Additional Pathway to CPA

We drafted a bill to modify New Jersey’s Accountancy Act. The bill, which was introduced on _____, includes the following provisions:

New licensure pathway option: In addition to the existing 150-hour option, candidates will be able to pursue a CPA license by earning a bachelor’s degree, completing two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam.
Individual practice privileges (mobility): CPAs licensed in another state will be able to practice in New Jersey as long as they have a bachelor’s or higher degree, have passed the CPA Exam and have at least one year of experience as a licensed CPA. The same requirements will be necessary for gaining a reciprocal license in New Jersey.
Safe harbor provision: CPAs licensed in New Jersey prior to the effective date of the bill will automatically retain their license.

All provisions would be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

AICPA/NASBA:

After initially proposing a CPA pathway that would include competency requirements as part of the two years of experience, the AICPA and NASBA issued a new proposal without the competency requirements.

States (as of March 31, 2025):

4 states have passed legislation to include an additional pathway to licensure
20 states have introduced legislation or are expected to introduce legislation this year

Get more details on what's happening across the country (courtesy of the Minnesota Society of CPAs).