[tjg5152]

I’m looking for some advice on how I should list the CPA on my resume. I passed all 4 sections of the CPA but no longer work in the accounting industry. Would it be misleading if i put the CPA on my resume but “(unlicensed)” or “(Unregistered) after?

[Anonymous]

You definitely cannot claim the CPA title. Whether it would be advantageous to list the exams with no intention of completing the certification or not is a matter of opinion. If you do list them, I probably wouldn't list the date passed, so that 5 years from now people don't assume (as CPA50 pointed out) that it's due to some issue that you were unable to get licensed. So, if you're looking for a new job and just list “All 4 parts of uniform CPA exam passed; education/experience/whatever-you-don't-have requirement not met” or something like that, then people will think you're looking to complete the experience and recently passed the exams, rather than wondering why for 5 years you were unable to convince the Board to approve your application.

If 10 credits is all that is holding you back from licensure, I would strongly encourage getting them and getting the license, then putting your license in inactive status (no renewal fees or CPE requirements), so that you can list it accordingly. That way, a future employer knows you met all requirements, but since it wasn't required in your current position you followed proper protocols to put the license on hold. I think that would look a LOT better. If you can find some cheap courses to take for the additional credits, it might not even cost too much.

[Marilyn]

I passed my exams, took all necessary classes and have 5 years at a public accounting firm. Sadly, life got busy with kids, I stopped working and never took the ethics exam or submitted my paperwork. After 30 plus years, I’m wondering if it’s too late for me to get my certificate, even as inactive. It has been haunting me for years as my one big mistake.

[Author]

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