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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ch. SL 2025-352025-07-01

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill modifies North Carolina's CPA certification requirements by creating two educational pathways: one requiring 150 semester hours with an accounting concentration (needing 1 year of experience) and another requiring only a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration (needing 2 years of experience). It also renames the State Board of Accountancy to the State Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners and becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses workforce shortages in accounting by making it easier for qualified candidates to become CPAs, particularly those with bachelor's degrees who may not have completed 150 semester hours.
• •The flexible pathway allows experienced accounting professionals to earn certification more efficiently, potentially increasing the supply of CPAs to meet business demand in North Carolina.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that lowering educational requirements could compromise the quality and standardization of CPA credentials, as the 150-semester-hour requirement exists nationwide in most states to ensure comprehensive knowledge.
• •Critics might also contend that the two-year experience requirement for the bachelor's-only pathway is insufficient compared to the one-year requirement for the 150-hour pathway, creating potential inconsistency in qualification standards.