CPA educ. requirements/ have liberal arts B.A.

If people want to share opinions/requirements on other states, some readers including myself might find it interesting. Based on my profession, an independent contract consultant traveling from state to state, I actually am not conernced about a Florida credential as much as getting any state's official CPA credential. Florida just happens to be where I reside and, more importantly to me, one of the few states that doesn't require working for a CPA firm, which is important to me since at this point I don't plan on putting my career on hold, either to work for a CPA firm or to join a program that requires anything other than minor visits to a campus. I have been implementing and customizing financial applications for seven years, a path I got myself on as I have been a programmer since shortly after getting my bachelor's. My experience has led me to feel that my present career would benefit from the CPA credential, as well as possibly open other doors.

 

As a Canadian accountant, if we wish to write the CPA exam we are usually advised to obtain a CPA designation in Delaware or Vermont, because of exam qualification and continuing education requirements plus no residency requirement.

 

jdc

I'll say one thing and that is we are talking seriously about one hell of a lot of work for a "credential". I mean, when you think about it, it's going to involve much more than getting an MBA. Even after completing several years of course work, you're still looking at filing a (rather comprehensive) application, taking a review course, passing four parts of a fairly difficult examination, and then, in order to maintain the license, fulfilling (not insubstantial) CPE requirements.

But I feel compelled to apologize as I was operating under the assumption that you wanted to practice after obtaining your license. Regardless, if you really feel the credential itself will put you over the top, go for it.

 

Homer

You are right.

The accounting profession has really expanded its demands on students and members in the last 30 years.

Until then accounting was essentially an apprenticeship program in Canada. Work a few years, take courses, write an exam - presto an accountant.

With the education requirement, practice reviews, and continuing education requirements one has to wonder why anyone would enter the profession.

Unless you are a partner in a national or international firm or have a cushy controllers job, long days of hands on work is involved.

Of any profession, accounting has probably expanded its education more than any other. 30 years ago a lawyer took three years of law school and articled for a year and still do.

 

A co-worker passed the CPA exam in Georgia. However, he is not a CPA in Georgia because he does not meet the public accounting experience requirements. Florida told him that in order to become a CPA in FL, he must go back to college and take an additional 10 accounting/business courses, even though he already has a Bachelors in Accounting from an RA university. Bottom line -- he is not a CPA anywhere. BTW -- The Certified Business Manager credential is a very good (and new) certification.