[Anonymous]

I think I’ve seen some people ask this, but I’m not sure I ever saw a definite answer.

At what point after passing the exam can you add the 3 letters after your name and hold yourself out as a CPA?

Is it after getting certified, or after getting your license?

And what if your license is in another state? Can you add the 3 letters to your email signature even if your license is in another state? I can’t find any resources for this anywhere.

[JPino23]

I think you can “officially” call yourself a CPA when you get your license . . . but I would unofficially call youself a CPA around your family, friends, etc the minute you pass the exam! You earned it, so might as well use it where you can for the time being.

As far as the out of state thing, I'm not familiar with that and can't answer it. Sorry, and best of luck!

REG 94, AUD 87, FAR (10/8), BEC (11/24)

"Do today what others won't, so tomorrow you can do what others can't."

[limey]

My understanding is if a state's board of accountancy can ascertain and verify that you are a CPA, you can put the letters next to your name, when working in that state. Some state do have instant online verification databases.

I'm not really sure what you mean by “certified” or “licensed,” as it sounds like something that each state defines differently. For instance, I had the exam parts passed for the a few years and I was trying to complete the experience requirements; I couldn't put the 3 letters next to my name and I couldn't hold myself out to be a CPA, as I wasn't certified or licensed, I was just someone who passed 4 exam parts.

I've heard some accounting firms, sometimes the Big4 or next tier, discourage some from putting the designation in email signatures b/c business transactions that take place across state lines, where some states require you to be certified in their own state before conducting CPA-related activities.

I really can't pass again!

[StudyInRI]

If you passed the CPA exam, you are not a CPA until you meet all the requirements by the state. That usually includes the education and work requirements. But if you meet the criteria, and plan on applying for the license, go ahead and say you're a CPA to family/friends. For all intents and purposes, you earned it. But be careful at work about using the letters until you meet the requirements.

Big four firms discourage CPAs to use the designation in e-mail signatures because if one can use the CPA credential, why not others? This can create the illusion that some individuals are more qualified than others, especially when dealing with clients. Even if you are a CPA firm at Big Four, or any firm, unless you probably won't be signing off on engagements on your own anytime soon, as that's reserved for partners (those with the offices and reserved parking spaces).

REG - 97
BEC - 82
FAR - 86
AUD - 96 ... DONE!

[HoosierDaddy]

In order to hold yourself out as a “CPA” you need the three ‘E's: Education, Examination, and Experience.

The examination component is obviously uniform for all states, however the education and experience may differ. New York will grant licensure with one year experience and 150 credit hour education (including advanced financial accounting). Indiana requires two years and 150 hours.

In the past some states would grant you a CPA certificate upon completion of the exam which would allow you to call yourself a “CPA”. Sadly this possibility no longer exists. Without experience you are unable to call yourself a “CPA”.

-Passed all four sections of CPA exam in 2010 using Becker.
-Former Seasonal Audit Senior with Big Four accounting firm.
-Plan to sit for Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)

[Anonymous]

For the experience requirement, can anyone in your rating chain approve this? For my state it says your supervisor must fill out the experience form. However, a supervisor can be different things in different organizations. My immediate boss' license has expired but my boss' above him are licensed. Has anyone had this same situation? I'm hoping it anyone who has responsibility for me in my rating chain will be able to approve my 2-year experience.

[workingforaliving]

You are not a CPA (not even to friends and family) until your state board of accountancy says you are a CPA. Don't risk getting in trouble with your board over this…if it is an accidental thing…like the local newspaper calls you a CPA when it should be saying that you passed the Exam, then it is probably not a big deal…but don't dare put CPA behind your name unless you have a license/certificate (the terms are interchangeable) to back it up.

[Author]

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