[Anonymous]

I have done some research online and also on this blog but wanted to get some clarification on the CPA certificate.

I reside in California but do not have any public accounting experience. If I just want to get the CPA for credential purposes to move up the corporate latter within a non-accounting field I can get the CPA certificate in a state such as a Montana and call myself a CPA, correct?

I would not be trying to practice as a public accountant or anything. Just purely to be able to tell co-workers that I am a CPA and for resume/e-mail purposes. Anyone have any direct experience with this? Thanks in advance for your help.

[NYCpat]

I think many of you missed the point of this post.

the OP wasn't trying to “put themselves out there” as a CPA without actually being a CPA.

I actually align myself with the OP's thinking.

I am an “old guy” on the board who has 2 Accounting degrees and began career in public accounting, which I hated. So, from there, I've been in private industry and bounced around in various accounting/finance/audit jobs.

I've decided to go back and pass the CPA exam, get licensed, but I have zero intention of ever practicing as a CPA. It's purely for resume purposes. Separates you from other candidates when you are searching for jobs. In fact, the jobs I'm looking for don't even require it.

To answer the OP's question, you can't call yourself a CPA without actually getting licensed, but for resume purposes, just putting “Passed all 4 parts of CPA exam” at the bottom of your resume in the Certifications section is worthwhile and would separate you from the pack of job seekers.

Still worth pursuing even if you don't get licensed.

My 2 pennies.

BEC - 82
AUD - 65; retake Feb 2013
FAR - April 2013
REG - July 2013?

[Nbkna2c]

circular 230 should answer your questions…it's well defined…no work experience directly under a cpa…then you can't get a cpa to sign off that you did it….hence no license…no license than can't use designation in any capacity…resume, email, business card, etc….this is a game of ethics folks…if it doesn't feel right don't do it. I suppose you could say “john q public, passed cpa exam”….but it doesn't have the same ring if you know what I mean. 🙂

BEC 78
REG 84
AUD 76
FAR 83

[Nbkna2c]

of course circ 230 applies to those who practice before the irs but it is a map for those in accounting who need governance in eithics….in case your state doesn't require you to pass an ethics exam…otherwise it's prob covered in that exam…happy studying!

https://www.calcpa.org/content/licensure/requirements.aspx

BEC 78
REG 84
AUD 76
FAR 83

[whatkey]

^that's true. also, I do believe if you are licensed in a particular state and you put that in your resume following the CPA you're ok. for example:

CPA (MT)

Of course, you can't practice or use the CPA in any capacity until you're licensed in that respective state..

Using Becker, Ninja Notes, and CpaReviewForFree

FAR - 87 (2/17)
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AUD - 89 (5/31)
BEC - 89 (7/11)

[Minimorty]

@NYCPat – Wow, where to start?

1. That is precisely what the OP is trying to do (hold himself out to be a CPA in California by obtaining the certification/licensure in another state). This is shady at best and criminal at worst. If the OP is planning on working in the state of California, and wants to use the initials CPA, then he must be licensed by the state of California.

2.What do you mean you dont intend on “practicing as a CPA.” Are you retiring? If not, and if you plan on using the CPA initials, then you are practicing as a CPA. You dont have to be in the public arena to be practicing as a CPA.

3. The fact that the jobs you are looking for dont require a CPA license have nothing to do with this discussion. The fact that you want to get it to separate yourself from the other candidates shows that the actual license has value to prospective employers.

4. You have paid your dues and have the required experience to call yourself a CPA. The license has value because of the rigorous testing, education, and experience requirements needed to obtain it. If the state boards all of a sudden just start giving out the license left and right to people like the OP who have no experience, the license will certainly lose its credibility and value.

@Argonaut – You mentioned you do not have any public accounting experience. Public accounting experience isnt necessarily required. You can still get licensed if you have accounting experience in the private sector under the supervision of an active CPA. Are you an accountant or are you involved in a completely unrelated industry?

[Marivy22]

@Mini

Do You know if the experience under a CPA has to be a working experience in the state that you are applying? Thinking few years back, I have worked under the supervision of a CPA for 3 years but in PR not in FL…. I think I will contact fl board of accountancy, that little detail can save me some time. I will post something back on Monday

Done 😉
Class of 2012!!!!
Lots of prayers and hard work....

[Minimorty]

@Marivy – Wish I could help, but I am not sure. It seems like the experience should count though, regardless of what state the experience was obtained. Let us know what you find out.

[Marivy22]

Hi!!!

I just got an email from FL Board of Accountancy. Work experience under a supervision of a CPA in another state is valid. I don't have to look for a new job!!!!!!!!!!!

Done 😉
Class of 2012!!!!
Lots of prayers and hard work....

[Author]

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