The Real Talk Guide to Getting Your 150 CPA Credits (Without Selling a Kidney)

Or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the educational ping-pong game

So you want to be a CPA. Congratulations on choosing one of the only professions where you can be 100% qualified to do the job… but the gatekeepers still need you to collect more college credits like you’re trying to catch ’em all.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you upfront: getting a bachelor’s degree in accounting (typically 120 credits) doesn’t cut it anymore. You need 150 semester hours. Because apparently, those extra 30 hours are what separate “I can balance a ledger” from “I am now magically worthy of certification.”

Is this requirement about ensuring competence or ensuring universities get another year of tuition? I’m not saying it’s definitely the latter, but I’m also not NOT saying it.

This guide is what I wish someone had handed me when I started this journey. I’ll walk you through the actual ways people get those extra credits—with a heavy focus on Texas (where I am) but with enough general info for everyone else. And I promise to skip the corporate speak and tell you what actually works.

My Educational Journey (Or: The Scenic Route to 150 Hours)

Let me start with my story because it illustrates what’s actually possible if you plan ahead.

I started at Dallas College—a community college—for my first two years. Why? Because I’m allergic to unnecessary debt and community college tuition costs about as much as a decent used car instead of a small house.

Then I transferred to a four-year university for the next two years to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Standard stuff, right?

Here’s where it gets interesting: after graduation, I went back to community college to pick up the remaining credits I needed for CPA eligibility. But not just any community college courses—I enrolled in classes specifically approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) for post-bachelor’s credit.

This path saved me thousands of dollars. Literally thousands. And it’s perfectly legitimate—as long as you follow the rules Texas has set up (which we’ll get to).

But first, let’s talk about what you’re actually trying to accomplish here.

What Are You Really Trying to Satisfy?

The 150-hour requirement isn’t just about collecting random credits like you’re hoarding souvenir shot glasses. There are specific boxes you need to check, and they vary by state.

In Texas, you need:

Total requirement: 150 semester hours of board-recognized courses from accredited institutions

Degree requirement: A baccalaureate or graduate degree

Concentration requirement: Specific accounting and business course requirements as defined by board rules

This means three things that will save you headaches if you remember them:

1. Not all 150 credits are created equal—some count, some don’t
2. Course content matters, not just course titles
3. The board has opinions about which schools and which courses qualify

Every state has its own flavor of requirements, but the general principle is the same: you need the right number of credits in the right subject areas from schools the board actually recognizes.

The Texas Twist: Why Community College Gets Complicated

Here’s where Texas gets… let’s call it “special.”

In most states, community college credits are straightforward: as long as the school is accredited and the course fits the requirements, you’re good to go.

Texas said “hold my sweet tea” and created an additional layer.

The rule: You can take community college courses after earning your bachelor’s degree only if that community college’s accounting program has been reviewed and specifically approved by the TSBPA.

Not every Texas community college has this designation. In fact, as of the current list, only five do:

• Austin Community College
• Houston Community College
• Lone Star College
• Dallas College – Mountain View Campus
• San Antonio College

This matters tremendously. If you pick a random community college that seems legitimate but isn’t on this list, you might end up with credits that are basically decorative. The board will look at your transcript, see courses from an unapproved program, and say “that’s nice, but no.”

It’s like buying a knockoff designer bag. Sure, it LOOKS like a Louis Vuitton, but when the authentication experts check it…

The Seven Real Paths to 150 Credits

Let’s break down the actual ways people reach 150 hours. I’ll give you the pros, cons, and when each option makes sense.

Path 1: Just Keep Taking University Classes

This is the default setting—you finish your bachelor’s degree and keep enrolling in classes at the same university until you hit 150 hours.

Pros:

• Administratively simple (one school, one transcript)
• Easy access to upper-level accounting electives
• No transfer drama or approval uncertainty

Cons:

• Usually the most expensive option
• Universities charge premium prices for individual courses
• May end up taking random electives just to hit the number

Best for: People who are already at a university they love, have scholarships or family support, or just want the straightforward path without worrying about multiple schools.

Real talk: This works, but you’re probably paying 2-3x more than necessary for those last 30 credits. If that doesn’t bother you, great. If you’re watching your budget, keep reading.

