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Proposed CPA Licensure Models

Given the widespread impact and concern over the declining number of accounting graduates and those who go on to take the CPA exam, profession stakeholder groups nationwide have been researching solutions and proposing equivalent pathways to CPA licensure. 

Currently, after candidates obtain a bachelor's degree, they must pass the CPA exam, complete one year of professional experience, and either earn a master's degree or take college courses that bring them to 150 total credit hours (most bachelor's programs require 120 hours). The master's degree/+30 pathways will remain, but the AICPA and NASBA have jointly issued a proposal that would also allow a bachelor's degree plus a two-year competency-based experience option. They also issued a corresponding exposure draft to update language in the Uniform Accountancy Act. Note that any changes in Missouri will require either a state statute or rule revision. A key concern is how to increase the pipeline without creating issues for interstate practice mobility.

Your Input is Needed

You can review the proposed changes below:

Some thoughts to keep in mind as you review these proposals: 

  • CPA candidate supervisors—how you would ensure your staff obtains the competencies listed in a way that you’d be comfortable signing off on their experience? 
  • Current CPAs—how might the changes impact your ability to serve clients in another state? 
  • Educators—how might your curriculum need to be adapted to fit the needs of students pursuing each pathway?

To submit feedback on either proposal, learn more or to get involved, please contact Dena Hull at dhull@mocpa.org. MOCPA's Board has appointed a Blue Ribbon Committee representing CPA firms of all sizes statewide as well as accounting educators to evaluate this issue and make a recommendation for action. The society will take all views into consideration. If you choose not to respond to the exposure drafts, we encourage you to share your feedback directly with us for consideration in our recommendation to the MOCPA Board. Thank you for your input!