Hi magneto49

The info was real helpfull. I too am one more person thinking of how to get a certificate once I clear all the exams. You explanations cleared all doubts

reddyprav

Hi Magneto

Thanks for the wonderful analysis.

I was not having Colorado in mind when I was talking about getting a Certificate. I know that in CO the requirements for a Certificate and license are the same. I was talking about those States where you can get a Certificate immediately after passing the CPA exam. Rahul should be able to transfer his credits to those States and get his certificate from one of those States. I know that as of now Rahul cannot use the CPA designation. But by transfering his credits to a State that issues a certificate, i feel he should be able to use the CPA designation on his resume and business cards. By doing that he is not implying he is a full fledged practicing CPA.

Do you know of any specific rule that prohibits the use of CPA designation on cards & letters? I have not come across any. If you know of such a rule specifically relating to the use of the designation on cards and letters please share it with us. It will be very helpful. I feel this is still a grey area.

Regarding AICPA membership, I am quoting from my review book -

Requirements for full membership in the AICPA include passing the cpa exam and possesion of a valid unrevoked CERTIFICATE issued by a legal Sate Authority.

So, you have a certificate from your State, you can become a member of AICPA and even after that you cannot add CPA to your name in your business card or Resume?

Hi Magneto, Rahul and reddyprav,

I found this legal news item when i googled "use of CPA designation". This definitely is a grey area. The following is the Kansas attorney general opinion 99-6 (wow! where are we heading?). I am reproducing the conclusion paragraph of this long legal opinion.

"Summarizing, it is our opinion that K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 1-316 does not prohibit a Kansas certificate holder who does not have a certified public accountant permit from using the C.P.A. designation in conjunction with performing nonattest services for the public. Moreover, K.A.R. 74-4-1 and 74-5-2(l) which purport to require a certificate holder to obtain a permit if that person uses the C.P.A. designation in conjunction with performing nonattest services for the public are inconsistent with K.S.A. 1998 Supp. 1-316 and, are, therefore, invalid to that extent.

Rahul

You have to first decide which State will give you a Certificate and then see if that State requires you to pass the Ethics exam. I would suggest that you first look into those States that Magneto mentioned which can give you a Certificate right away. You can look into the Ethics exam requirements for those States.

It may be the best thing to email the State coordinator or any other person in charge about the use of CPA designation on your resume. It will be good to have something in writing from them.

All the best! Hope you will get a positive response. Let us know when you find out.