Pennsylvania Just Made It Easier to Become a CPA

Think becoming a CPA means grinding out 150 credit hours? Not so fast. Pennsylvania's new CPA licensure bill is sending shockwaves through the profession. Senate Bill 719, now sitting on Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk, isn’t just a tweak; it’s a full-blown blueprint for the future. Whether you’re recruiting, studying, or planning your firm’s pipeline strategy, this one’s a game-changer. Let’s dive into what just happened, why it’s such a big deal, and why every state might be scrambling to keep up.

The CPA Drought Was Real

We’ve been hearing it for years: the CPA pipeline is drying up. But in Pennsylvania, lawmakers decided to do more than talk. With more than half the state CPAs now over age 50 and fewer students stepping up to the plate, the writing was on the wall: evolving or falling behind. Enter Senate Bill 719. Championed by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and co-sponsored by Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D), the bill passed with rare bipartisan love. As Hutchinson put it, “Senate Bill 719 represents a positive step… offering CPA candidates an additional pathway and improving mobility for out-of-state CPAs.” And here’s the kicker: Pennsylvania’s bill may go live first, despite similar moves in Illinois, Minnesota, and even New York.

Two Roads, One CPA Dream

For decades, the only way to earn your CPA was the 150-hour route. But now, aspiring accountants have two legit options:

Path A (Old School):

• 150 credit hours
• 1 year of professional experience
• CPA Exam

Path B (New School):

• 120 credit hours
• 2 years of professional experience
• CPA Exam

This isn’t about lowering standards; it’s about meeting talent where they are. Swapping 30 classroom hours for a full year of hands-on experience? That’s not cutting corners, that’s stepping up your game. And it’s exactly the kind of flexibility the profession’s been craving.

It’s a Talent Strategy

Here’s the deal -this bill isn’t about making licensure easier. It’s about making it accessible without sacrificing quality. And that distinction matters.

• For students, the 120/2 path means getting into the workforce faster, earning earlier, and gaining real-world experience while working toward licensure.
• For employers, this opens up access to talent pipelines that previously tapped out due to the cost and time of extra college credits.
• For the profession, it’s a way to course-correct declining CPA interest without lowering the bar.

Jennifer Cryder, CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, nailed it: “The future is so bright... this change provides more access for candidates coming into accounting.”  It’s what PICPA calls “modernization”, and frankly, they’re not wrong.

State Lines Ain’t What They Used to Be

Another bonus? Senate Bill 719 greases the wheels for interstate mobility. CPAs licensed in other states can now more easily practice in Pennsylvania; no bureaucratic circus, no pointless paperwork. As long as your home state’s legit, Pennsylvania rolls out the welcome mat. For multi-state firms, remote pros, and CPAs moving in from out-of-state, this is straight-up gold. It aligns with the national mobility model backed by NASBA and the AICPA and reinforces that the CPA license isn’t about geography; it’s about credibility.

Why the 150-Hour Rule

Here’s the truth: the 150-hour rule was never backed by hard data. It became gospel without proof that more classroom time equaled better CPAs. Senate Bill 719 subtly calls that out. Instead of piling on academic hours, it recognizes that real-world experience, combined with a tough exam and ethical oversight, is what really counts. And that shift? It’s not just practical, it’s long overdue.

Other States Better Take Notes

Minnesota may have done it first. New York passed a bill right behind Pennsylvania. But with SB 719 ready to go into law immediately upon signature, PA is now the state to beat.

Why this matters beyond state lines:

• Out-of-state CPAs might head for PA under the new rules.
• Other state boards could face pressure to evolve or lose talent.
• Firms nationwide should rethink how they support CPA candidates; this 120/2 model could soon become the standard.

Pennsylvania just became the policy trendsetter. If you’re a regulator, educator, or firm leader, it’s time to start looking over your shoulder.

Final Verdict

Senate Bill 719 strikes a rare balance: protecting the public interest while finally modernizing a profession that’s been stuck in the ‘90s. It’s a “both/and” solution, not either/or. Firms get flexibility. Students get access. The public gets quality. And the profession gets a second wind. So, if you’re not adjusting your hiring model, outreach plans, or licensure roadmap yet, you’re already behind the eight ball. Stay tuned, stay ready, and share this with every accounting professional you know. For sharper, jargon-free breakdowns of all things finance and accounting, follow MYCPE ONE Insights on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter. We’ve got you covered, coast to coast.