[Missjwebb]

Hello everyone! I am new to your ‘world’ so here is a quick background on me (that may be relevant in how one answers my questions):

-education earned in& residing in California

-Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Accounting – Degree Conferred is Aug 2012

177.5 semester units earned (3.56 GPA)

– NO ‘real world’ accounting experience (applied/networked my lil heart out – lovely economy)

-Master’s in Taxation – start date is Fall 2012 – expected graduation date December 2013 (timeframe is DOABLE since only need 10 classes for my Master’s *** those who don’t have the undergrad in Accounting have to take much more classes)

-Plan is to take the four CPA exams while enrolled in Master’s program.

-since fulltime student, and pursuing CPA examinations, I have only worked 10 hours/week in an unrelated field & I do volunteer work with VITA(volunteer taxes during each tax season)

My questions are:

1. If I take & pass all the CPA exams within the given timeframe, then how long am I permitted to achieve the 500 hour requirement?

I ask this because I am been unsuccessful in landing an accounting job so far and given up looking for now, and only concentrating on completing Master’s and CPA exams.

2. IS there a deadline that requires me TO RETAKE EXAMS AFTER tooooo much TIME PASSES AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION of CPA exams because of inability to attain 500hour EXPERIENCE?

Hypothetically, let’s say I successfully complete ALL FOUR exams by June 2013. Then let’s pretend I don’t get the 500 hour requirement for licensure until several SEVERAL years after completing exams.

Jackie

REG - planned for Nov 2012
BEC - TBD
FAR - TBD
AUD - TBD

studying with CPAexcel
considering Ninja Notes

[Anonymous]

Hi @Missjwebb

Good job on your degree! This is one of the best times to sit for your CPA, or so they say, since you're fresh out of studying mode. I find that getting job experience helps immensely put things in perspective, but we're all different.

People will discourage you from taking classes while studying for your CPA, but there are several individuals here who have done it successfully *while* working *with* kids and *no* spouse. Only you will know if it's for you–and you can always retake these exams! It's a luxury (and somewhat of a curse, I suppose).

Getting to your questions:

1) Every state is different. There are many CA candidates on this forum who can give you an answer, but the best answer will come from either the authoritative rules & regulations from CA, or a simple phone call/email to the board. I myself had this same question for MA since I couldn't find it anywhere in their authoritative literature–I emailed the board, and the response was “unlimited;” therefore, I'm taking my sweet time to fulfill that requirement once I pass the exams (there is a requirement of 3 years after passing to fulfill education requirements until exams expire in MA). Most states require experience to be fulfilled within 5 years until your exams expire. Ouch!

I suggest you go for your exams anyway. After getting your MST / MT and having the exams under your belt, as well as (I assume) having networked while in college, you are a prime candidate for any CPA firm.

2) This is the same as your first question. It will be the same amount of time. If there is a time limit for CA, your exams will indeed expire and you'll have to retake them.

**WORST CASE SITUATION: I would transfer my grades to a state that doesn't have a time limit. Yeah it's paper work, a full-blown app, and a few hundred-dollar fee–it beats expired exams because our economy is iffy.

[littlenumberrobot]

I agree with AlmondCoins, everyone is different. You might have to find your pace for these exams. I am working in public accounting and studying, and I have struggled to carve out time. But lately I have been able to make the sacrifices necessary to bring my scores up. I am doing the Early Lunch Late study plan this time around, seems to be helping me so far. Jeff explains this in the CPA Survival Guide.

1) I wont be able to get mt 500 hours due to job limitations thus I dont know an answer to that question.

2)I havent looked into that issue. Sorry not much help on both these questions!

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[Author]

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