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Shingi
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Joined: 12 Mar 2008
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Posts: 79

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 at 13:31 \| IP Logged

1. Whats the difference between a certificate & a license?
2. I guess we need a license if--
a. we want to use CPA , title( atleast in CA we need a license); or
b. if we were engaged in public accountancy, so If I were to work in a firm just doing taxes/ review ( no audits), I don't need a license, right? Similarly a license is not required, if I were to work in an organization as an accountant.

3. For the requisite work experience for 12 months( I have around 184 undergrad and 40.5 ( grad) credit hours, so I guess I might qualify for pathway 2)-
a. The supervisor , should hold an active license to practice in US.
b. It can be either with / without attestation.
c. The experience can be gained in any capacity-- Intern/ staff accountant, right?

-S

lelik
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Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Location: United States
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Posts: 1396

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 at 15:13 \| IP Logged

Shingi, it depends on the State. IL allows you to be a "registered CPA" (or, "certified", i.e., no experience requirement, need to pass the CPA exam). So, you can use the CPA title but can't attest, have your own CPA firm, etc. You still can work as an accountant or an auditor. The good thing about the "registered CPA" is no need to obtain 40 CPEs, which can be very expensive if a company doesn't provide them. Though I have required experience, I am not going to get my CPA license.

Experience requirements vary by State. Some States require you to work at a CPA company and under CPA, others allow you to work anywhere as long as you do something accounting/tax or auditing related.

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Shingi
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Joined: 12 Mar 2008
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Posts: 79

Posted: 15 Nov 2009 at 22:25 \| IP Logged

Thanks Lelik.

I am pretty unsure of what I want to do---work for a firm/ in Corporate Accounting( at this point of time), so was thinking whether I should take the ethics exams/ look out for internship for the license.

I did read the California handbook-- but i don't think I came across anything related to the" registeration/ certification" , the Board just provides for licensing procedure.

lelik
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Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1396

Posted: 17 Nov 2009 at 13:04 \| IP Logged

From what I know, CA doesn't offer certifications (one-tier State). Some other States, including IL till 6/30/10, offer two options: Certification and license. It's up to you. I would say that the opportunity to use "CPA" after my name was pretty useful for me so far (general image). :-) I don't do anything public accounting related, though.

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Shingi
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Joined: 12 Mar 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 79

Posted: 17 Nov 2009 at 13:40 \| IP Logged

Hmm--- CA is one tier( just found out, It feels so stupid
asking so many questions without doing the Homework). I
thought probably you have to be involved in Public accountancy if you have a license.So I can have a license
and do whatever I want, right?

Thanks Lelik. I have MS in accounting( US equivalency)
around 220 Credit hours, so I would qualify for pathway
2, still need one year experience. So once I get that I
can take the ethics exam and apply for the license.

Better start finding some work!!!

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