[ineedthiscpa45]

Hello all, i have a question in regards to the 150 credit requirements for the CPA certificate.If i have a accounting degree (130credits) and got approved to sit for the exam does that necessarily mean that it doesn’t matter what the 20 additional credits that I’ll get are? I don’t plan on taking any accounting related courses for my 20 additional credits and wanted to be sure I’ll be in good shape to still get licensed. Any advice would be great!

[TommyTheCat]

what state are you in?

You should check your state board of accountancy for their specific unit requirements across various subjects. Im in CA and the CBA provides a chart that indicates what areas you need to have certain units in.

[Missy]

no it doesn't mean that you've met the course requirements to be licensed. For example if your state requires 6 credit hours of audit coursework, you can be approved to sit before you've met that requirement. Not all accounting degrees include the cpa licensing requirement for every state so its best to see what your state requires for credits and make sure you've met those requirements.

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

[ineedthiscpa45]

@TommyTheCat I'm in Wisconsin

[ineedthiscpa45]

I've read the requirements for my state and it's kind of stale. It says that if you have an acocunting degree which is 24 credits in Accounting covering financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting and 24 semester hours in business courses, other than accounting at the undergraduate level or the graduate level. Which i believe i do have with my accounting degree. I just don't know about the remaining 20 credits because even if i took accounting classes it would essentially be classes i took already which is very pointless and a waste of time.

[NYSCPA]

Check out the LSU for 150 credits post to the Forum.

[NYSCPA]

the remaining credits can be in any subject. Assuming you meet the require accounting and business credits as you list above you can take classes in anything. NYS counted 3 credits for a Human Sexuality course I took via LSU ODL.

[TommyTheCat]

i am in a similar boat in that i need units but have all of the defined areas covered (accounting courses, business courses, shortly will have all of the ethics stuff covered).

I was looking to just take the easiest courses, PE or sexuality or shit like that. Then as I looked into my options I ended up realizing that taking accounting courses would probably be the easiest for me….my local CC offers online courses for stuff like excel for accountants and quickbooks for accountants. Courses I know the material really well already from my work experience. You may find there are some elective accounting courses out there that you havent already taken that you can knock out really easily depending on what knowledge you have obtained already from work experience or other courses youve taken.

[ineedthiscpa45]

Thanks @ NYSCPA & @TommytheCAT after passing the CPA exams I want the easiest courses possible honestly. I'd even take gym if that was 4 credits. The last thing i want to do is pass all four parts then live the life of a college student cramming for tough exams. Those days are over.

[Bianca]

Hi All,

I am in Brooklyn, NY and I am in a similar situation where I need an additional 17 credits. I was under the assumption they can be in anything, but its always best to double check.

Does anyone know if there is a time requirement with the 150 credits. For instance after all 4 parts of the CPA exam is passed, do the 150 credits have to be met within a certain time period after passing?

Thanks!

[NYSCPA]

@INEEDTHISPA45. Welcome to my world. I received my last passing score (BEC) in may of 2015. Didn't get my license till Sept of 2016, took almost two months just process application. I think NYS is just now processing Aug 2017 applications in Dec of 2017! The rest of the time was spent taking courses to meet 150 requirement. Worst feeling in the world!!

[NYSCPA]

@bianca, I am unaware of any such requirement for NYS. But as I mentioned before it is the worst feeling in the world knowing that BS (basket weaving courses, etc.) are standing in your way of your license. So I'd just recommend getting them complete ASAP. Assuming you meet the 30 ACC credits and 26 Business credits (or w.e it is now). the remaining courses can be in anything (religion, basket weaving, human sexuality) try looking at LSU ODL. Some courses are completely online and can be done in 8weeks (this is the earliest you can do it as they don't want people rushing to get courses done in a week).

[BamaGuyinNC]

I know this is not the easy route–my 2 cents would be to try and take courses that could benefit you professionally. Perhaps consider a 2nd Bachelor degree or the hours you need in a subject like Finance to be more marketable toward Financial Analyst roles, or in Information Systems to be more marketable toward IT Audit roles. Other courses to consider would be foreign language to try and get a job with an international company. Just some ideas without having to pursue a Masters.

[Earla Riopel (NYCARE)]

Every time, I read about the 150 credits required for US CPA exam and designation, I am grateful I started my journey two decades ago, received my first pass in BLAW in 1999 (currently called BEC).

I had been grandfathered since July 2000: https://cpaboard.wa.gov/individual-licensing/education-requirements

If I go back for my Canadian CPA program, likely I will be in the same situation. I used to be a former Chartered Accountants (CA) Canadian student. I couldn't secure a CA articling job, so I kind of abandoned my CA program (currently the new CPA Canada). The current Canadian CPA is more attainable than the former CA program, as to work requirement and receiving the designation.

At 51, I don't think it's worthwhile going back and retaking some of my Canadian courses (UBC-DAP grad). The only time I will retake those courses if I am working for an employer who will pay for my tuition fees.

I agree, with most of the recommended advice above, take courses that likely you will enjoy taking and will enhance your career further.

[ineedthiscpa45]

@bamaguyinNC that is great advice! I'm not sure which lane I'll go after passing my CPA exam but those are options to consider. My thought prior to hearing what you said was that if it isn't a masters or additional agree why care what classes. But that makes perfect sense. Thanks a lot!

[murd]

In same boat. graduated with 129 credits. Met all required classes. Now taking classes as fast as I can. I have earned 16 credits since 11/1, hoping to finish my 150 goal by the end of the year.

Just make sure the classes you take are from an accredited university.

[Author]

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