NY Governor Signs CPA-Licensing Reform: The Barrier Just Got Lower
Kathy Hochul signed a new law that shakes up how you become a CPA in New York.
No more 150-hour degree requirement. Starting 2026, candidates can qualify with:
A regular bachelor’s (≈ 120 credits),
2 years’ experience,
Passage of the CPA exam
New York just joined roughly two dozen states loosening CPA licensing requirements this year.
The “extra year of college” credential, which used to gate-keep a generation of potential accountants, might be disappearing.
What’s the real story behind the reform?
The long-standing “150-hour rule” has discouraged many potential accountants (high costs, extra tuition, delayed starting their careers) at a time when the accounting world faces serious talent shortages.
Supporters say this makes the profession more accessible, modernizes entry, and could help companies refill shrinking finance teams fast.
But some educators & veterans warn: lowering the barrier may dilute quality or lead to a flood of under-prepared CPAs; potentially hurting the profession’s reputation and client trust.
⚠️ The Question
Are we fixing a talent shortage…or simply watering down a credential that was meant to protect quality and accountability?
Because from where I’m standing:
You loosen the license →
More “CPAs” flood the market →
But if training & vetting don’t improve, risk of sub-standard work + audit reliability issues goes up.
So I want to hear from the ones who live this:
Do you see this as a win for staffing shortage, or a looming risk to trust and standards?
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