CPA Licensure Prep Summer Program

Earn 24 quarter units toward the California education requirements for CPA Licensure in just 10 weeks! This accelerated course of studies is designed to help you prepare to enter the elite professional association of Certified Public Accountants. (June 23 - August 29 online via Zoom).

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Why Take the CPA Licensure Prep Summer Program?

In only 10 weeks (June 23 - August 29, 2026), you can fulfill 24 quarter units (16-semester units) toward the California education requirements for CPA licensure
Courses are in real time via Zoom in an intense, high-quality sequence, designed to provide the detailed knowledge and skills desirable in a professional accountant
Courses cover professionally based material that expands upon the academic accounting curriculum offered by the UCSB Economics Department
Courses provide information that broadens student understanding and knowledge of modern business methods and environments. Taken together, the four courses in the sequence also cover topics included in the Uniform CPA Examination

This Program is Perfect For...

The program assumes prior knowledge of cost and financial accounting at a college level; typically students should have completed a bachelor's degree program in accounting or an equivalent number of units in accounting subject matter.

Courses

Advanced Auditing and Attestation (ECON X426A): July 28–August 11, 2026. Live online sessions meet Monday–Thursday from 1:00–4:45 PM PT, with Friday sessions from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM PT on July 31 and August 7.

Explore the attest role of the accountant with end-to-end coverage of the audit process, including engagement planning, sampling, evidence, reporting, and the role of technology. The course also addresses internal audit procedures and how assurance work functions in practice across different engagement contexts.
Current Issues in Financial Reporting (ECON X426B): June 22–July 7, 2026. Live online sessions meet Monday–Thursday from 1:00–4:45 PM PT, with an additional Friday session on June 26 from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM PT.

Build advanced financial reporting skills through a structured study of financial statement frameworks, recognition and measurement, and the effects of special transactions and events. Topics include complex reporting areas such as deferred taxes, pensions, derivatives, consolidations, and cash flows.
The Regulatory Framework of Business (ECON X426C): August 12–August 27, 2026. Live online sessions meet primarily Monday–Thursday from 1:00–4:45 PM PT, with Friday sessions from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM PT on August 14 and August 28.

Gain practical fluency in the legal and tax environment that shapes business decisions. The course covers taxation for individuals and business entities, along with core business law topics such as contracts, agency, debtor-creditor relationships, professional responsibilities, regulation, and property.
Special Topics in Accounting (ECON X426D): July 9–July 27, 2026. Live online sessions meet primarily Monday–Thursday from 1:00–4:45 PM PT, with Friday sessions from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM PT on July 10, July 17, and July 24.

Study high-impact topics that connect accounting to business analysis and decision-making, including information systems and controls, data governance, risk management, financial analysis, budgeting, capital structure, valuation, costing fundamentals, and economic influences on strategy. Emphasis is placed on technology governance, accounting information systems, performance measurement, and enterprise risk considerations.

Program Payment Information and Important Deadlines

To secure a seat in the UCSB PaCE CPA Licensure Preparation Program, registration happens in two required steps:

Step 1: Submit the $100 deposit application (required even if paying in full).

Submit Deposit

Step 2: Complete program enrollment and submit tuition payment.

Apply

The total program fee is:
$3,800 if paid in full by June 1, 2026 (includes $100 deposit)
$4,000 if paid after June 1, 2026 (includes a $200 late registration fee

Payment Deadlines

Deposit Deadline (Required to Run the Program) - April 10, 2026
This program is subject to minimum enrollment. To confirm the program will run, students must submit the $100 deposit by April 10, 2026 (or pay in full at any time). If minimum enrollment is not met by April 10, the program will be canceled and payments refunded.

Regular Registration Deadline - June 1, 2026
Students must submit the full tuition payment of $3,800 by June 1, 2026 to avoid the late fee.

Late Registration Period
Enrollments submitted after 5:00 PM on June 1, 2026 will incur a $200 late fee, bringing the total to $4,000.

Refund Policy in Case of Cancellation

If the program is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, all tuition payments will be fully refunded, including any prior deposits.

For detailed information, please click here for the full program refund policy.

Additional Considerations

Discounts: Group, employee, and alumni discounts cannot be applied to this program.
International Students: For current tuition rates and payment information, international students should contact us directly.

For any questions or further assistance regarding payment options, deadlines, or any other program details, please reach out to us. We're here to help ensure a smooth application process and a rewarding program experience.

Accessing Your Course Materials in Canvas

All coursework is delivered online through Canvas. After your tuition is processed you will:

Receive an automated invitation to each course site
Log in using your PaCE Student ID as the username
Set your password the first time via the “Forgot Password” link

For a step-by-step guide, visit our Canvas FAQ.