[ZZ]

Hi All,

After doing some research over the weekend I’ve decided to spend 2023 to go after the CPA. I have 150+ hours with a Business BS & MBA that includes the 24 accounting hours a person who gets a BS in Accounting takes (mine were spread out with 12 during the BS, 6 in my MBA, and 6 I took after the fact).

Here’s my issue. I live in FL and for licensure they require 30 upper division accounting credits. I found other states where 24 is enough to both sit/get licensed and was wondering if I should pick one of those to sit. The one in particular I’m looking at is VA since it has similar work experience requirements & any CPA in good standing can sign off/verify my work experience. However, FL doesn’t do the reciprocity thing and requires a licensure by endorsement so I am not sure if it’s as easy as others have gotten licensed and then quickly gotten their licensed transferred to the state they want to work (for the record, I have no plans to work in public accounting/Big 4 and all my experience has been/will be at the Federal/State/University government level).

If anyone can tell me if it would be easy to transfer a license out of state like VA into FL or if it’s a hassle, that would be great. Otherwise, if it makes more sense to sit/license in FL, does anybody have any cheap upper accounting suggestions that doesn’t duplicate what I’ve already taken (Int I/IntII, Cost, Tax Ind., Tax Corps/Parts, Acc Sys, Ext Audit, Gov/NFP)? Most of the Graduate level courses in FL I can find won’t accept non-degree seeking students. Keller’s got some interesting courses but I ain’t paying $4K for 2 classes if I don’t have to.

[monikernc]

Finding a state to sit for exams is one thing. Where you work and need to be licensed is the bigger thing. Make sure you understand Florida's licensing requirements before you make a choice. To emphasize, make sure you understand Florida's initial license requirements and the reciprocity requirements to determine for which state you will not only take exams but also get your initial license. If you decide not to sit as a Florida candidate you will first need a state that does not require residency and if/when scores expire. Then you will have to decide to which state you apply for your initial license. If that is not Florida you will have to make sure that Florida will issue you a license based on licensure by that other state. These can be different states. For example, I sat as a NC candidate, transferred scores to MT for my initial license then applied to CO, where I live and work but did not meet its specific education requirements, and was granted a license through reciprocity. I no longer have to maintain my MT license because I do not work there but choose to do so.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[monikernc]

I want to add: You probably 30 hours of upper division accounting. Any course above the 200/2000 level would be considered upper division. Talk to Florida before you do anything.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Author]

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