Everything You Need to Know About Changing Experience, CPE Requirements

Experience Requirements

Aspiring Connecticut CPAs no longer need six months of experience in the attest function in order to apply for initial licensing. Two years of experience in a number of arenas is sufficient, as long as the experience is acquired under the supervision of a CPA in good standing.

Q: When is the change effective?

A: The change is effective immediately. Candidates for initial CPA certification do not need six months of attest experience.

Q: When does the experience need to be acquired?

A: According to the new regulations, “Such experience must have been obtained no earlier than 10 years prior to the date of receipt by the Connecticut Board of Accountancy (the 'Board') of a complete application for initial certification.”

Q: What are examples of qualifying work?

A: The two years of required experience may be in the fields of public practice, government, and industry; the key is that the work must be completed under the supervision of a CPA in good standing. If you are unsure if your experience counts toward the requirement, view specific circumstances listed in the language set forth by the State Board of Accountancy or talk with your supervising CPA.

Q: How can I become a CPA?

A: The other requirements are the same. In order to become certified as a CPA, you must complete 150 hours of education, pass all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam, pass the AICPA Professional Ethics for CPAs self-study course, and acquire two years of work experience under the supervision of a CPA. View a quick reference sheet on the requirements to become a CPA.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: You can read the “State of Connecticut Regulation of State Board of Accountancy Concerning Experience Required for Certification.”

Q: Whom can I contact about this change and my efforts to become a certified CPA?

A: You can contact Student and New Professional Outreach Specialist Alicia McCain at 860-258-4800, ext. 217 or aliciam@cscpa.org.  

 

CPE Requirement

Updated March 2, 2010

At its March 2, 2010 meeting, the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy voted to suspend the 16-hour attest CPE requirement which was implemented in October 2009. There is no attest requirement due for June 30, 2010.

Effective July 1, 2010, the new CPE requirement is as follows: Any certified public accountant license holder who performs attest or compilation services or who signs financial statements on behalf of the firm shall earn eight (8) hours of the 40 hours of continuing professional education in the subject areas of financial statement preparation and reporting.