Path 2: The Texas Budget Hack (Board-Designated Community College)

This is the path I’m taking, and it’s genuinely one of the smartest financial moves available to Texas accounting students.

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you enroll in a TSBPA-designated community college program to pick up the remaining credits you need.

Pros:

• Dramatically cheaper than university tuition (we’re talking thousands of dollars in savings)
• Courses specifically designed for CPA eligibility
• Perfect for the “I just need 10-20 more credits” situation

Cons:

• Only works if you’re in Texas (or can access one of these programs)
• You must use a designated community college—no substitutions
• Need to be careful about course duplication (more on this shortly)

Best for: Texas residents who already have their bachelor’s and need to fill the gap without taking out a second mortgage.

Real talk: If you’re sitting at 135-145 credits like I was, this is financial life raft. You can knock out those remaining hours for the price of a nice vacation instead of a new car.

Path 3: Master’s Degree (The “I Guess I’m Really Doing This” Route)

Getting a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or MBA with accounting concentration is a popular choice, especially for people who want to check multiple boxes at once.

Pros:

• Widely accepted across all states
• Can boost your resume, especially for Big 4 recruiting
• Usually structured to automatically meet CPA requirements
• You get a fancy additional degree for your wall

Cons:

• Typically the most expensive option by far
• Takes 1-2 years of additional school
• You’re paying graduate tuition to learn… more accounting

Best for: People who genuinely want a master’s degree (not just CPA credits), those whose employers are paying, or folks targeting roles where the graduate degree opens doors.

Real talk: Don’t get a master’s just because you need 15 more credits. That’s like buying a yacht because you need to cross a river. Unless you actually WANT the yacht (or your employer is buying the yacht), there are cheaper boats.

Path 4: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs

Some universities offer post-bacc accounting certificate programs—essentially a structured package of courses designed to fill education gaps for CPA candidates.

Pros:

• Targeted specifically to CPA requirements
• Often available online with flexible scheduling
• Usually includes built-in advising
• More focused than “random master’s degree”

Cons:

• Cost varies wildly between programs
• Still typically more expensive than community college
• Must verify the program meets your state’s specific requirements

Best for: People who want structure and guidance but don’t need or want a full master’s degree.

Real talk: This can be a solid middle ground. You’re paying for organization and peace of mind. Just make sure the certificate actually fills YOUR gaps—don’t pay for courses you’ve already taken.

Path 5: Online Courses from Accredited Institutions

Welcome to the 21st century, where you can earn legitimate college credits while sitting in your pajamas.

Many states explicitly accept online coursework as long as:

• It comes from a regionally accredited institution
• It appears on an official transcript
• The course meets content requirements

For example, Massachusetts guidance specifically notes that online courses are acceptable when credited by accredited schools and shown on transcripts.

Pros:

• Flexible scheduling (take classes while working full-time)
• Often more affordable than traditional on-campus options
• Access to programs outside your geographic area

Cons:

• Texas has stricter rules about community colleges specifically
• Need to verify your state accepts online credits
• Must distinguish “legitimate online college” from “random internet course”

Best for: Working professionals who need flexibility, people in areas without good local options, or anyone who learns well in online environments.

Real talk: Online from a real university = usually fine. Online from “Bob’s Discount Degree Emporium” = not fine. Check accreditation like your CPA eligibility depends on it (because it does).

Path 6: Credit by Examination (CLEP/DSST)

Some states allow you to earn credits through standardized exams like CLEP (College Level Examination Program) or DSST tests.

Massachusetts explicitly states CLEP credits can count toward the 150-hour requirement when they appear on a transcript from a regionally accredited institution.

Pros:

• Super cost-effective (exam fees are a fraction of tuition)
• Can potentially knock out multiple credits quickly
• Good for subjects you already know

Cons:

• Usually limited to general education or lower-level courses
• Won’t help with upper-level accounting requirements
• Not all states accept exam credits
• Must still appear on an official transcript

Best for: Filling gaps in general electives early in your educational journey.

Real talk: CLEP won’t replace your Auditing or Advanced Tax classes, but it might help you skip Intro to Psychology. It’s a tool, not a complete solution.

Path 7: Internship Credit (The Sneaky Option Nobody Talks About)

Some states allow internship experience to count toward education requirements—with significant restrictions.

New York, for example, allows a limited amount of transcripted internship credit toward education hours.

