CPA Exam Educational Requirements (continued)
(This evaluation is not necessary if you studied a semester abroad as part of
your program at a U.S. accredited college.)
4. Is there a difference between the educational requirements to sit for the
exam and those to obtain CPA certification?
Yes, you need 150 educational credits for CPA certification in Massachusetts.
Specific coursework depends on the highest degree you obtain. To view
these requirements, please visit www.cpatrack.com.
* 5. Is there a time limit to meet the 150-hour certification requirement if I
sit for the exam before attaining 150 credits?
Yes, you have 3 years from the time you receive notice of passing all four
parts of the exam to meet the educational requirements for CPA certification.
If you don’t, you will need to retake all parts of the exam.
* 6. Can I sit for the exam during my final semester before my
baccalaureate commencement?
No, you cannot sit for the exam before the date your bachelor’s degree is
conferred (this is the official graduation date that appears on your final
educational transcript). However, you can sit for the exam before you
actually receive your final transcript as long as you can provide the final
transcript to CPA Exam Services within 90 days of taking the exam.
* 7. Can I apply for the examination before I complete my degree and/or
required accounting and business courses?
Yes, in addition to your application, you will be required to complete a
Certificate of Enrollment (COE) form as evidence that you are enrolled and that
all courses and graduation requirements will be completed prior to the date
that you sit for your first section. Before you schedule your exam appointment,
be certain your final transcript will be available within 90 days and that the
degree conferral date as it appears on your final transcript is before your exam
date. (If you don’t know your degree date, check with the college registrar.)
Once the educational requirements have been met, an official transcript
must again be submitted to CPA Exam Services (CPAES) to confirm degree
conferral and/or satisfactory completion of courses. The final official transcript
must be received by CPAES within 90 days of sitting for the first exam section. Failure to do so will result in the loss of any credit received for any part
of the examination passed prior to providing the final official transcript.
8. Can I use credits earned as Independent Study to meet the accounting
credit requirement?
Yes, as long as your college categorizes the course as an accounting course
on your transcript. The credits cannot be used to meet any of the four
required areas of coverage, i.e. audit, taxation, management accounting
or financial accounting.
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