[ThisBetterBeIt]

So how long did it take others in Colorado to receive their license from initial application? I submitted my application on December 16 and am still waiting. I did receive an email today so that my application had been approved and that it was being prepared for transmission to the Board. Hopefully soon, but it seems like it’s taking much longer than anticipated

[Anonymous]

The Colorado app says it can take up till 2 weeks. Certainly ThisBetterBelt's timeline took longer because of the holidays, but I'm expecting them to take longer this round as I'm sure there are many of us trying to get in under that requirement (not sure why he submitted a week before the other poster but was licensed 2 weeks after). I did talk to them yesterday after I submitted my app online and they said they are going through them as fast as they can.

And I thought the only thing that was changing was the education requirement (from 120 hours to 150). I qualify under the old rule, not the new rule, because I don't have a master's (I do have a TON of credit hours, but not in the buckets they want under the new requirement). However, I have worked as a Controller, spent several years in public accounting, and am now on my 3rd year doing work very similar to public (working on 60 clients). Those 60 clients are audited annually, and the auditors have told me repeatedly if I ever move to their end of the country, they'd hire me in a second. My workpapers are so thorough there's barely any audit work left to be done. All in all I have 15 years of accounting, roughly.

I'd definitely take issue with anyone challenging my credentials, but I don't give a damn what other people think, I just want my license.

[Anonymous]

To clarify, your completed application for licensure must be received by 6/15 to fall under the old rule (120 hours). If they find anything wrong with your application, you have until 6/30 to remedy it.

[LostCreditLooper_DE]

@Coloradoit. I hear you, good luck. I have been in contact with them and they really seem to be on point with the 2-3 weeks deadline, there was one small set back because my scores were received before the application was finished but they were very quick to fix the errors and let me know of them. I am very impressed with the way they're handling our delicate deadline state. I wish you luck and hope that we both can just get our CPA credentials to match the quality of work that those around us are already aware of.

[Anonymous]

Good luck to you as well! Regularly checking for status updates but am not expecting anything in the near future. So far, I got 2 emails (since submitting yesterday): one was a receipt for payment with the application and the second, which came an hour ago, said “Your Licensure Application Status has changed” but all that was in the body was that they've requested by transcripts from CPA Examination Services.

[Mountain Man]

So Colorado got back to me. Apparently I'm missing 9 credits to qualify for the Education in Lieu of Experience. I was told I could go the experience rout the issue is that one former boss is an inactive CPA and the second former boss left the company and hasn't responded to my email or call.

I was told that I'm in a good position because even with the rule change I would only need one more course once I get my 1800 hours with my current boss. It's upsetting because I thought I was all done and was able to get licensed before the 6/30 deadline and now it looks like licensure is easily 6 months away and I have to throw even more time and money at it. This thing is never ending.

FAR- 73, 80
BEC- 81
REG- 67, 75
AUD- 71, 74, 83

Ethics- 95

[Anonymous]

Why 6 more months? For the class you're missing? I wonder if you can find a summer class that will cram it in a shorter time period. That stinks, I'm sorry. What a jerk for not responding to your calls and emails. You'd think a CPA would understand the boat you're in.

[Anonymous]

Aaaaaaahhhhh! I might just squeak by a few days before the deadline that would have otherwise cost me 2 years of additional school! Trying not to get too excited, but i could get some fantastic news next Friday! I submitted on the 10th for anyone keeping track. Had a day's delay due to minor paperwork issues.

Your application has passed the initial evaluation stage and is being evaluated once more for quality assurance. Please allow 5 business days for the quality assurance review. Once the quality assurance review is complete, your application will be prepared for the board licensure transmission. Board transmissions are sent each Friday. You will be notified via e-mail of your application’s progress. If you should have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at 1-866-350-0017 or email us at licensing@nasba.org

[LoriInCO]

I have been reading posts on this forum for over a year but have never posted. It took me nearly two years to pass all parts of the exam; I received my final passing score (FAR 78) on the May 27th score release. I am applying under the education in lieu of experience rule.