Pros:

• You’re getting paid to earn credits (sort of)
• Real-world experience that actually helps your career
• Kills two birds with one stone

Cons:

• Only available in certain states
• Must be coordinated through a school that grants academic credit
• Usually capped at a low number of hours
• Has to appear on an official transcript

Best for: Students who can coordinate with their university to get credit for internships they’re already doing.

Real talk: This is the rarest option, but if your state allows it and you’re already doing an internship, definitely explore it. Free money is the best money.

How to Actually Plan This Without Wasting Money

Here’s the system I recommend. Follow these steps in order and you’ll avoid most of the expensive mistakes.

Step 1: Do a Complete Credit Audit

Pull out all your transcripts and create a spreadsheet with:

• Total credits completed
• Upper-level accounting credits
• Upper-level business credits
• Specific accounting subjects covered (tax, audit, AIS, cost, etc.)

Don’t trust your memory. Memory is how people end up retaking Financial Accounting because “the title was different this time.”

Write it all down. Be thorough. Pretend you’re being audited (which, ironically, you kind of are).

Step 2: Map Your Gaps to Board Requirements

Don’t just count to 150 and call it done. You need to hit specific content requirements.

Pull up your state board’s actual rules (not a forum post claiming to know the rules) and figure out:

• How many total hours you need
• Which specific accounting subjects are required
• Which business subjects are required
• Any other special requirements (ethics courses, etc.)

This is where people get tripped up. “I have 150 credits!” Great, but do you have the RIGHT 150 credits?

Step 3: Avoid Course Duplication Like It’s a Multi-Level Marketing Scheme

This is especially critical in Texas, where repeated courses only count once toward your accounting hours.

The rule: if you’ve already taken a substantially similar course, taking it again won’t give you credit toward the requirement—even if the title is slightly different or it’s offered online instead of in-person.

Before enrolling in anything, compare the course description to what you’ve already completed. When in doubt, email the state board and ask.

Step 4: If You’re in Texas and Using Community College, Verify the Designation

Do not skip this step. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200 in student loans.

Check the official TSBPA list of board-designated community colleges. If your school isn’t on that list, their post-bachelor’s accounting courses won’t count for CPA eligibility.

The current list includes:

• Austin Community College
• Houston Community College
• Lone Star College
• Dallas College – Mountain View Campus
• San Antonio College

Memorize this list. Tattoo it on your arm if necessary. Just don’t enroll in “Random Texas Community College” because it’s closer to your house.

Step 5: Choose Courses That Are Actually Useful

Look, I get it. When you’re just trying to hit 150 hours, the temptation is to take the easiest possible classes and get it over with.

Resist that urge.

If you’re spending time and money on additional courses anyway, pick ones that will actually make you better at accounting:

• Tax research
• Accounting information systems
• Data analytics for accountants
• Advanced tax topics
• Fraud examination
• Government/nonprofit accounting

The CPA exam doesn’t care about your underwater basket weaving elective. Future you, studying for FAR, will thank present you for taking useful classes.

What About Other States?

If you’re not in Texas, good news: you probably have more flexibility with community college credits.

Many states are much more straightforward about accepting credits from accredited two-year institutions.

Massachusetts, for example, explicitly states that courses from two-year institutions and community colleges are acceptable when the credits appear on transcripts from regionally accredited schools.

California requires 150 semester units plus specific accounting, business, and ethics coursework. Community college courses can definitely help meet these requirements as long as they satisfy the content rules.

New Jersey guidance indicates two-year institutions are accepted for CPA education requirements as long as they’re properly accredited.

The general pattern across most states: accredited institution + courses that match content requirements = you’re probably fine.

But—and this is critical—don’t assume. Check YOUR state’s actual rules. Every state board has a website. They have phone numbers. They will answer questions. Use these resources.

Budget Strategies That Actually Work

Let’s talk money, because that’s what this is really about.

Strategy 1: Community College First (The 2+2 Model)

This is what I did, and it remains one of the smartest financial moves for most students.

Spend your first two years at community college, then transfer to a university for your final two years. You leave with a bachelor’s degree but paid community college prices for half your education.

The savings are substantial. Like “you could buy a car with the difference” substantial.

Strategy 2: Strategic Elective Planning During Your Bachelor’s

If you know you want CPA eligibility, plan your electives with that goal in mind from day one.

