Rhode Island, Louisiana introduce alternative pathways to CPA licensure bills

Rhode Island and Louisiana are the latest states to introduce legislation to create alternative pathways to CPA licensure.

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Rhode Island Rep. Stephen Casey introduced a House bill on Feb. 27, which was referred to the House Corporations Committee, as reported by CFO Dive. Louisiana Rep. Gerald “Beau” Beaullieu IV pre-filed House Bill No. 548 on Feb. 26, which was referred to the House Committee on Commerce earlier this week.

Rhode Island’s legislation would take effect upon the bill’s passage. It would replace the 150-credit-hour requirement with the new pathways, all which require passing the CPA exam: 

1. Graduate degree or post-baccalaureate degree and one year of experience;
2. Bachelor’s degree plus 30 credit hours and one year of experience; or,
3. Bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration and two years of experience.

Louisiana’s pathways would be similar, but the effective date is not clear.

These are the latest of dozens of states passing similar legislation and regulation changes as part of a broader profession-wide effort to address the talent shortage. The aim is to make the accounting profession more accessible by reducing the years — and therefore cost — of education required to obtain CPA licensure.