Coloradorit, I received that same email two days ago. Yesterday I got one stating that my application will be transmitted to the CO Board on Friday (today). I had a few stressful days because NASBA came back and told me I was 3 credits short of accounting credits. I have an MBA and an MS in Accounting, so I have plenty of overall credits. My credits are both quarter-basis and semester-basis hours, so when they converted the quarter hours, I was actually less than 3 semester hours short. Anyway, I emailed to NASBA the syllabus from one of my finance classes that involved using accounting ratios, creating pro forma financial statements, and other accounting-related assignments. The reviewers apparently decided it had enough accounting content to count towards the 45 hours. It was a huge relief when I received the email you referenced. Nothing like coming down to the wire on getting this done before the July 1 rule change!

[Anonymous]

OMG, Lori, good going and quick thinking getting them your syllabus! I saw “two deficiencies” in an email two days ago and nearly had a heart attack because I was so worried they'd find something wrong with my education, mainly. Thankfully, I scrolled down and my 2 deficiencies were related to paperwork. I don't have reason to believe my education is lacking; but it's the most likely deficiency that would cost me my CPA because almost everything else can be fixed.

So you should get your license TODAY?! Pretty exciting!

I am very happy with the state board and how quickly they are getting these processed (until someone in VA posts that they got their license in 48 hours, haha).

[LoriInCO]

When I called them about the 3 credit deficiency, I was sure I was going to be sunk. I asked about having them look at other classes that weren't accounting classes. They said if I could send over a syllabus, they would look at it, but I got the feeling it was kind of a long shot. I have to give special thanks to the DU finance department staff for finding a 20-year-old syllabus, and scanning and emailing it to me in less than 30 minutes. I have never been so relieved over anything as when I saw that email saying my application status had changed to being in quality assurance review.

I think we have to wait for the board meeting on 6/30 for final approval. At this point I am just relieved that it's almost over. It's weird though…I am having withdrawals from studying for the exam. It's been what I did for so long that it really hasn't sunk in that it's over.

Anyway, I agree with you that the process has moved along quickly. And the people at NASBA were very patient with my many phone calls and questions. I'm sure they have been slammed with Colorado applicants this month.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm… but if they meet on 6/30 and we don't get the email until Friday, 7/3, isn't that too late?

From reading that licensing email, it seems the board is just a formality and it's the qualify assurance review we should be worried about. I am really not sure what all their roles are in this process.

That's amazing that DU found a 20 year old syllabus in a few minutes. CU Denver is still figuring out how to spell ordinary words in their emails and what apostrophes are for (and, apparently, what to do with 15 unsubscribe requests).

[LoriInCO]

I know what you mean about not knowing who has what role in the process. Like you, I get the feeling that the Board's approval is more of an official rubber stamp than anything. Today I received another email from NASBA that said “Your application is approved and being prepared for transmission to the Board of Accountancy. NO ACTION NEEDED.”

I had to laugh at your commend about CUD. I got my MS in Accounting there. Based on your comment, I'm glad I didn't have to try to have them find a syllabus for me.

[Anonymous]

CUD even got a singer who screwed up the national anthem during the graduation ceremony. That about sums up my experience. I started to list examples but there are too many. But it's my school and I kind of love it despite being embarrassed by all their elementary school-level errors. And my guidance counselor, Jamie, was lazy and, to be honest, a tremendous bitch. Funny, a waiter at a restaurant I frequent recognized my name from his days working at the CU business school under Jamie. She is apparently even worse to work with.

Congratulations, that's so exciting!!!

[LoriInCO]

Thanks coloradorit! Be sure to post when you get your final emails from NASBA.

[syoung123]

coloradoit – Sorry you had a bad experience, but I just had to put in a positive word for Jamie at CU Denver. I just graduated and she was very helpful for me as I successfully went through recruiting last fall. That time of year is stressful for everyone involved. I think you went there a while ago, so maybe she has gotten better.

Regardless, congrats to everyone on receiving your licenses in time! I imagine you'll get your license soon coloradoit. Mine was transmitted just a few days after I received that QA email.

REG (July 2014) - Pass
AUD (Aug 2014) - Pass
FAR - (Nov 2014) - Pass
BEC - (Dec 2014) - Pass

Licensed Colorado CPA (February 2015)

DONE!!!!

[Author]

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