Load up on business courses that count toward requirements. Choose accounting electives that also help with CPA exam prep.

The worst outcome is finishing your bachelor’s with 120 random credits, then realizing you need 30 MORE credits—and half your electives were useless for CPA purposes.

Strategy 3: Texas Residents—Use the Designated Community College Path

I’ll keep hammering this point because it’s genuinely excellent: in Texas, you can get your bachelor’s degree, then go back to a board-designated community college for those final credits at a fraction of university costs.

For me, this meant taking a handful of classes to get from about 135 credits to 150, spending maybe $2,000 instead of $10,000+.

That’s real money. That’s “I can now afford CPA exam review materials” money.

Strategy 4: Employer Reimbursement

Many accounting firms reimburse education expenses, especially if:

• You’re on a CPA track
• You commit to staying with the firm for a specific period
• The courses directly relate to your professional development

Read your employment contract. Ask HR. Don’t leave money on the table.

Strategy 5: Online Courses + Work-Life Balance

If you’re working full-time while finishing your credits, online courses from accredited institutions can be a sanity-saver.

You can take classes on your own schedule instead of rearranging your entire life around campus class times.

Just make sure the “online from a real college” distinction is clear. We’re talking legitimate universities with online programs, not random internet certification mills.

Common Mistakes That Will Cost You

Let me save you from these expensive errors:

Mistake 1: Taking Texas Community College Courses from a Non-Designated Program

Texas is explicit: post-bachelor’s community college work must come from a board-designated program.

If you ignore this and enroll at “Convenient Local Community College” that isn’t on the list, you’re essentially lighting tuition money on fire.

Mistake 2: Retaking Courses You’ve Already Completed

“But the title is different!” Texas doesn’t care. If the content is substantially similar to a course you already took, it only counts once.

Check course descriptions carefully. When in doubt, ask the board BEFORE enrolling.

Mistake 3: Prioritizing “Easy Credits” Over Useful Ones

Yes, “History of Bowling” might be an easy A. It also won’t help you understand consolidated financial statements.

If you’re paying for credits anyway, get ones that make you smarter.

Mistake 4: Assuming Your State = Everyone’s State

California’s rules aren’t Texas’s rules aren’t Massachusetts’s rules.

If you move states or plan to get licensed in multiple states, understand the requirements for EACH state. Don’t assume portability.

Mistake 5: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Figure It Out

The cheapest credit is the credit you planned for years in advance.

Don’t finish your bachelor’s degree, start applying for CPA-track jobs, and THEN realize you’re 30 credits short and have no idea how to fix it.

Plan early. Adjust often. Graduate with a clear path to eligibility.

Quick Decision Tree

Here’s a simplified “choose your path” framework:

Still in undergrad? → Use community college for first 2 years + plan electives strategically + consider summer classes

Already graduated with bachelor’s?

In Texas? → Board-designated community college (cheapest) OR post-bacc certificate OR master’s degree (if you want one)

In another state?
→ Verify community college acceptance + consider online options + check for certificate programs

Just need a few credits? → Find the cheapest accredited option that meets your state’s content requirements

The Bottom Line

Getting to 150 credits doesn’t have to mean taking on massive debt or spending years in school.

If you’re in Texas, the board-designated community college path is genuinely excellent—assuming you follow the rules and use an approved program.

If you’re in another state, you probably have more flexibility with community college and online options, but you still need to verify everything against your state board’s actual requirements.

The key is planning ahead, understanding the specific requirements (not just the credit total), and choosing courses that actually make you better at accounting.

And remember: the people who designed this system expect you to just pay full university prices for random electives until you hit 150 hours. Don’t do that. Be strategic. Save money. Use the legitimate budget-friendly paths available.

Because the accounting profession already has enough barriers to entry. You don’t need to create financial ones for yourself.

Now go take those last few credits, get to 150, and move on to the actually fun part: studying for the CPA exam.

(I’m kidding. Nothing about the CPA exam is fun. But at least you’ll be eligible.)

Resources Worth Bookmarking:

• Your state board’s official website (not forums, not reddit, THE ACTUAL BOARD)
• NASBA’s state-specific guidance pages
• The TSBPA designated community college list (if you’re in Texas)
• Your current transcript (seriously, download it and keep it handy)

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