[OnmywaytoCPA]

I passed the CPA Exam back in November, and I’m waiting on my State Board to send my certificate/license in the mail. So far, on the state website, all of the things needed for my application are checked, except for my scores from NASBA. The state should have those by the 16th. Should I wait until I get the actual certificate later this month, or is it okay for me to put CPA behind my name now.

Also, while we’re on the subject of initials behind our last name. Should I also, put MBA behind my last name as well?

REG - 74, Retook 6/10/16, scored a 72 (Hate this exam)
BEC - 69, 79, 8/1/15
AUD - 83, 4/4/15
FAR - 77, 2/27/16

[Anonymous]

Wait to put it behind your name till you have a license number. It will show up on the state board's website before you get the certificate, probably, and that's the first sign you'll have that you're officially licensed. Right now you've completed the requirements, but aren't licensed yet; hang on just a bit for them to process everything and then you'll be official. Let's say you have 50 years left to live, and as a CPA For all of them; waiting another 2 weeks or 2 months isn't that long in the grand scheme of things.

[Matt Douglass]

I stated as soon as my license number showed up on the state board of accountancy website…which was Friday!

MS, Accounting - Done!

FAR - 83 (CPAexcel/Ninja MCQ)
AUD - 87 (CPAexcel/Ninja MCQ)
REG - 10/16
BEC - 11/16

[Anonymous]

I've seen a few folks with John Doe, CPA, MBA I presume the order boils down to which one is more distinguishing first (obviously the CPA license).

I also have an MBA, so I've looked into it 🙂

[Missy]

Use cpa after your name only when a state would confirm you're licenced.

Not a fan of putting MBA after a name. It's a degree not a title. I think CPA stands well on its own and I don't use my degree in my signature. I do use my PHR after my name only because HR is part of my job and it gives me some credibility as an HR professional.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Cruzer]

When do people use CPA behind name in private? It it common to always use it or have it as an option depending on who you are emailing. Also do you put in on your business cards?

[Anonymous]

It's on my business cards. I was quite young for my position when I took it, and at an educational institution where *everyone* has letters after their names, so I had it included on my business cards to add some “clout” to my appearance. However, after a few months at the job, I dropped it from my email signature, and I'm not sure whether or not I would have it on my business cards if I had to reorder them. I have it on my LinkedIn, and I do have my certificate hanging in my office. Again, being an educational institution, lots of people have degrees and such hanging on their walls, so hanging my certificate seemed logical.

I go back and forth in how I feel about using it in my signature in my email. When I use it, I feel like it's pretty smug especially to those without letters after their name (a decent section of the staff), but when I don't, I feel like it may reduce credibility in the eyes of those who have an alphabet after their name (faculty and higher staff, or more especially off-campus individuals). So…I'd say it's a situational thing, depending on your work environment, the presence or absence of certifications listed by others, and your own personal preference.

[Track55]

I have it on my LinkedIn, my work email signature and my business cards.

Yeah, I'm a player …

AUD - 74, 99 !!
REG - 74, 92
BEC - 83
FAR - 73, 86

Studying for Ethics exam

California candidate
Business and Industry

[Missy]

I am in private and have CPA, PHR after my name but delete either/or depending on the purpose and content of the email. When I am emailing about financial transactions, tax transactions, I get rid of the PHR but leave the CPA. When I am emailing about benefits, insurance, with attorneys regarding terminations etc I get rid of the CPA but leave the PHR so they know I actually do know HR stuff. If a customer emails me asking for a tracking number on a delivery I get rid of both because frankly they're both irrelevant and nobody is impressed.

I remove both for interoffice emails except the one guy at work who has referred to me on multiple occasions as the office secretary. Its petty and juvenile I know………but better than asking him how his high school education is working out for him.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[CPA2BEE]

When you are issued a license number, that is when you're a licensed CPA and can thereby represent yourself as one. Having met all the requirements, or even being pre-approved doesn't make you a CPA. Its all in the license number.

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[aspencookie]

once i finally make it, im putting a CPA on everything including the wait list at the restaurant…you betcha!!!!!

[Author]

Replies