Once all four exams have been passed, candidates’ scores are automatically sent to their state’s Board of Accountancy. To officially apply for your CPA license, each state’s Board of Accountancy requires a specific number of documented work experience hours, college credit hours, and a passing ethics exam score (if applicable), to be submitted with your application. Once you receive your CPA license, you will be required to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits in specific areas of accounting to maintain an active CPA license.