[AGI]

Hello everyone,

After searching around for answers, I decided it will be just better for me to ask:

I want to find out if I will be able to sit for the CPA exam

I just graduate from college with a BBA, and I am not planning to take my master in at least 2 years for personal reason.

As I read from the NYS public CPA site, it says that people who are require to take 150 credit can sit for the exam if they have at least 120 credit and four accounting classes. So if I have a college degree with 120 credit and four accounting classes, I will be able to sit for the exam and then take my master degree afterward? Or must I take a master degree before I can take the exam?

Also, anyone know after you pass all four parts, will the score ever expire? Let say you will need time to make up your 30 credits in college or master degree, and you need at least one or two year to get your experience?

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I think one way I can find out about the answer is to apply for the application?

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Anonymous]

in NY, if you take and pass the exam after BBA, your scores will not expire. some states differ.

you do not have to do masters after passing all 4 parts. you MAY. but you can get the other 30 credits from somewhere else as part of the licensing process (ie, devry, some internet classes, fashion institute of tech)

it is highly likely you will be approved to take the exam if you matched their requirements or you are from an AACSB school.

also, you need to work at a firm or place that has the ability to sign you off, like the IRS, Big 6.

[Anonymous]

btw, what uni/college are you from ? 😛

[jkpoker1]

https://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/cpalic.htm

For the 120 credits requirement, you need course work in auditing, tax, financial accounting, and cost/managerial accounting. Obviously, if you have 120 credits, most likely you will have taken at least 1 course in this area. Also idk if I would recommend you taking exam right away. I mean you can do whatever you want but when you get your mba, you will take courses in advanced auditing, accounting, etc. These courses, I imagine will help you a lot in knowing tougher topics on the CPA exam. Honestly though, as long as you follow a study program, you can probably start studying for the exam early as it will be beneficial.

Also the experience is just working under a cpa who can sign off (I think they require a certain % of auditing work to become a CPA). You can work in governmental accounting, public accounting, private firms, not for profit, etc. The main thing is to make sure you work under a CPA and contact the state board (or employer) to make sure you can fulfill the requirements.

Finally, to take from the topic. Does anyone know if you have to take a college course in ethics? I took business law 1 and 2 (ethics ware covered in these courses). My college offers an ethics class however I don't want to take it if I don't have to because I only need 3 more credits for 150 and its not an online class (I currently live at home and 1 hour away from my campus). I imagine ethics isn't required to be taken since its covered in general business courses but I was just wondering. Thanks.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Anonymous]

In NY you can sit for the exam if you have 120 credits, including a specific amount of credits in certain topics. You definitely do not have to finish all 150 credits before sitting (this is the fact and I also sat before completing my 150 credits). I would simply make sure that your 120 credits include all the specific accounting courses that are required.

Also, you have to pass all four parts in an 18-month window or your passes will expire. Once you pass all four within that window I am pretty sure they will never expire… hope this helps!

[AGI]

@jkpoker1

I though NYS is one of the few state that does not require you to take an ethic class or pass the ethic exam. At least on the website it does not mention about ethic.

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Back to the topic:

1. I believe I am from an AACSB school and that my degree in BBA major in accounting 120 credit match the board exam. At least I have never heard from any one in my school (undergraduate or master) that they had a problem with it. Plus, my school is also one of the biggest accounting school in NYC so I don't think that's a problem.

2. Currently, I am not working under CPA. But in NYC, it seems like it is easier to find a job under CPA if you proof that you pass the exam. Well… let say you want suitable money to support your daily living. My plan is to pass the exam and switch my job to CPA firm, if I ever pass. And also study master, if I ever pass.

3. This is related to number 2. My concern is, if I pass the exam, I believe I would transfer to the audit department (within my current firm) or something. So that should solve my problem. And also, in a few months after my long probation period is done, I will be able to obtain my education benefit (which my job pay my tuition).

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My plan is to call the board tomorrow to find out how to register on the exam. I almost finish studying FAR and I am ready to take the exam in Oct / Nov.

Anyone know in NYS do you send in the transcript first and then wait for them to give you notification (if they have), or you pay the $300 first and then send in transcript. (The question is, what if I don't qualify and I don't get refund?)

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[jelly]

Be careful with the final 30 credits that you take. This is the minimum breakdown b/n the 120 and the 150, and the minimum number of credits you'll need in the 150 to get licensed after passing:

120 = 66 accting/business/econ + 54 liberal arts

30 = 3 accting/business/econ + 27 liberal arts [or 30 all in accting/business/econ]

150 = 69 accting/business/econ + 81 liberal arts

This is why the final 30 credits can really be mostly a bunch of filler classes, or a full Master's or MBA program, depending on how you want to finish up.

If I remember correctly, I sent in the initial application fee and notified my school to send over transcripts. I get the feeling nothing will be processed unless they get paid.

Couldn't pass again!

[Author]

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