[PrinceofDubtown]

So I’m in the process of applying to take the CPA exam. I applied through NASBA in Georgia, and after I applied realized that I do not have sufficient credit hours in order to receive a Georgia license (the state requires 30 hours of accounting instruction ABOVE the introductory level, and I only have 30 hours total…stupid mistake, I know).

I could take the online courses through Becker/DeVry to get the six hours I need, but those cost $3500 and my firm won’t cover it (they already paid for the Becker materials but the courses through Becker do not grant credit, it has to be through DeVry). I’ve already paid the application and exam fees to take the exam in Georgia, and my firm covered those as well.

My question is: what is the option, dollar-wise, for me at this point? Is it possible for me to, say, take the test in Georgia, transfer my score to somewhere like Alaska (where I do meet the requirements for a license), and get licensed there? I think I’d only need to pay for a new application fee, then. Or do I have to take the worst option, bite the bullet, and pay 3.5 grand for some DeVry credits?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

FAR - 92 (7/13)
AUD - 98 (10/13)
REG - 92 (7/14)
BEC - 95 (8/14)

[Miserylovescompany]

First of all, the 150 credits do not have to be in accounting. I would take CLEP exams and have them post the credits to a county college that accepts the specific CLEP subjects. That is the least expensive and quickest way to do it.

If you want solid accounting courses, look into RVCC in NJ. For a community college, their accounting offering is pretty good. Most of their accounting courses are also offered online.

Thirdly, WGU ( Western Governor's University ) has started the new MACC online. I wish it was around when I needed the acocunting credits. The least expensive way to finish a regionally accreditted MACC online is go the route of WGU.

AUD: Passed
REG: Passed
BEC: Passed
FAR: Passed

[Anonymous]

I personally would either take 30 credits in basket weaving and widget making, or just go all in and get an MBA. An MAcc doesn't really add much value for an individual with an undergraduate in accounting. Either way, you'll be eligible when you get to 150.

I originally majored in basket weaving and beer drinking for two years, then transferred into accounting to get the 150.

Just make sure whatever school you attend has the proper accreditation. Anything but AACSB and they might as well give you toilet paper in lieu of a degree.

[san4596]

ipass & sony – Look at it from this point of view. It usually takes about 12 classes to get a masters degree. I would suggest passing the exam, and then look for a local college with night classes in the MBA program. You would be doing 2 things at once getting MBA credits compared to crap credits by earning credit for certification and an MBA.

ipass – you need 22 hours for certification. That is about 7-8 classes, which leaves 4-5 classes left. So, why not spend a little more time for a masters degree?

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

[nicole2035]

@OP why don't you just take online courses @ your local community college? It'll be cheaper. They offer online courses, mine in KY cost 400 dollars for each one (3 credits). They also have payment plans if you ask, i know that's what I did. I paid in 3 installments I think.

@san4596 i think a masters is IDEAL but obviously a constraint here is time and money. Master classes aren't cheap anywhere you go. Not only that you need to apply, and plenty of people haven't even touched the GMAT. Depending on program you may need to take it, and that takes away study time for something you're not even sure you will get accepted into or can afford. The Masters in Accountancy can be seen as a waste of time, what most places worry about more is the CPA & for mgmt positions an MBA, most of the classes in MACC focus on passing the CPA which OP will be doing anyway. I do think a MACC or MBA is ideal, and much better route than taking a ton of cheap summer online courses, but money & time are the problem

[Kimboroni]

For some reason, Miserylovescompany dragged up this topic that was almost a year old!

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[ipasscpa]

@kimboroni: LOL.. You are right about this year old thing but I am glad it's re-open.

@san4596: Thank You for the advice. I actually decided to go with MS in Business Management and leadership. City University of New York – school of professional studies is offering this program, fully online and every student pays New York state resident tuition regardless which state you live in. Tuition is 405 per credit which I believe is way better than many online colleges, plus CUNY is public school which is more reputable than private online institutions. I believe getting a master’s degree with around 13k is not a bad investment.

CPA- VA

[Kimboroni]

At least you're still around! The OP doesn't seem to be.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[nicole2035]

bahaha i didn't even notice how old the post was

[Miserylovescompany]

Kimboroni

I dug up the old post because it is an eternal (!) question in the CPA candidate community. Besides, there was the news of WGU MACC. I still think a WGU MACC is the cheapest way to get a Master's, meet the 150 Credit requirement and basically put the question to sleep.

I ended up doing my credits online and in class at various community colleges in NJ & PA one summer.

I thought I was doing every one a favor!

AUD: Passed
REG: Passed
BEC: Passed
FAR: Passed

[Kimboroni]

Probably so! It's just a bit confusing.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Anonymous]

I just sent my application off today, and I'm biting my nails on an issue similar to this.

Pennsylvania's current rule is that you must have 150 credit hours, 48 total accounting credits, and 1600 hours (No attest). I only have 33 accounting credits, but there is a “grandfather” rule that allows you to apply two additional ways if you passed a section prior to 1/1/12. I passed BEC in '11, and was assured by the State Board that it does not matter that the section I passed expired. The two additional ways are:

#1: As a Bachelor's degree candidate with 120 hours, 24 accounting credits, and 3200 hours (800 Attest)

#2: As a Master's degree candidate with 150 hours, 36 accounting credits, and 1600 hours (400 Attest)

Since I'm just shy of the 36 accounting credits in #2, I applied as #1 since I have 4800+ hours. However, all 33 of my accounting credits are from my graduate degree. It makes me very nervous that I'll get rejected. Doesn't make any logical sense that this wouldn't work, but it doesn't mean the State Board won't have a different opinion.

So what do you guys think? Am I doomed to sit through a 3 credit class before getting a license, or is a credit a credit a credit, regardless if it's grad/undergrad? Anyone have a similar experience?

[Author]

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