The Accountancy Practice Amendment Act of 2025 aims to revise the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in the District of Columbia. The bill introduces a new pathway for licensure that allows individuals with a baccalaureate degree and two years of relevant work experience to qualify for a CPA license, provided they pass the CPA examination. This new pathway replaces the previous requirement of a master's degree and 150 semester hours of education, which has been a barrier for many prospective accountants. Additionally, the bill grants the Mayor the authority to establish further licensure requirements through rulemaking.
The legislation also amends the mobility provisions for accountants licensed in other jurisdictions, allowing them to practice in the District without needing to obtain a local license, as long as they hold a valid license in good standing from another state and meet certain examination and experience criteria. This change is intended to align the District's licensure standards with those of neighboring states, which have already adopted similar reforms. The bill reflects a broader effort to address the decline in licensed CPAs and to modernize the accountancy profession in the District.