New Jersey's licensure changes go into effect

New Jersey's law adding another pathway to CPA licensure went into effect today, Feb. 11.

In addition to the existing 150-credit-hour path, CPA candidates can now qualify with a bachelor's degree, two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam. The law ensures practice mobility, enabling CPAs licensed in other states to practice in New Jersey. It also ensures that CPAs licensed in the state prior to the effective date will automatically retain their license.

The bill was signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy a month earlier on Jan. 12. 

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"Creating an additional option for licensure inspires more candidates to become CPAs and helps advance the accounting profession," commented Aiysha "AJ" Johnson, CEO and executive director at the New Jersey Society of CPAs, which backed the bill. "We are truly thankful for the collective support for this legislation from our members, the business community, state legislators and other organizations that endorsed the bill."

New Jersey is one of dozens of states that are in the process of proposing or passing similar legislation as part of an ongoing effort to address the profession's talent shortage.