Research on CPA exam and credit hour requirement
In response to a decline in candidates pursuing a CPA, some states have moved to allowing candidates to take the CPA exam after completing 120 of the 150 required credit hours of college education and then complete the remaining hours to become licensed. Minnesota is considering legislation to allow licesnure after 120 credit hours and two years of experience. Research has been contradictory about how the number of credit hours affects pass rates on the exam. This article addresses "the expanding knowledge base for CPAs that drives the 150-hour requirement; the impact of the CPA Evolution Initiative; barriers to entry into the profession that create pipeline issues; the potential benefits of the 120/150 model; cost considerations, including joint programs with CPA firms to help fund the extra 30 units; and future research considerations."