AICPA, NASBA propose additional path to CPA licensure, individual mobility

The AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) are proposing changes to the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) that would help pave the way for states to uniformly adopt an additional pathway for CPA licensure in conjunction with a shift to a different form of practice mobility.

The changes to model legislative language that NASBA and the AICPA have asked their joint UAA committee to draft aim to maintain the integrity of the CPA license while allowing individuals to earn their license by obtaining a bachelor’s degree (with requisite accounting and business courses); completing two years of professional experience; and passing the CPA Exam.

The proposal would open up a third educational path alongside the existing pathways of a master’s degree plus one year of experience or a bachelor’s degree plus 30 additional credits and one year of experience.

The proposed UAA language will be open for public comment for 60 days once published. The UAA, jointly managed by the AICPA and NASBA, provides state legislatures and boards of accountancy with a national model that can be adopted as is or adapted to meet the needs of each jurisdiction.

The additional pathway would be paired with other changes to the UAA in order to protect the ability of CPAs to use their licenses in states other than their own, specifically a shift to individual-based practice privilege.

“I am continually inspired by the transformative leadership of state CPA societies,” said Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, the AICPA’s CEO–Public Accounting, “Their proactive, innovative solutions to the talent shortage have helped set the standard for our profession and have also positioned us to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.”

Several states, in response to talent pipeline challenges, are considering legislation to increase flexibility for CPA candidates. Earlier this year, Ohio adopted legislation that includes licensure pathway and mobility changes.

“We look forward to the expertise and perspectives the 55 U.S. licensing jurisdictions will share during this next comment period,” Daniel J. Dustin, CPA, president and CEO of NASBA, said in a news release. “We believe that any new proposal, and the feedback received from all stakeholders, will not only result in a thriving profession but also one that, because it keeps its eye on protecting the public, will allow that public to continue to trust in a CPA’s work.” 

“The input and feedback from the members of the boards of accountancy and key stakeholders in the accounting profession is crucial to the UAA process,” Maria Caldwell, CPA, NASBA chair, said in the release.

Coffey said the AICPA will look to join with stakeholders beginning later this year to explore ways that competencies can help shape the future of the profession following feedback on a CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway to licensure proposed last September. Based on the volume and nature of responses, the AICPA and NASBA tabled the framework for the purpose intended.

Commenting on the bachelor’s degree and two years of experience path, Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, who serves as AICPA chair and co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said, “Through continued collaboration and alignment, we’ll be able to achieve this shared goal of growing pathways into the profession while protecting the public. This is an important and exciting step for our profession. We are ready to get this done.” 

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Bryan Strickland at Bryan.Strickland@aicpa-cima.com.