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PICPA Celebrates Governor Shapiro Signing New CPA Pathway into Law, Ushering in a Modern Era for CPA Licensure
PICPA announced the passage of Act 27 of 2025, a new law creating a more flexible pathway to CPA licensure in Pennsylvania. The bill allows candidates to qualify with a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience, and the CPA exam—expanding access while upholding professional standards.
Philadelphia—July 02, 2025 — The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) is proud to announce a major legislative win for the accounting profession. Act 27 of 2025 (formerly known as Senate Bill 719) which passed in the Pennsylvania Senate (49–0) and House of Representatives (202–0) with unanimous support, was signed into law on June 30, 2025 by Governor Josh Shapiro. This landmark bill modernizes Pennsylvania’s CPA licensure requirements, reflective of years of PICPA leadership and advocacy in support of a new, third pathway for aspiring CPAs to achieve licensure.
Backed by Senator Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) and Senator Nick Pisciottano, CPA-Inactive (D-Allegheny), with a companion effort led in the House by Representative Ben Sanchez (D-Montgomery) and Representative Keith Greiner, CPA (R-Lancaster), the new licensure pathway is designed to broaden access to the profession while safeguarding the standards that define the CPA.
“This is a defining moment for Pennsylvania’s accounting profession,” said PICPA CEO, Jennifer Cryder, MBA, CPA. “We’ve worked tirelessly alongside legislators, educators, regulators, and CPA leaders to better accommodate today’s workforce needs while preserving the trust, transparency, and rigor the CPA designation commands.”
A New, Flexible Path to CPA Licensure
As of June 30, 2025, aspiring Pennsylvania CPAs will have an additional pathway allowing young professionals to achieve their designation after:
Earning a bachelor’s degree (including accounting coursework).
Completing two years of relevant, verified work experience under a Pennsylvania-licensed CPA.
Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
This alternative complements the existing 150-credit or Master’s degree model and is designed to open the door for a more diverse, work-ready talent pool without compromising professional standards.
“Our goal was never to lower the bar, it was to open the gate a little wider,” said Peter Calcara, PICPA’s Vice President of Government Relations. “This added flexibility helps ensure the next generation of CPAs can build strong careers and meet the evolving needs of our economy.”
The bill also enhances license mobility provisions, making it easier for qualified CPAs from other states to practice in Pennsylvania without additional administrative burdens. It is another important step toward keeping the state competitive and connected in an increasingly mobile workforce.
After years of strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and policy leadership by state-wide CPA advocates, this is a resounding win for the accounting profession. PICPA will continue working closely with the State Board of Accountancy and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the new provisions.
PICPA members, firms, and future CPAs are encouraged to stay engaged through ongoing updates, events, and educational resources at www.picpa.org.
About the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)
The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) is a premier statewide association of nearly 20,000 members working in public accounting, industry, government, and education. Founded in 1897, the PICPA is the second-oldest state CPA organization in the United States. To learn more, visit www.picpa.org.