[juuustin]

Hi guys:

Long-time reader, first-time poster here. Yesterday my Bachelor’s in Accounting was conferred so I am on to the next step of applying for the Exam! This is my second Bachelor’s so I have 177 total credits completed.

My questions relate specifically to the changes Colorado has enacted in regards to their education in lieu of experience pathway to licensure. I do not work in accounting and I desire the CPA solely for job application purposes. Specifically, I am looking to enhance my FBI Special Agent application and the CPA is a great way to get into the Accounting critical skill. On July 1, 2015, Colorado is doing away with the education in lieu of experience so I am sort of in limbo as to what my next steps should be.

I am a pretty good test taker and I will have a lot of time to study in the coming months, so I can realistically see myself passing the exam by July, but I do not know anything about how long the licensure process actually takes. In other words, if I pass the final section of the test in May, will I be licensed before the cut-off date? I would love to hear from some experienced CPAs who obtained their license through Colorado.

Additionally, I have identified a backup plan of sorts in case I cannot complete the exam by the cutoff date. From the reading I have done, it seems possible that I could potentially transfer my scores from Colorado to an existing two-tier states (Alabama, Montana) and thus be issued a CPA Certificate. As I mentioned, I really just need the credential for my purposes.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my approach.

Thanks

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[roni11]

I can share some info on CO… I applied on July 10, my application is still in process…

I've asked one of the DORA people about May 2015 applications and they've said that as long as you apply prior to the deadline, you have to meet the prior requirements only, even if the actual license is issued later.

However, that was an unofficial conversation, so don't take it as guidance.

FAR August 2013 - 90
AUD October 2013 - 86
BEC March 2014 - 89
REG - May 2014 - 81
Ethics - 98

I am done!

Licensed in CO since September, 2014

[h0wdyus]

Test post

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[syoung123]

The application must be issued before July 1 to fall under the old requirements. From the Colorado Board Rules, pg 18. –

“*ATTENTION: On and after July 1, 2015, the Board cannot issue a Certificate to an Applicant

who has not satisfied the requirements of Rule 2.5 regardless of the date on which the application

was received by the Board or its designee.”

(Rule 2.5 is the new requirements)

https://cdn.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Disposition&blobheadername2=Content-Type&blobheadervalue1=inline%3B+filename%3D%22Accountancy+Rules+and+Regulations%2C+effective+July+1%2C+2013.pdf%22&blobheadervalue2=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251853987334&ssbinary=true

I'm trying to beat the deadline, so I may use the 150 hrs. in lieu of experience option under the old rules, and I am aiming to submit my license application in early January (hopefully).

REG (July 2014) - Pass
AUD (Aug 2014) - Pass
FAR - (Nov 2014) - Pass
BEC - (Dec 2014) - Pass

Licensed Colorado CPA (February 2015)

DONE!!!!

[h0wdyus]

@justin

I was not able to post for some reason for the last 2 days. I think it was because I had some threads marked as favorites. Any way.

Colorado is not doing away with the 150 Credit hour rule for Certification/Licensure.

There are 2 rule that re in play . Rule 2.5 and Rule 2.7. Oddly enough Rule 2.7 is valid for Certification before July 1 2015.

Rule 2.5 on Page 16 of DORA State Board of Accountacny Rules effective July 1, 2013. is valid for Certification after July 1 2015.

Download the rules by the following link.

https://cdn.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=DORA-Reg%2FDORALayout&cid=1251632672682&pagename=CBONWrapper

If you read the rule 2.5 , it states that Higher education of 150 credits is still a valid path for certification. You have to be careful about what credits you have. Having 177 credits does not mean that you have the requisites credits that DORA will accept.

So there is a pre evaluation form, which can be filed out and sent to State Board of Accountancy for a fee of $50 that can be filed out and sent to them. They will then evaluated your credentials and give you an official response as to what credits they will need. It will take 3 to 4 weeks after you get the acknowledgment email.

https://nasba.org/licensure/nasbalicensing/colorado/

Another thing, I noticed with the Board, they will not hold your hand and guide you, they are very helpful, when you demonstrate that you have read the rules and understood them and you ask them targeted specific questions, quoting rules and the credits you have. You have to really do your research.

I hope the above helps.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[juuustin]

@howdy

I see what you are saying, but 2.7 is specifically referred to as “Education in lieu of Experience for Certification” while 2.5 is simply “education requirements for certification.” In my opinion that would mean that Section 4.1 would apply to someone who is attempting to certify under Rule 2.5. Rule 2.5 simply states that the education requirements are now higher and the repealing of 2.7 indicates that education can no longer be used in lieu of experience.

I would be very happy if I was incorrect though!

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[h0wdyus]

@justin

Call the board. Or send and email to the board quoting the relevant questions. Let see what they say.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[h0wdyus]

@justin

Please check page 17 of the Board rules. There is a table format with the heading

“Summary of Rules 2.4 and 2.5”

Minimum Education Requirements for Examination and Certification

On and After July 1, 2015*

There is column with the heading “For Licensure “

Read that one and let me know what you think. I think sending an email to the Board would be a quicker resolution.

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[juuustin]

@howdy

Thanks for the all the info. Unfortunately, the NASBA website actually spells it out quite clear.

“PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE ARE CHANGING TO THE 150 HOUR REQUIREMENT PLUS THE ONE-YEAR OF WORK EXPERIENCE ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 2015.”

I have identified Montana as a great alternative for my needs, however. I easily pass the educational credits and they have what appears to be a stress-free process in which you can obtain the tier-one certificate even after passing all sections in another state. So basically I can register through Colorado, bust my hump hoping to finish in time, but if I don't, I can always transfer my completed scores at anytime to Montana and become an inactive CPA.

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[h0wdyus]

@Justin

Can you send me the link of the nasba site. I did not see that one.

I have questions surrounding certificate/license.

Is certification same as license, further what are the type of licenses/certifications, i.e inactive and others.

What are the limitations on each type of license.

thanks

FAR - 81 29th Aug 2013
AUD - 84
REG - 82
BEC - 89 29th Aug 2014
Using Yager

FROM NJ

[juuustin]

@howdy

https://nasba.org/licensure/nasbalicensing/colorado/

Click on “More…” under Education and scroll to the bottom. It is capitalized and bolded.

As I understand it, Colorado only has one level of certification because it is a one-tier state. You receive nothing from them unless you are licensed, which occurs either through experience or education in lieu of experience if prior to July 1, 2015. After July 1, 2015, they will have nearly the same standards as many other states in that they will require 150 credits and one-year experience.

In reference to the remaining two-tier states, Montana is the “easiest” to obtain certification, which is different than licensure for their purposes. If you check out their Board's site, they have specific links in regards to receiving a CPA Certificate and a CPA License. One of the links states specifically that you can “become a CPA” by transferring scores, but until the experience qualifications are met, you will be listed as inactive in their database. They mention you cannot hold yourself out as an active CPA in this status, but you can of course list yourself as an inactive holder of the CPA Certificate.

Hope that helps.

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[Author]

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