California Rewrites CPA Licensing Law as Fewer Candidates Apply

California has joined 21 other states in revising licensing mandates for accountants, offering a faster route to earn the CPA credential in a move aimed at expanding access to the profession.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) Friday signed into law legislation, AB 1175, that allows accountants to qualify for the license with a standard bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience. The law also hands the California Board of Accountancy authority to set more detailed education standards, among other changes.

The new education requirements take effect in January 2027.

Requirements first adopted decades ago set a higher bar for ...