As of Jan 1, 2009, Florida will require all CPA candidates to have 1 year of experience working under a CPA before they are licensed.  From what I read on the Florida website, scores are good for one year from passing the fourth part and you have 1 year from passing the last part to apply for your license.

I don't have any experience working under a CPA yet.  I'm searching for a job and think I'll have one within a few weeks.  If so, then I wouldn't be eligible for licensure until Oct/Nov 2009 assuming I pass the entire exam by then.  I was going to take the first part of the exam the end of this Oct or Nov.  Should I hold off taking the exam until I get at least 6 months of experience under my belt?

I don't want to take the exam, pass it, and have the 1 year clock ticking to get my experience in risk the scores expiring. On the other hand, I want to start taking the exam so I don't lose the momentum and knowledge I gained from school.  As it is, I graduated June 08 and I'm worried about length of time that keeps passing from when I graduated.

I'm feeling so confused and overwhelmed about this whole process taking so much longer then expected.  I thought I would graduate, study for the exam, and within a year, have my CPA license. 

Any insight, suggestions, and words of encouragement is greatly appreciated! :)

Christine

I found where you got the information about "1 year."  But that is in contemplation of the current rules.

See the provision under (2) at the link below for experience to average 20 hrs/wk. over a 104 wk. period.  The Board will have to flesh out some new rules that are consistent with that 2 year provision.

http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/cpa/documents/270041Sep1608.pd f

I suggest you contact the Florida Board directly with your concerns.  It may even mean that you can continue working on the experience requirement after applying.

I am in California and I had the same question.

The answer from the state board is that once you pass all four tests you are done and thoes scores do not expire - ever.  The ethics scores will expire after one year if you do not have your application fulfilled.

Now while she did mention that waiting will not jepordize my test scores, the requirements to obtain a licence may change from the current conditions (like requiring more than a year or more units etc.) if I wait too long.

Each state is different but this is my understanding for CA.