[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.

[Anonymous]

@barelystayingsane. They also replied to my email about the controller who is a CPA that supervises me. The board said I can't use him as a reference. So far that's 1 of 3 references. I honestly don't know where I'm going to get the other references from.

[Anonymous]

@barelystayingsane. They also replied to my email about the controller who is a CPA that supervises me. The board said I can't use him as a reference. So far that's 1 of 3 references. I honestly don't know where I'm going to get the other references from.

[san4596]

Louisiana is just plain wierd. It is fun to visit now and again. You should come over to Texas.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

Louisiana is just plain wierd. It is fun to visit now and again. You should come over to Texas.

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[barelystayingsane]

So the guy who sees you once a year to give you a physical and tells you to drop trou so he can check around downstairs can attest to your moral character, but a controller who works with you on a regular basis can't? Does the Louisiana state board realize how moronic that sounds?

[barelystayingsane]

So the guy who sees you once a year to give you a physical and tells you to drop trou so he can check around downstairs can attest to your moral character, but a controller who works with you on a regular basis can't? Does the Louisiana state board realize how moronic that sounds?

[Anonymous]

@barelystayingsane that's how it seems to be. I feel defeated eventhough I wont have the 150 hrs until next May. What's the point if I won't be able to sit for the exam.

[Anonymous]

@barelystayingsane that's how it seems to be. I feel defeated eventhough I wont have the 150 hrs until next May. What's the point if I won't be able to sit for the exam.

[barelystayingsane]

Have you considered Lilla's idea of applying for the exams in another state? If you do your research ahead of time, it's not too painful of a procedure. I have a couple friends who have successfully done that.

I can only imagine your frustration. I've had a frustrating experience, as well, but nowhere near as stressful as yours. Like many processes, the problem with the CPA application/exam/licensing process is that the people who develop the process are far removed from it and don't necessarily want to hear feedback from the people who have gone through it and could really improve its efficiency. It would be very easy for me or you or anybody else on this forum to email the LA state board and easily explain to them the 20 reasons why their reference requirements are counterintuitive, but most likely they would not care nor welcome constructive feedback. The other thing is that I think people are sometimes afraid to speak up/get crosswise with the state boards/NASBA/AICPA because they hold all the cards and have the power to make your life a living hell (more so than they're already doing).

I hope you can get your problems solved! Please keep us updated. If nothing else, we will gladly listen to your venting and give you some encouragement! And again, I would seriously consider Lilla's idea!

[barelystayingsane]

Have you considered Lilla's idea of applying for the exams in another state? If you do your research ahead of time, it's not too painful of a procedure. I have a couple friends who have successfully done that.

I can only imagine your frustration. I've had a frustrating experience, as well, but nowhere near as stressful as yours. Like many processes, the problem with the CPA application/exam/licensing process is that the people who develop the process are far removed from it and don't necessarily want to hear feedback from the people who have gone through it and could really improve its efficiency. It would be very easy for me or you or anybody else on this forum to email the LA state board and easily explain to them the 20 reasons why their reference requirements are counterintuitive, but most likely they would not care nor welcome constructive feedback. The other thing is that I think people are sometimes afraid to speak up/get crosswise with the state boards/NASBA/AICPA because they hold all the cards and have the power to make your life a living hell (more so than they're already doing).

I hope you can get your problems solved! Please keep us updated. If nothing else, we will gladly listen to your venting and give you some encouragement! And again, I would seriously consider Lilla's idea!

[Author]

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