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FAQ

If your question isn't answered on this page, e-mail biannoni@mscpaonline.org
  1. What are the general requirements for becoming a CPA?
  2. What is the education requirement for becoming a CPA?
  3. Does this mean that I will need a graduate degree to become a CPA?
  4. Does my college-level education need to include specific coursework?
  5. How do I know if my accounting program is accredited by the AACSB or approved by the Board?
  6. How does my level of education affect the experience requirement for certification?
  7. If I don't become certified by July 1, 2002, will I be subject to the 150-hour requirement?
  8. Once I'm certified, do I have to do anything to maintain my license?
  9. What if I move to another state? Will my license transfer with me?
  10. Where do I find out more information about becoming a CPA?
  11. Why should I join the Massachusetts Society of CPAs?

 

  1. What are the general requirements for becoming a CPA?
    All candidates for certification must meet specific educational requirements and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. In addition, experience in the practice of public accounting may be required, depending on your educational background.
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  2. What is the education requirement for becoming a CPA?
    After July 1, 2002, candidates wishing to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam in Massachusetts will be required to have 150 credit hours of college level education. The 150-hour requirement is a result of the growing demand for CPAs to provide clients with a wide range of professional services. CPAs are required to make increasingly complex and technical judgments, creating the need for professionals with diverse skills and a broad educational background. The additional education requirement is designed to meet this need.
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  3. Does this mean that I will need a graduate degree to become a CPA?
    NO, the only degree required for certification is a bachelor's degree. However, the skills and knowledge usually developed in a graduate program (e.g., Masters of Accounting, Masters in Tax, MBA, law degree) may be very useful in helping CPAs to meet client demands. For this reason, the Massachusetts Society of CPAs strongly encourages a graduate education.
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  4. Does my college-level education need to include specific coursework?
    It depends; the new requirements vary based on the highest degree you obtain.

    If you obtain a master's degree in accounting from an AACSB accredited accounting program, or one approved by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy, you will not need to meet specific course requirements. If you earn a graduate degree in accounting from an accounting program that is not approved by the Board or a graduate degree in business or law, you will need 18 credit hours of accounting at the graduate level or 24 credit hours at the undergraduate level. These courses must include coverage in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting. Elementary or introductory accounting courses do not qualify for this course requirement. In addition, you must have an additional 24 credit hours of business courses at the undergraduate level or 18 credit hours at the graduate level.

    If your highest degree is a bachelor's degree, you will need both 24 credit hours in accounting and 24 credit hours in business courses. The accounting courses must include the content specified above, and if your degree is not in business you must have at least three credit hours in each of the specified areas. Generally, the business courses must include coverage in business law, quantitative applications in business, information systems, finance, and coverage in at least one of the areas of economics, business organizations, professional ethics, and/or business communication. If your degree is not in business, your 24 credit hours in business must include at least three credit hours in each of the areas of business law, information systems, professional ethics and finance.
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  5. How do I know if my accounting program is accredited by the AACSB or approved by the Board?
    Check with the administrator of your program, or obtain a list of accredited and approved programs from the Board of Public Accountancy or from the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. The AACSB web site also lists accredited accounting programs.
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  6. How does my level of education affect the experience requirement for certification?
    After the 150-hour requirement is in place, candidates for certification will be subject to a shorter experience requirement than that currently in effect. The experience requirement for certification will be reduced to one year. However, if you have a graduate degree in accounting, business or law, there is no experience required for certification. In all cases, if you intend to be associated with the issuance of financial statements, you will be required to complete 1000 hours in the report function of full disclosure financial statements within three years prior to accepting a report engagement. In other words, this means that you will need experience in auditing before you can sign audit opinions.
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  7. If I don't become certified by July 1, 2002, will I be subject to the 150-hour requirement?
    If you sit for the CPA exam before July 1, 2002, you will not be subject to the 150-hour requirement, even if you do not pass the exam at that sitting. You will, however, be subject to the existing rules that require you to have at least 24 credit hours in accounting subjects, including at least six credit hours of financial accounting, and three credit hours in each of the areas of audit, tax, and in any other advanced accounting area. However, keep in mind that if you do not meet the 150-hour requirement you will be subject to the existing experience requirements. This means that you will need three years of experience (or two with a graduate degree) to become certified. Given this tradeoff, the knowledge and expertise you will gain from advanced studies, and the additional career benefits associated with a graduate degree, it may make sense for you to satisfy the 150-hour requirement even if you are eligible to take the exam before July 1, 2002. Also remember that if you sit for the exam before July 1, 2002, and later complete the 150-hour requirement before you apply for your CPA license, you will be able to take advantage of the new reduced experience requirements.
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  8. Once I'm certified, do I have to do anything to maintain my license?
    The need to enhance your skills and knowledge doesn't end with certification. Once licensed, every CPA is required to obtain at least 80 hours of acceptable continuing education in each two-year period preceding re-licensing. In addition, every CPA is required to adhere to a code of professional conduct that helps to maintain integrity and dignity in the profession. Finally, CPAs in the practice of public accounting (or their firms) are required to undergo a quality review process within three years prior to applying for license renewal.
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  9. What if I move to another state? Will my license transfer with me?
    Reciprocity, or the recognition of your Massachusetts license in another state, is ultimately the decision of the licensing board in your new state. However, since almost all states have adopted the 150-hour education requirement, it is likely that if you meet the new certification requirements for Massachusetts you will be able to obtain a license in another state.
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  10. Where do I find out more information about becoming a CPA?
    A good place to look for comprehensive information on becoming a CPA is the Student Lounge web site of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. If you need information about sitting for the Uniform CPA Exam, you should call CPA Examination Services (1-800-CPA-EXAM). If you have specific questions about any licensing requirements, you should visit the Board of Public Accountancy web site, or contact the Board at:

    Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy
    239 Causeway Street, Suite 500
    Boston, MA 02114
    (617) 727-1806
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  11. Why should I join the Massachusetts Society of CPAs?
    The Society is the only professional organization representing CPAs in Massachusetts. Membership provides you with information, education, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a strong voice in front of the legislature and public. In short, the Society will help you to meet your career and personal goals as a CPA. There are various categories of membership available, including student and associate memberships. To receive membership information and an application, contact the Membership Department at 1-800-392-6145.
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