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Subject Topic: Question for everyone, what would you do? (Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post ReplyPost New Topic
  
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Heisenberg
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Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 21:40 | IP Logged  

Here is my situation: I just finished my undergraduate degree in accounting plus I have a previous non-business related BS for a total of 150 credits.  I will be applying to a state that has the option for getting licensed at 120 credits or 150 credits.  If you qualify under the 120 rule, you have to do 2 years of work experience, but if you get the 150 then it is just 1 year of experience.  The problem for me is that even though I have 150 credits, I do not meet the standards for the 150 rule (I am 6 credits short on upper division level acct courses).  Should I go ahead and apply now and get qualified under the 120 rule, or take 2 more classes to satisfy the 150 rule?  Basically it comes down to how big of a deal is 2 years work experience over 1?  Any thoughts on this?
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Nan - Louisiana
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Posted: 18 Jul 2009 at 22:39 | IP Logged  

1. Looking at the university schedule and the specific courses you might take, see when they are offered and determine how long you would actually need to complete the course requirement.

2.  Are there courses you could take which would significantly enhance your ability to pass the CPA exams and your value to a potential employer?  Have you ever taken Advanced Business Law? Governmental and Not-for-profit Accounting? Advanced Tax? Fraud Examination? Cost Accounting? Advanced Accounting?

My recommendation would be to take the 6 credits now.  It will pay off big time in the long run.  You could have 5+ years work experience and not get anywhere near what these upper division accounting courses could teach you in just a few months.



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Heisenberg
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Posted: 19 Jul 2009 at 00:16 | IP Logged  

NAN, thanks for the insight on my situation.  I will look into this further before I decide what to do.  What do you know about on-line accredited acct courses?  Are they worth it?

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Nan - Louisiana
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Posted: 19 Jul 2009 at 01:19 | IP Logged  

On-line courses are a mixed bag.  Some are worth the effort, others are a complete waste.  Take them only if you don't have a good alternative.

I had an out-of-state undergrad and masters' degrees.  I needed two undergrad senior accounting electives to qualify to take the CPA exams for this state.  My old state graduated accountants with 120 credit hours, and my new state graduated them with 126 hours, so I made up the difference with live classes at the local university.  I took one course in the evening during the spring semester, and the other in the mornings during the summer session.  I don't regret it a bit.  They both covered material that was extremely valuable to me and really helped me in passing the exams.



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FAR - 85 - Nov 08
AUD - 98 - Feb 09
BEC - 88 - Apr 09
REG - 90 - May 09
Do it once, do it right, get it over with
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CPABIZMAN
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Posted: 20 Jul 2009 at 20:29 | IP Logged  

Online courses require quite a bit of self discipline. On
the other hand, it is a pain to drive 45 minutes or longer
each way to attend a class. I have done both. I would not
take an online class for Intermediate I & II or Auditing.

However, saving 1 year in experience requirment means a
lot. I would take the online classes and run with it. Look
into LSU distance education ( plan to take a couple
myself). Also look into Raritan Valley Community college
NJ.
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