NASBA and the AICPA carefully reviewed all of the feedback received, studied other professions’ licensure models and considered multiple options for updates to the licensure model before developing the below approach, which we expect to launch in 2024. We believe this approach is responsive to stakeholder input and propels the profession into the future.

The new model is a core + disciplines licensure model. The model starts with a deep and strong core in accounting, auditing, tax and technology that all candidates would be required to complete. Then, each candidate would choose a discipline in which to demonstrate deeper skills and knowledge. Regardless of chosen discipline, this model leads to full CPA licensure, with rights and privileges consistent with any other CPA. A discipline selected for testing would not mean the CPA is limited to that practice area.

This model:

• Will enhance public protection by producing candidates who have the deep knowledge necessary to perform high-quality work, meeting the needs of organizations, firms and the public.
• Is responsive to feedback, as it builds accounting, auditing, tax and technology knowledge requirements into a robust common core.
• Reflects the realities of practice, requiring deeper proven knowledge in one of three disciplines that are pillars of the profession.
• Is adaptive and flexible, helping to future-proof the CPA as the profession continues to evolve.
• Results in one CPA license.

Transition policy:

In February 2022, NASBA announced the transition policy for candidates who have started, but not completed, the CPA Exam process by January 2024.

Candidates who have not passed AUD, FAR or REG on the current CPA Exam will need to take the corresponding new core section of AUD, FAR or REG on the 2024 CPA Exam. Candidates who have not passed BEC on the current CPA Exam will need to take ANY of the three discipline sections. (Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).

If, however, a candidate loses credit for AUD, FAR or REG after December 31, 2023, they then must take the corresponding new Core section of AUD, FAR or REG. A candidate who loses credit for BEC after December 31, 2023, must select one of the three Discipline sections to be tested. It is important to note that none of the sections of the current CPA Exam will be available for testing after December 31, 2023. There is a hard cutover from the current CPA Exam sections to the 2024 CPA Exam sections on the January 2024 launch.

Read the full policy here.

Learn more:

For more information about the proposed model and why our two organizations believe it is the best approach for CPA licensure, visit EvolutionofCPA.org.