The world of accounting stands on the edge of a big shift. On May 13, 2025, the leaders of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) rolled out a wider plan for CPA licensing—to give future accountants more options while keeping the public safe.

Why They Needed to Make Changes

In the past, people who wanted to become CPAs had two main routes:

While these routes have served the profession well, evolving business demands and a workforce that moves around more have revealed gaps in them. Most states have begun to pass laws that make it easier to move and update experience requirements, but until now, there wasn’t one national model for these new ideas.

Introducing the New “2-Year Path”

The heart of the update is a new third option that requires

• A bachelor’s degree focusing on accounting
• Two years of qualifying job experience
• Passing the Uniform CPA Exam

AICPA and NASBA aim to create a faster path for candidates with substantial work experience. This new route won’t demand extra college credits beyond a bachelor’s degree.

What’s Next for the Field?

AICPA and NASBA understand that accounting is changing at a rapid pace—from data analysis to sustainability reports. To prepare new CPAs for the challenges ahead, they plan to:

• Get feedback: Ask regulators, teachers, and firms about the most crucial skills.
• Do research: Conduct a thorough study to spot upcoming skills and update licensing rules as needed.

At the same time, they’ll roll out tools to help current CPAs navigate the new mobility rules making it easy for them to adapt as each state joins in.

What You Should Do

If you’re working towards becoming a CPA:

By opening up more ways to get licensed and easing relocation hassles, these changes could breathe new life into the CPA field. They aim to make it easier to enter, more in tune with needs, and better suited for today’s complex business world. Whether you’re just starting out or already well into your career, this new approach keeps the focus where it matters: helping the public and allowing accountants to thrive.