Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the qualification process for certified public accountants (CNAs) to add an alternative pathway to enter the profession in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the State Board of Accountancy from requiring a character reference for applications for a certificate of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), unless relating to criminal convictions (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes applicants for certification to take exam sections in their desired order, and retake failed sections to satisfy certification requirements if all sections are passed within a 30 month period (Sec. 3).

• Establishes a pathway to certification that requires either the completion of a baccalaureate degree and one year of qualifying experience, or at least 120 semester credit hours and two years of qualifying experience (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes an accountant certified in another state to practice in Pennsylvania if they meet one of the following requirements (Sec. 6):

• A baccalaureate degree with at least 150 semester credit hours in accounting or a related field and one year of experience;

• A baccalaureate degree with less than 150 semester credit hours in accounting or a related field and two years of experience; or

• A higher degree in accounting or a related field and one year of experience.

• Specifies that CPAs who were originally certified in another state must follow the continuing education requirements of Pennsylvania if that is where their principal practice is (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text