A study of the various state requirements for certified public accountants with a view towards uniform requirements

Abstract

All the fifty states have enacted laws recognizing and regulating the use of the title Certified Public Accountant. Although most of the state laws and regulations are similar, there are some very important differences in many of the specific provisions of the various acts from state to state. Due to the different provisions in the various state acts, the requirements which must be met in order to become a Certified Public Accountant vary depending upon in which state one wishes to become certified. The purpose of this study was to analyze the various state acts governing Certified Public Accountants which are currently enacted by the fifty states and to develop specific recommendations as to specific provisions which should form a basis for the development of a uniform act which would be used by all the fifty states. The primary source of information for this study was the actual fifty state acts presently enacted. These acts were obtained by requesting them from the various states. The data for discussion of the various provisions was obtained from library research. Based on the results of this study, the following specific conclusions were reached: 1. The education requirement for a candidate as a Certified Public Accountant should be postgraduate study devoted principally to accountancy and business administration. 2. The experience requirement for a candidate as a Certified Public Accountant should be deleted if the education requirement above is met. 3. The residency requirement for a candidate as a Certified Public Accountant should be that the candidate is a resident of the state, or has a place of business therein, or is regularly employed therein. 4. A reciprocal certificate should be issued to any applicant who is a holder of a certificate as a Certified Public Accountant issued by any other state.