Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy Questions

• What is the PICPA's relationship to the State Board of Accountancy?
• How do I contact the State Board of Accountancy?
• What experience do I need to receive my CPA certificate?
• When am I required to complete my CPA work experience?
• Where can I get CPA certification applications?
• How do I renew my CPA license?
• If my CPA license is inactive, can I still be a member of the PICPA?
• How do I place my license on inactive status?
• How do I reactivate my inactive Pennsylvania CPA license?
• My CPA license is on inactive status. Am I permitted to use the CPA designation after my name?
• I have passed the CPA exam in a state other than Pennsylvania. How do I obtain a reciprocal license to practice public accounting?
• What are the professional education requirements to maintain an active CPA license in Pennsylvania?
• Is the PICPA an approved sponsor of professional education programs as required by the State Board of Accountancy?

Q: What is the PICPA's relationship to the State Board of Accountancy?

A: The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy regulates the practice of public accountants and certified public accountants. The licensing authority and requirements for CPAs fall under the auspices of the Board of Accountancy for the state or jurisdiction in which a CPA practices.

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Q: How do I contact the State Board of Accountancy?

A: You can contact the State Board at the following address:

Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-1404
Fax: (717) 783-7769
E-mail: ST-ACCOUNTANCY@state.pa.us
Web site: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=432428

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Q: What experience do I need to receive my CPA Certificate?

A: The CPA Law sets up the following education and experience requirements:

• Candidates passing the CPA exam with a bachelor's degree need two years of experience, including 800 hours of attest activity.
• Candidates passing the CPA exam with a master's or post-graduate degree need one year of experience, including 400 hours of attest activity.
• Candidates passing the CPA exam with a 150-hour education need one year of experience, including 400 hours of attest activity.

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Q: When am I required to complete my CPA work experience?

A: The State Board of Accountancy regulations say those taking the examination before Jan. 1, 2000 need not attain the experience required within any particular period of time, but those taking the examination for the first time after Jan. 1, 2000 must complete the experience required within 120 months preceding the date of application for a CPA Certificate.

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Q: Where can I get CPA certification applications?

A: Certificate applications can be downloaded from the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy Web site.

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Q: How do I renew my CPA license?

A: Licenses expire April 30 of every even-numbered year. The State Board mails renewal notices 2 to 3 months prior to the license expiration date. The cost for renewal is $45.

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Q: If my CPA license is inactive, can I still be a member of the PICPA?

A: Yes. Unlike other associations, there are no professional education requirements for membership with the PICPA. Your membership is voluntary. Whether your CPA license is active or inactive, your membership with the PICPA is unaffected.

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Q: How do I place my license on inactive status?

A: In February or March of even-numbered years, you will receive your license renewal application from the State Board. Check the box on the license renewal application marked inactive status and send it back to the State Board. There is no time limit for inactive status.

If you want to place a license on inactive status while the license is current, you must return the biennial registration & wallet card with a written request for inactive status to the State Board at:

Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

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Q: How do I reactivate my inactive Pennsylvania CPA license?

A: You may reactivate your license by contacting the State Board of Accountancy and requesting a reactivation application.

You will be required to complete a reactivation application, complete the CPE reporting form, provide verification of completion of professional education courses, and then pay the renewal and reactivation fees.

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Q: My CPA license is on inactive status. Am I permitted to use the CPA designation after my name?

A: Yes, but there are some stipulations. If you are not working in public accounting, you may use the CPA designation after your name, but only if you also indicate your current job title and your employer's name. For example, on a business card or stationary, you may have printed, "Joe Smith, CPA, Controller, XYZ Co." For more details on these stipulations contact the State Board of Accountancy at (717) 783-1404.

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Q: I have passed the CPA exam in a state other than Pennsylvania. How do I obtain a reciprocal license to practice public accounting?

A: Please contact the State Board:

Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-1404
Fax: (717) 783-7769
E-mail: ST-ACCOUNTANCY@state.pa.us
Web site: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=432428

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Q: What are the professional education requirements to maintain an active CPA license in Pennsylvania?

A: CPAs are required to complete 80 hours in programs approved by the State Board. The reporting period for licensees shall be Jan. 1 of even-numbered years to Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years. A minimum of 20 credit hours shall be taken each year.

For more details on professional education requirements and program sponsor responsibilities, review the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.

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Q: Is the PICPA an approved sponsor of CPE programs as required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy?

A: Yes, our sponsor number is PX-000490-L.

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