[titoav15]

Hi guys I passed all parts but still 6 months away expriance wise. Does it make sense for me to keep myself as a CPA candidate? I know I am not a CPA but I passed all the exams… not sure how to make my self clear about it. Thanks for all the suggestions in advance!

BEC: 5/21/14 82! PASSED HALF WAY THERE!
FAR: 4/2/15 80! Almost there!
AUD: 69, 74, 4/3/14 81! PASSED
REG: TBD

[tygolfer]

@shawn in VA I know people have had their licensed suspended or had to pay fines for stuff like what happens at your firm…but I guess most of us are just “following to the I and T”

[Missy]

There was someone on this forum that got a warning from the Texas board for calling themselves a “CPA Candidate” on their LinkedIn profile and if I recall correctly Jeff confirmed the email to be legit. So Shawn can think it's a joke and you're more than welcome to agree but make no mistake state boards check at least occasionally.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[shawn in VA]

Ok solid advise….once I pass FAR (plan to take for 1st time in JAN) and waiting on AUD score which I am sure I failed yesterday…I will make sure to ask the managing partner permission to put “CPA” in my email signature prior to getting the license and passing ethics. If one put the time and effort to passing 4 parts of exam, I am sure they have the brains to pass ethics and submit the application for a license…I mean really.

[shawn in VA]

Actually I will ask him by email…so when his response is “YES go ahead” ….and if I get “in trouble” with the state board I will show them the email that my partner of the firm said it was OK and that will remove any so called “liability” from my hands.

The partner is 70 years old at our firm…he does not know all these rules and even if he did he would NOT care one bit. If he allows his staff to use the designation a tad early…he gets to increase their billable rate and in turn make more profits. Sounds like a no brainer

[Parthamis]

I did not read most of these comments, just a heads up.

My resume does not state: CPA candidate, it states the parts I passed and pass dates in Parenthesis. Since you passed all your parts, definitely make it clear that you passed all the parts. I do agree that recruiters will find it a joke to see ‘CPA Candidate' on a resume, especially in Public where the general consensus is you intend on being a CPA.

[Parthamis]

Sorry, I said resume, but I was referring to both resume and LinkedIn. In the title/description (the first piece of information people see under your picture) you should mention All CPA Exams Passed… and maybe “,Pending work experience”

[Bourne]

Lol Shawn your ignorance amazes me. Yes, I'm right on board with you, if I was a managing partner I'd want to increase the billable rates as well. But just because you “have the brains the pass the ethics” doesn't mean anything. Your official application for the license can get denied for an array of items.

I don't think that you understand that just because your partner says it's okay, doesn't mean that it's actually legal. That's like emailing your coworker asking if it's okay that you go smoke a joint after work, the cops happen to catch you, and you show them the email that your coworker said it was okay.

Not saying your partner would get off the hook, but you'd definitely be in some sort of trouble with the law.

[mad max]

Actually I will ask him by email…so when his response is “YES go ahead” ….and if I get “in trouble” with the state board I will show them the email that my partner of the firm said it was OK and that will remove any so called “liability” from my hands. The partner is 70 years old at our firm…he does not know all these rules and even if he did he would NOT care one bit. If he allows his staff to use the designation a tad early…he gets to increase their billable rate and in turn make more profits. Sounds like a no brainer

Shawn, you are either ignorant or a troll; if you don't want to listen to everyone else here, then just do whatever you want. It doesn't matter if the President of the USA tells you that it's okay, you should have learned 100 times over that it is unacceptable while studying for your exams. It is not your partner's decision to allow (or disallow) his employees to use the CPA Designation. Also, ignorance of rules is not a defense. Trying to justify your actions by saying that it is your boss's responsibility and that will somehow remove you of liability will not work. You can 100 percent get in to trouble with the state accountancy board for doing this, and that's probably not a great idea for someone who needs to keep a license in good standing with that very same board. Sources below

501-11—Use of the CPA Designation
A member should refer to applicable state accountancy laws and board of accountancy rules and regulations for guidance regarding the use of the CPA designation. A member who fails to follow his or her state accountancy laws, rules, and regulations on use of the CPA designation would be considered to have used the CPA designation in a manner that is false, misleading, or deceptive and in violation of Rule 501, Acts Discreditable (AICPA, Professional Standards, ET sec. 501 par. .01).

“Use of the Title”

An individual cannot use the title “CPA” unless the individual obtains and continues to hold an active License.

Definition of “holding out”

In general, any action initiated by a member that informs others of his or her status as a CPA or AICPA-accredited specialist constitutes holding out as a CPA. This would include, for example, any oral or written representation to another regarding CPA status, use of the CPA designation on business cards or letterhead, the display of a certificate evidencing a member's CPA designation, or listing as a CPA in local telephone directories.

https://www.aicpa.org/Research/Standards/CodeofConduct/DownloadableDocuments/2014December15ContentAsof2014June23CodeofConduct.pdf
https://cpaboard.wa.gov/use-title
https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/professionalethics/resources/businessandindustrymembers/holdingoutdefinition.html

[Missy]

Shawn don't listen to these people. You go ahead and put CPA after your name.

While you're at it, put MD, JD, and POTUS too.

I said it's ok………..print this thread to cover yourself.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Radez]

Shawn, not sure if it was deliberate or not, but either way, I appreciate the irony of billing an inflated rate based on misleading use of the CPA designation while studying for the ethics exam. Good show.

[shawn in VA]

Raden- Where in the post does it state I did that? A few people at work did that and continue to do sot ONLY after the managing partner gave them the OK. I have yet to pass all 4 (just 2 so far).

Take a XANAX —or a handful at that

[Anonymous]

My mom said it was okay to put CPA after my name too. I have the email to prove it and got it notarized.

Shawn is sure recommending people take Xanax a lot. Maybe he is an MD* too.

[Author]

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