In order to obtain a license as a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York, candidates must meet educational, exam and experience requirements. In addition, applicants must be a minimum of 21 years old and be of good moral character. The process of becoming a new York CPA consists of submitting an application (along with $377 fee) to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions and passing the CPA exam for New York state. The following includes basic information on obtaining a CPA license in New York.
New York CPA Educational Requirements
New York has two options for meeting CPA educational requirements. The first option is a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in accounting from an AACSB accredited accounting program. Candidates can also fulfill the requirement with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited school that includes 33 accounting hours, 36 general business hours, and the completion of courses in accounting research, business/accounting communications, and ethics/professional responsibility.
The second option to fulfill the New York CPA education requirements is 15 years of work experience under the direct supervision of a US or New York State CPA. For more information on substituting work experience for CPA education requirements, refer to the New York Office of the Professions Public Accountancy division.
New York CPA Exam Requirements
The 2010 New York CPA application fee is $377. If required, submit any interstate exchange for the examination along with the application. The exam is administered by computer, and covers auditing & attestation, regulation, financial accounting and reporting, and business environment and concepts. Candidates have the choice of taking the exam all at once, or taking the parts separately. No more than 18 months may pass between the successful passing of the first and last part of the exam.
The State of New York’s CPA licensure exam is administered by CPA Examination Services. This organization is a division of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. A score of 75 or higher is considered passing.
Work Experience Requirements
In order to obtain for CPA licensure in the State of New York, all candidates must complete one year of full-time work experience. The State of New York defines full-time work as five days per week for 35 to 40 hours. If working part time (at least 20 hours per week), count one week towards the CPA work requirement for every two weeks actually worked. Acceptable work must be supervised by a CPA and must involve performing accounting work.
Issuance of New York CPA License
After successfully passing the exam and completing of all other requirements, CPA candidates will receive their license from the State of New York. For questions about the CPA licensing process, please contact The New York Office of the Professions on their website, or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 270. For questions about the CPA exam, contact CPA Examination Services on their website, or by calling 1-800-272-3926.
Sources:
New York Office of the Professions, “Public Accountancy” (accessed 9/5/2010)
CPA Examination Services, “ CPA Exam Application ” (accessed 9/5/2010)
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