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $5,015 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $5,155 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $5,320 | +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 San Jose
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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 San Jose than other cities?
San Jose's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the tech-manufacturing economy, mediterranean climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The expensive labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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