What are the requirements for licensure for CPAs who are not in public practice?
All CPAs, regardless of whether they work in public practice, industry, government or academia, must meet the same education examination and experience requirements to obtain the license. They must also meet the same CPE requirements to retain an active license. Can a CPA who does not work for a CPA firm use the CPA title? Yes. As long as he or she holds a valid license and complies with the CPE requirements, there are no restrictions on his or her ability to use the title. I have never worked in public accounting. Can I meet the experience requirement and qualify for a license? Yes. Assuming you have met the education and examination requirements for licensure, you can qualify if you have had one year of relevant experience. Acceptable experience involves any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills. This experience can be gained by working in government, industry, academia or public practice.
