[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I am an international candidate and have been working in the private accounting field for about 6 years now. I have decided to do the CPA because it is an internationally recognised certification in the accounting field and it is requested for many middle management positions also here in Europe. I am not interested -for now- in getting licensed in any of the US states, I would only like to have the certification.

One very practical question: when I will be finished taking all four parts of the CPA exam, will I receive a certification from the State Board? If not, how could I testify that I have taken the exams?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

The CPA is a license and not a certificate and can only be issued by a state or US territory.

If you pass all four, you would be a CPA candidate, but not a CPA.

Your best bet would probably be to contact NASBA to see which state or territory may be best for your particular situation.

[slgavin7]

EDIT: misread the question.

[ScarletKnightCPA]

Most states eliminated the CPA certification making it so that the CPA License and Certificate is one in the same. There are a couple states where they still have this two tier system. I think Montana is only two-tier state that international residents can take. Massachusetts has a non-reporting license if you have a masters degree.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your answers!

Since I attended university in Boston, I sent my transcripts to NASBA to have my education evaluated for the state of Massachussets. I should be getting an answer soon.

What does “non-reporting license” mean? I do not have a masters degree, therefore I think I will not be eligeble for that.

What does Massachussets require for licensing? If I do not reside there and work for private companies, could I still apply and mantain the license?

[mla1169]

a non reporting license means that you cannot use the license for attest engagements since you have not completed the attest requirement for full licensure. Basically as long as nobody asks you to sign off on an audit the license is the same. I am a non reporting CPA and since I am not an auditor I don't need to say that my license is restricted. Nobody will ever ask me to audit in my current position.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

thanks mla1169!

so basically if my education evaluation is positevely assessed and I successfully pass the 4 CPA modules. I would then be able to apply for a non reporting MA license (I have also never worked in public accouting – just accounting in the insurance industry)?

At this point will I receive a license number/certification from MA?

Should I wait until I receive this before I can “market” myself to new employers as CPA?

One last thing: what does CPE exactly consist in? Are they extra exams I have to constantly (let's say each year)?

[mla1169]

The requirement for a non reporting license is a masters (a bachelors and additional credits will not qualify you). Otherwise the only way to get a license in MA is public accounting experience. Other states do not require that the experience be in attest.

Then yes after you've completed the exams you send in your application and license fees and within a month or 2 you will receive a license number. ONLY THEN may you market yourself as a CPA, you may not call yourself a CPA until you have a license number.

The CPE requirement is a certain number of credits you must receive before your license can be renewed. There are endless ways to earn the credits but most courses and seminars have a brief exam at the end before they will certify your credits. I earned many of my credits taking the quickbooks pro advisor courses.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Tux]

If MA requires public accounting experience, and you don't have that, but you DO have other work experience, you might consider going through another state?

I admit that I'm not familiar with the rules for international candidates, but all states vary regarding what education they will accept and what work experience they will accept. You'll get licensed faster if you can find a state that will accept the work experience that you already have, rather than getting another job.

Again – I'm not familiar with which states allow international candidates, but you may want to research the requirements for these states – Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Georgia.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[ScarletKnightCPA]

Yes, if you do have corporate accounting experience but no CPA to sign off on that experience, there are states that don't require an employer to have a CPA.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[FIFOisbetterthanLIFO]

North Dakota is one of those states that don't require a CPA to sign off, correct? It appears that way but it seems like they wrote it very convoluted when you look at the actual law.

FAR - Passed (82)
BEC - Passed (76)
AUD - Passed (89)
REG - Passed! (81)
AICPA Ethics

Licensed CPA

[FIFOisbetterthanLIFO]

North Dakota is one of those states that don't require a CPA to sign off, correct? It appears that way but it seems like they wrote it very convoluted when you look at the actual law.

FAR - Passed (82)
BEC - Passed (76)
AUD - Passed (89)
REG - Passed! (81)
AICPA Ethics

Licensed CPA

[Author]

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