Vermont signs licensure changes into law

Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed a bill into law that creates an additional pathway to CPA licensure — one of the last few states left to pass changes to licensure requirements.

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The legislation allows a candidate to apply for a license with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, two years of experience, and passage of the CPA exam. It also ensures practice mobility so out-of-state accountants can serve clients in Vermont. The changes are effective immediately.

“It’s quick,” Vermont Society of CPAs executive director Sadie Fischesser told CFO Dive. “It really keeps us competitive with other states and it’s designed not to have a lot of Vermont-specific hoops to jump through.” 

The existing pathways remain intact: the 150 credit-hour rule, or a post-baccalaureate degree with a concentration in accounting and one year of experience. Both require passing the CPA Exam.

Over the past two to three years, the profession has made a unified effort in an effort to make accounting more accessible amid an ongoing talent shortage. Over 40 states have passed similar laws or changes.