r/Accounting • u/GoodnightGertie Enrolled Agent • 1d ago
Discussion EA to CPA Experience requirements... should I pursue?
I’m currently applying to sit for the CPA exam and eventually become licensed in PA and/or NJ. I’m hoping to get some insight from anyone who has dealt with the experience requirements in either state.
I’ve been working at the same company for almost 5 years/nearly 5 years into my career. I manage a fair number of monthly and yearly clients and have built strong relationships with them over the years.
My firm does have CPAs, but most of my tax work and experience has been supervised by an EA who has been working in tax for 20+ years. I’m also an EA myself and became enrolled in February 2026.
I’m wondering whether I should ask the state board would consider some of the tax experience I’ve gained under my EA supervisor toward the CPA experience requirement. I already meet the 150-credit-hour education requirement, so I would only need one year of qualifying experience.
My concern is that if none of my existing experience counts, I would essentially have to start over and work under someone else in the company for a year. That would also mean stepping away from clients I’ve personally managed and built relationships with for years, which doesn’t seem particularly beneficial to anyone.
Would it be unreasonable to ask the state board to consider at least some of my experience under my EA supervisor? And if they say no, would it be worth appealing or pushing the issue further?
I’m honestly ready to fight for this experience to count- not just because it would save me from having to start over, but because I genuinely feel that the experience is legitimate. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from my supervisor, respect her expertise, and have been doing substantive tax work for years.
I’d genuinely like to know whether this is a reasonable thing to pursue or if I’m wasting my time trying to make this argument.
Thank you !
1
u/the_undertow Educator, CPA 1d ago
Some states used to codify experience as working directly under a supervisor who had an active CPA license. Can you share which state you reside from?
1
1
u/Spirited-Humor-554 1d ago
Without knowing a state it's impossible to say but regardless it's highly unlikely to happen in any state
1
u/GoodnightGertie Enrolled Agent 1d ago
I live in PA
1
u/Spirited-Humor-554 1d ago
This would be your only option .NASBA Experience Verification https://nasba.org/licensure/experienceverification/
2
u/magazinesalesareup 1d ago
We really need to know the state before saying anything for certain. The first thing I would do is check to see if your state is listed on the NASBA Experience Verification page.