This bill amends the qualifications for obtaining a certificate as a certified public accountant (CPA) in Iowa. It establishes two pathways for applicants: one requiring at least 150 semester hours of college education, a degree, and one year of experience, and the other requiring at least 120 semester hours, a degree, and two years of experience. The degree must be a baccalaureate conferred by a recognized institution and include a concentration in accounting or a related field. Additionally, the bill specifies that the required experience must involve providing services related to accounting, which can be gained in various sectors including government and academia.
The bill also makes several amendments to existing law, including the deletion of certain subsections and the insertion of new provisions regarding practice privileges for out-of-state accountants. It allows individuals or firms from outside Iowa to practice public accounting in the state without licensure, provided they hold a valid license in their home state and comply with specific conditions. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 542.5, 542.19, 542.20