[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am slightly confused by whether I am eligible for option 2 to sit the exam in NY. I have quoted Option 2 and Option 3 below and provided the link to the page where I found them.

https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/newyork/

Option 2 (120 sit rule): If you did not apply for licensure prior to August 1, 2009, or if you completed your education after August 1, 2009 and want to sit before completing 150 semester hours, you must meet each of the following:
120 semester hours of college level education;
A course covering each of the following:
Financial accounting, at the upper level,
Cost or management accounting,
Taxation,
Audit and attestation, at the upper level.

Option 3 (150 licensure requirement): If you applied for licensure or completed your education after August 1, 2009 and have completed 150 semester hours, you must meet one of the following:
Completed a registered 150 program approved by NYSED (CPA Examination Services reviews education. Complete Registered Program Form), or
Completed a master’s degree with a major in accounting from a school accredited in accounting by AACSB (CPA Examination Services reviews education), or
Completed a bachelor’s or higher degree and a minimum of 150 semester (225 quarter) hours in college level education to include the following:
33 semester (49.5 quarter) hours in accounting to include each of the following:
Financial accounting, at the upper level,
Cost accounting,
Taxation,
Audit and attestation, at the upper level,
Accounting research, and
36 semester (54 quarter) hours in general business.

So, my particular issue is that I have over 150 credits. I meet the minimum of 120 for Option 2 and I have coursework in those four areas; HOWEVER, it also says that the option is for those who “want to sit before completing 150 semester hours.” Does this imply that I am ineligible to use Option 2 because I have surpassed 150 credits, leaving me only with Option 3, which I have not yet met the requirements of? Would I have been better off taking one or two fewer classes?

Thank you in advance.

[Missy]

Option two is regarding the requirements to take the exam, option 3 is regarding the requirements for licensure. Usually there's lower requirements to take the exam and people can complete the additional requirements for licensure either before or after passing the exam.

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

[CS]

Hello,

I am pretty sure you are eligible to sit, even if you have over 150 but not the complete 33 semester hours of accounting. When you apply through Nasba online, you'll get two evaluation confirmations, the first for testing eligibility (120 hours w/ the 4 required areas) and the second for licensure eligibility (150 hours with 33 semester hours of accounting).

However, best bet is to apply and find out, but as long as you know you've covered the four areas (with appropriate upper-division coursework), I would say you're good to go.

[Author]

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