The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy has recommended CPA exam candidates have up to 30 months to complete the test. The proposal would extend the time from 18 months to pass the remaining three exam section after a candidate's passing the first one.
Since the launched of the computer-based exam in 2004, candidates have had 18 months to complete the test with all 55 states and territories adopting the rule. These entities would each need to adopt the recommendation for it to take effect.
The NASBA Board of Directors voted on April 21 to adopt an amendment to UAA Model Rule 5-7. The amendment based the calculation of conditional credit for Exam sections passed on the date that scores are released. According to NASBA’s public statement, it also “adds descriptive language to provide greater clarity for when Boards of Accountancy may extend conditional credit.”
NASBA has also found that score delays may occur when significant updates are made to Exam content and structure. The recommended rule aims to make timing of granting exam credits uniform among the many jurisdictions.
Bob Scott has provided information to the tax and accounting community since 1991, first as technology editor of Accounting Today, and from 1997 through 2009 as editor of its sister publication, Accounting Technology. He is known throughout the industry for his depth of knowledge and for his high journalistic standards. Scott has made frequent appearances as a speaker, moderator and panelist and events serving tax and accounting professionals. He has a strong background in computer journalism as an editor with two former trade publications, Computer+Software News and MIS Week and spent several years with weekly and daily newspapers in Morris County New Jersey prior to that. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Bob is a native of Madison, Ind