New York Just Flipped the Script on CPA Licensure

New York dropped a licensing bombshell hotter than a tax season audit letter. With the passage of Assembly Bill A7613B and Senate Bill S6891B, the Empire State has officially opened the door to a new CPA licensure path—one that skips the pricey fifth year of college and doubles down on experience instead. And if you're thinking this is just another tweak to the rulebook, think again. This is a full-on playbook rewrite with ripple effects primed to hit coast to coast. Backed by the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA), the bill now sits on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk. Once signed, it will launch a new route to becoming a CPA: 120 college credits, two years of relevant experience, and a passing score on the Uniform CPA Exam. For a profession starving for fresh talent, it’s a deal sweeter than a zero-debt balance sheet.

Dropping the Fifth Year?

For years, the 150-credit-hour rule was the accounting world’s rite of passage—and its biggest gatekeeper. Often requiring a master’s or extra college year, it meant added costs, delayed earnings, and dwindling interest from would-be number crunchers. Calvin Harris Jr., NYSSCPA CEO, summed it up best: “This is an exciting opportunity for students who, before, might not have considered accounting as a possible career choice.” And the timing? Impeccable. With talent shortages stressing out CFOs nationwide, New York’s move doesn’t just make the profession more accessible—it makes it more competitive. Passing two bills in one session (this one plus an e-signature expansion) is, as Harris put it, “virtually unheard of” in Albany. That’s no small feat in the state known for red tape.

From Barrier to On-Ramp

Don’t worry, traditionalists—this isn’t a full-blown overhaul. The OG pathway of 150 credits + 1 year of experience isn’t going anywhere. Instead, CPA candidates now have two options:

• Option A: 150 credit hours + 1 year of experience
• Option B: 120 credit hours + 2 years of qualifying experience

That second route is the kicker. State regulators have 180 days to define the experience criteria—full-time, part-time, qualifying roles, and more. If you're in HR or on a finance team, now’s the time to tune in and prep for what’s coming. And that e-signature bill? Also a win. The power of attorney holders can now electronically sign tax documents, a small change with a big administrative impact. 

The Talent Shortage

Let’s be real: the accounting profession has been bleeding talent. Baby boomers are bowing out, and Gen Z isn’t lining up at the door. New York’s move reboots the pipeline with a new pool of candidates, people who were priced out by the 150-hour rule, not disqualified by skill. Harris sees it as a wake-up call for CFOs. “This is a chance to embrace talent that previously CFOs haven’t had access to,” he said, urging companies to rethink their recruiting strategies and start mentoring the next-gen leaders early. The talent war? New York just brought a bigger bat.

Open Borders for Bean Counters

Another sleeper clause in the bill: improved mobility. Out-of-state CPAs in good standing can now practice in New York without the reciprocity of red tape. That’s a big deal in today’s remote-work, cross-state world. With firms scaling across borders, flexibility in licensing isn’t just convenient—it’s critical. This rule isn’t just about who enters the profession—it’s about where they can take it.

From Big Apple to Big Trend

Since late 2024, 19 other states—Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Minnesota, and more- have joined the movement. This ain’t just a New York story anymore; it’s a nationwide rethink of what it takes to become a CPA. Even though Florida’s similar bill got stuck in a broader deregulatory quagmire, New York’s success could reenergize the conversation. As Harris put it: “This is what happens when advocacy is relentless, coalitions are united, and the mission is bigger than the moment.” New York’s move is more than a legislative win; it’s a cultural shift. The accounting profession finally needs flexibility, diversity, and modern recruiting. Whether you're a student eyeing the CPA title or a CFO rethinking your hiring funnel, the message is clear: the future of accounting just got a major upgrade. Do you want to stay ahead of the curve? Bookmark this space, subscribe to our newsletter, and keep your eyes on the states likely to follow New York’s lead. The numbers are changing, and you don’t want to be caught doing last year’s math.