[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I’m going to be taking the CPA exam in about a year from now. I’m from Louisiana. As a first time applicant, I have to submit a reference form with 3 signatures. It says, References should be from CPAs or substantial and representative business or professional individuals But the person(s) can not be:

Current or former employer

More than one member of a household

Relative (by blood or marriage)

Roommate

Fellow student

University or college instructor (unless they have had significant contact with you outside the classroom)

Person with which you have a financial or business investment

So my question is, who can actually sign this form? I have friends, but they are either related to me, or live in a different part of the state than where I live.

[barelystayingsane]

You have to get references just to be eligible to take the exam? That's weird.

Also, I feel like those restrictions wipe out a lot of your network. Are you currently working? Maybe other CPAs in your office? Or any of your friends or your parents' friends who are CPAs?

[barelystayingsane]

You have to get references just to be eligible to take the exam? That's weird.

Also, I feel like those restrictions wipe out a lot of your network. Are you currently working? Maybe other CPAs in your office? Or any of your friends or your parents' friends who are CPAs?

[Anonymous]

@barelystayingsane, It is wierd to have all the restrictions of people who can actually sign it. Here is a link for anyone who wants to read, it's the section under course requirements: https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/louisiana/

[Anonymous]

@barelystayingsane, It is wierd to have all the restrictions of people who can actually sign it. Here is a link for anyone who wants to read, it's the section under course requirements: https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/louisiana/

[barelystayingsane]

The employer restriction is especially dumb, in my opinion. Good luck with this! I've seen some Louisiana people on this forum, so hopefully they can help you out!

[barelystayingsane]

The employer restriction is especially dumb, in my opinion. Good luck with this! I've seen some Louisiana people on this forum, so hopefully they can help you out!

[acamp]

It might as well say, signatures from professionals who are complete strangers and can attest to your moral character.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

It might as well say, signatures from professionals who are complete strangers and can attest to your moral character.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Anonymous]

Will a Louisiana candidate help clarify this for me?

[Anonymous]

Will a Louisiana candidate help clarify this for me?

[evesocal]

Really weird restrictions. Just to sit for the exam??

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[evesocal]

Really weird restrictions. Just to sit for the exam??

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[barelystayingsane]

Also found this: “The reference must be a Louisiana resident who has known the applicant for a period of 12 or more months.”

So for those people just graduating college and starting a new job, that basically rules out any CPA coworkers.

I say just email the Louisiana state board and say “Your requirements are effing unreasonable. What do you expect me to do about this?” Just kidding. Don't say that.

But seriously. These requirements are absolutely ridiculous. They severely restrict recent college graduates, a demographic that makes up a decent chunk of CPA candidates.

I'll be sure to keep bumping this, if need be, because I KNOW we have some Louisiana candidates on here.

[barelystayingsane]

Also found this: “The reference must be a Louisiana resident who has known the applicant for a period of 12 or more months.”

So for those people just graduating college and starting a new job, that basically rules out any CPA coworkers.

I say just email the Louisiana state board and say “Your requirements are effing unreasonable. What do you expect me to do about this?” Just kidding. Don't say that.

But seriously. These requirements are absolutely ridiculous. They severely restrict recent college graduates, a demographic that makes up a decent chunk of CPA candidates.

I'll be sure to keep bumping this, if need be, because I KNOW we have some Louisiana candidates on here.

[tough_kitty]

Wow. I had to read this for myself… Saying these requirements are “weird” is an understatement…. “No more than one member of the household” but “no one blood related”… Guess if you have a girlfriend/boyfriend who is a working professional, that would count as one…..

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Author]

Replies