[Anonymous]

Hey guys,

I only have 120 credit hours and am about to pass my last section (knock on wood). I live in a 150 credit hour state. I bet there is probably some sort of rule against this, but does anyone know if it is possible to get certified in a non-150 c/h state and then apply for reciprocity in a state that has the 150 requirement?

Thanks in advance

[mla1169]

It depens on the state, you'd need to find a state that requires 120 hours and then see if your particular state has a reciprocity agreement with them.

Honestly why not get the other 30 credit hours??

FAR- 77
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REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Noct]

@ mla1169

Because credit hours cost money.

FAR - 79 - 07/2012
AUD - 65, 78 - 11/2012
BEC - 76 - 11/2012
REG - 78 - 01/2013
ETH - 98 - 01/2013

Material: Wiley books

[mla1169]

It's true that those credits cost money, that's where you have to do a cost benefit analysis. But that's the cost of becoming a CPA. At one time believe it or not you didn't need a degree at all to become a CPA so long as you could pass the exam, but the states have set the bar higher and that leaves candidates to decide what the designation is worth to them.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Noct]

This isn't a matter of cost benefit analysis. I'll have passed the same exam and received the same CPA designation regardless of whether I'm from a 120 hour state or a 150 hour state. No employer is ever going to ask me how many credits I have, so there's no benefit, only cost.

FAR - 79 - 07/2012
AUD - 65, 78 - 11/2012
BEC - 76 - 11/2012
REG - 78 - 01/2013
ETH - 98 - 01/2013

Material: Wiley books

[mla1169]

Your username leads me to believe that you are in AZ, and if so it seems that AZ will accept reciprocity from a 120 hour state BUT the experience requirements are far greater, from 5 to 10 years experience depending on the state. https://www.azaccountancy.gov/Certification/FAQs.aspx#Q12

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Tncincy]

@azcpa2be,

I am following your comments about the additional 30 credits and a future employer maynot ask for the credits but the NASBA for each state will require that you meet the requirements before they issue the licensure. So passing is one phase, but believe me administration will make absolutely sure that you or any candidate meet the criteria before issuing the license. Hey…Good Luck on your last part. The hard part is almost over the easy part is to qualify where ever you can if you intend to use this valuable knowledge in more than one state. Hope this helps.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Noct]

@tncincy

That would be true… if I were applying for licensure as a new candidate in each state. Lucky for me, there's such thing as reciprocity. Once you are licensed you can transfer it to any reciprocal state without concern for education requirements. Even the states which are not reciprocal generally only require a competency exam or additional CPE to transfer a license in. Again, the 30 extra credit hours are a waste of money.

FAR - 79 - 07/2012
AUD - 65, 78 - 11/2012
BEC - 76 - 11/2012
REG - 78 - 01/2013
ETH - 98 - 01/2013

Material: Wiley books

[splinter1643]

In which state did you apply to sit for the exam: the one with 150-hour requirement or the one without?

If you applied to sit for the exam through the state WITHOUT the 150-credit hour requirement, you can check http://www.cpamobility.org for info on which states allow for reciprocity once you've got the CPA license or if not, what requirements to meet.

If you applied to sit for the exam through the state WITH the 150-credit hour requirement, make sure that the state you want to get your license in first doesn't have any residency or work location/hour requirements along with the 120-credit hour requirement for licensing. You can then check with NASBA to see how you can transfer your scores, but there's a fee you'll have to pay.

If neither option is feasible, then you'll just have to take the extra 30-credits.

CPA license in progress....

[Tncincy]

@Noct,

As we continue this process, cost IS the name of the game. In my state, after fighting with this exam, and meeting all the requirements, plus the ethics exam (which is not free), there is a professional license fee of $400.00. So there seem to be no end to spending on this profession. I am sure that other professions that may have just as many costs, I just want the pay off to be well worth the headache…..oh don't mention the continued education and professional liability insurance :-((.

Get as many states as you can, but the bottomline is COST in one way or another.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[splinter1643]

About my previous comment also check the individual state boards about applying for a reciprocal license.

CPA license in progress....

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys!

[MCLKT]

You will have to pay to get licensed in the “testing” state. As well as pay for licensure of the “reciprocity” state. So either way, it's going to cost.

The State board you are applying for reciprocity through, will most definitely ask why you tested out of state. If you explain you don't have the hours, they may very well deny reciprocity, requiring you to get the coursework anyways.

If you will be using the CPA designation in a state requiring 150 hours, I wouldn't be surprised if an employer asked in an interview how you qualified to sit for the CPA exam if you don't have a Masters. Most people will answer, “I earned the 150 hour requirement otherwise”. You will have to be ready to explain. It's not a biggie, but don't assume it won't come up.

The system is in place for a reason ($$$), and the powers that be will be on the lookout for those trying to work the system.

Good luck!

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[Author]

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