AICPA, NASBA propose CPA licensure changes in UAA

The American Institute of CPAs and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy proposed a set of changes in the model legislation used in many states to reflect an alternative pathway to CPA licensure based on competency.

Earlier this month, the AICPA and NASBA proposed an alternative to the standard 150-credit hour requirement with a CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway that would allow candidates with a bachelor's degree, and who meet their state's requirements for accounting and business courses, to qualify for a CPA license by demonstrating their professional and technical skills. 

In line with that proposal, they are also recommending changes in the Uniform Accountancy Act, which gives state legislatures and boards of accountancy a national model that can be adopted in full or in part to meet the needs of their own jurisdiction.

To facilitate state adoption of the CPA Competency-Based Experience Pathway, the AICPA and NASBA boards of directors each approved for exposure certain changes to the UAA that would:

• Set the education required to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination at a baccalaureate degree or higher;
• Define the requirements for an additional pathway for licensure as a CPA;
• Maintain mobility for those licensed under a pathway defined in the UAA;
• Facilitate a means to allow state boards of accountancy to identify those licensed under a pathway that is not substantially equivalent to the UAA through a national licensee database; and,
• Provide a mechanism for those who are licensed under a pathway that is not defined in the UAA but who later meet the mobility requirements defined in the UAA.

Separately, the NASBA board of directors approved for exposure UAA Model Rule to update the definitions to reflect the additional pathway for licensure and the experience required for the issuance of an initial certificate under the proposed additional pathway.
The AICPA and NASBA are looking for feedback on the proposed changes through a comment period that will remain open until Dec. 30. Input can be sent to UAA Exposure Draft Comments.