Okay, i have heard from multiple people different things! so i am trying to find out for sure! If you do not pass all 4 parts within the 18 month window, do you lose all your parts or just the one that you passed first (and so on)? I emailed the New York accountacy board, and they gave me a one line answer that didnt seem as legit as i wanted it to be. Additionally, I have searched the web and found different sites saying different things. Finally I have some co-workers who say one thing and other who say you lose them all! WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

(BTW, i am more specifically looking for the answer out of the NEW YORK state board)

The 18-month window starts when you pass your first part.  You then have a "rolling" 18-month window to complete the three remaining parts.  You only have to sit for the final part before the end of the 18-month window.  If you pass then you retain all your credit.

It may be a good idea to take the part that you are the weakest in first and save your strongest part for the end.

Note: I am speaking from personal experience.  I took my last part a day before my 18-month window expired.  Luckily, I passed and am now a CPA.