[GoBears123]

I saw a thread like this for past years, so I’m starting one for 2018.

Here’s where I’m at so far:

2/26/18 — mailed in full application, with all requirements completed

3/19/18 — $250 application fee check cashed

Now waiting for some type of word from the CBA.

Gotta say — the CBA is SUPER frustrating to deal with.

Anyone else going through the the same waiting game??

FAR - 6/4/16 - 82
AUD - 8/27/16
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

[GoBears123]

The web searches can only confirm that someone is licensed – they don’t confirm if someone was ACTIVE for that time period (1 year, in my case).

When the signee is a California CPA, they can do this verification themselves. When the signee is an out-of-state CPA, they make you (the candidate) go through this painful process.

Ugh. Just ugh.

FAR - 6/4/16 - 82
AUD - 8/27/16
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

[MaLoTu]

@cpa1993- the board sucks. When I was applying to sit I waited for about 8 weeks for my I ital approval before I finally called. I happened to get the supervisor and he was like I am working on applications that came in 3 weeks ago. He was pissed and investigated — turns out it simply got misplaced. It was approved that day. So stuff like that happens. It is their archaic methods.

[turo9992000]

I just go an email from the Board of accountancy that they are getting ready for their strategic meeting. They sent a survey and one of the topics was about licensing. I gave them a poor rating and mentioned that it's frustrating having to wait, and that they should implement online applications, and online payments.

[CPA788]

Haha, @cpa1993 – SMH. I sent my app in December and still haven't been approved. I haven't heard from them in months. Was told at the end of April my app was in final review and nothing since. Good times for @hecubus330. FML. So frustrating.

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[Anonymous]

@CPA788 wtf bro. The last time I gave CBA a call was three weeks ago. They told me they were almost finished with the applications sent in January. You should call them ASAP to follow-up your application.

[Anonymous]

I feel like I'm losing my mind over this application processing time and lack of updates. I passed my last exam on 9/8/17 and I already had the work experience. Application sent in 2/7.

[hecubus330]

@cpa1993 maybe they remembered they lost my application “in the system” to take FAR (how do you get lost in a computer?).

It seems CBA just uses YOLO strats to process applications.

BEC -69, 69
REG -77 (expired), 79
FAR - ?
AUD - 65, 67

[CPA788]

@cpa1993 – yeah I'm so numb to it I almost don't even think about it – almost haha. When I called late April they said, “final review, expect 6-8 weeks for another update.” Ya'll have inspired me though – I'll call tomorrow and come back with a sure-to-be-thrilling CBA update.

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[CPA788]

And my app is still in “final review” – like it was 6 weeks ago. More time I don't have to do CPE I guess.

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[adtejeda]

When I was following up on my application in the middle of May, one of the reps said there's about a 12-14 waiting period right now. Ah!

I am not the best example because I had hoped my application would be approved before the ethics requirement kicked in. Nevertheless, here is my timeline:

1/13/2018 – CBA received my final transcript based on the tracking info.
3/15/18 – CBA received all information to complete my application.
5/29/18 – my application was approved. Yay!
6/8/18 – CBA received my initial license fee check.

The waiting game continues, but I feel like now it is likely just another month or so. *fingers crossed*

[CPA788]

Have we already determined/assumed that Big 4 apps get fast tracked?

@adtejeda and @hecubus330 – are you with a Big 4?

CBA told me they didn't get my final transcript until Mar 15 (i.e. they didn't open their mail, it was sent in Jan). Was put on the approval desk Apr 15 and I should have my approval letter in the next 4 weeks.

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[adtejeda]

@CPA788 No Big 4, just a couple local firms: first was medium, second is small, and I love it! The CBA is severely understaffed and backlogged. It's a shame. I hope your timeline goes faster than mine!

[CPA788]

@adtejeda – It looks like your app already got approved, correct? That was why I asked if you were in Big 4, just trying to understand why multiple others on here got their app approved in this process in a drastically shorter time than mine. CBA has had my app since Jan and won't approve it until July sometime… 🙂 You got me beat on that timeline for sure. Like I said though, timeline on CPE just pushed out longer 🙂

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[hecubus330]

@cpa788 I am with a big four but idk how that affects anything

BEC -69, 69
REG -77 (expired), 79
FAR - ?
AUD - 65, 67

[adtejeda]

@CPA788 That's correct. My application is approved. I really don't think where you work is related though. I should clarify that my application was initially reviewed in January 2017 at which point they told me I had to take the ethics class. So perhaps the initial review sped up the last process, but either way, it took way too long. This industry is so innovative, but the application and licensing process is ancient.

[Author]

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