[you can do it]

Hi all,

I am in the final stretch to get my license. I need to pay a fee for initial license and I am becoming a CPA!
I wanted to share my story as reading threads on this forum helped me a lot to get through the process.

I do not have a good track record, got in trouble by the law multiple times when I was in college. Caught with possession of drugs a couple of times and had a petty theft case which could have been detrimental to obtaining the license.

It has been 10 years since I graduated, 5 years since i passed all the exams. After passing the exams, I focused on getting accounting experience at a professional level while taking additional courses to meet my unit requirements. I figured time is on my side, so I did not rush to finish the classes and rather focused on gaining good experience and knowledge.

I was so nervous to submit my application as I was afraid of negative outcome. So I wrote a letter explaining my wrong doings from my past and let the board know that I am not the person I was 10 years ago.

I am in California, and the 2 months of application processing time was super stressful. I recently got a letter asking me to pay for the initial license fee.. It has been a long journey. But hey, those who are concerned about the possibility of not getting the license because of the dings on your records, I would say keep trying but don’t rush through it and make sure you include a well written letter when you submit your application.

I am a little bit shocked still. I really thought I was not going to get it when they told me my application is with enforcement division. It happened though.

Two things I want to emphasize:
Time is on your side, don’t rush
Write a good letter while disclosing all your wrong doings

I wish the best for everyone who is studying, especially those who are worried about criminal records.

Good luck to you all!!!

[say]

That is awesome. I'm happy for you. If you don't mind me asking, how did you get through the back ground screening for your employment?

[Author]

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