I sent in my application before completing the experience requirement so there is a large gap from the time I sent in application to when my file was complete.

• 1/29/2011: Sent in CPA application. You are allowed to send in application after passing exam even before completing experience requirements. 
• 2/10/2011: Application confirm card received
• March/April 2011: Completed and sent in experience certification including out-of-state verification. If you have a CPA sign off who is licensed in a state other than California, you must have that state board mail verification to the California Board (Cal. board will send you a form to mail after they receive experience certification)..what a pain that was :(
• 4/9/2011: Received letter from Board indicating all required documents received (dated April 6) 
• 4/14/2011: Received letter CPA application approved (dated April 11)
• 4/15/2011: Mailed green (for public info purpopses) & white (self-addressed card they send back with license #) postcards with $200 check  
• 5/3/2011: Name appears on CA board license lookup
• 5/4/2011: $200 check cashed
• 5/6/2011: Received white postcard with license#
• 5/18/2011: Received pocket license
• 5/20/2011: Received wall certificate
  

cpacs wrote: I have question about "PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT" when I fill out the Certificate of general experience. For example, if my employment was from 1/5/2010, and I still work for this firm.  Shall I fill out Full Time from 1/5/2010 to 1/5/2011, or 1/5/2010 to 5/5/2011 (current date)?? Thanks

I would use the current date. The min. requirement under pathway 2 is one year so showing more certainly wouldn't be an issue.  I used experience from three companies and it totaled slighly more than one year...didn't cause a problem with application.

http://www.calcpa.org/content/licensure/requirements.aspx

Official Guide to becoming a CA CPA.