careermindedmom wrote: Nope, Virginia. But we'll be moving to the West Coast this summer... CA/NV and I'm wondering if after I pass the exam if its worth it to see about getting certified in Virginia and THEN try to get a NV or CA license.... or just pass the exam & focus on the new state. In which then I wouldn't worry about my current work experience since I KNOW it wouldn't count in the new state. I have property in Virginia and there is always a chance that we may end up back here... but its unlikely. CA and NV requirements are more stringent so I know in order to get a license there I will need to work in public accounting and do at least 1000 hours in auditing (or something to that effect).

Im in the same situation careermindedmom, as far as the state jumpin goes.  pass the cpa exam in a state, then once you find out where your going to work long term, get certified there.  pass the exam in the 18 month window,, then just do all the applications seperatly and transfer your exam scores over.

careermindedmom wrote: The current state does not require that I work under a CPA but an active CPA must verify my experience and sign off on it. However, I think given everything relating to the situation... I think I'm just going to press forward and find a job with a firm so then I won't have to worry about whether or not the experience will count. I just hope given my background its not too terribly hard to land a job with a local or regional CPA firm. Main goal for me is that I find a firm that does audits, not really specific whether or not the firm is Big4 or what not. My long range goal would be to have my own practice or become a partner at a firm so I'm not incredibly concerned with getting Big4 experience since I have other personal obligations that would pretty much make it impossible to accept something like that. While I realize its helpful, if I network myself well and maintain a great reputation - success will come regardless.

I cannot wait until I get my license because I am definitely going into business for myself. I've never been a person who likes to have a boss. A relative of mine is a successful real estate broker and mortgage broker and she doesn't like working for people either. I have my own virtual bookkeeping business now so I've had a taste of what it is like to be self-employed. Before I got my current job, I ran the business full time but had to go back to work. It was the most relaxing time of my life. I had been stressed out for many years prior and I had a chance to decompress. I loved it!

Hurry up and get your license so you can be your own woman.  =)