Oklahoma celebrated a new pathway to certified public accountant licensure during a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Kevin Stitt, state officials, and accounting professionals.
House Bill 4317 allows candidates to qualify for CPA certification with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and two years of supervised work experience. The law preserves Oklahoma’s existing education pathways and maintains the requirement that every candidate pass the CPA examination.
Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, authored the legislation. Kendrix, a CPA with more than 30 years of experience, said the change responds to an industry shortage while reducing the time and expense required to enter the profession.
“We need to make sure our licensing requirements are preparing students for the workforce, not simply requiring them to take more classes and pay more costs,” Kendrix said. “This legislation helps us move toward a system that emphasizes mentorship and real-world experience, while still maintaining the higher education path for those who choose it.”
Candidates pursuing the new pathway must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within the required timeframe. They also must complete an ethics examination and criminal background check before receiving their certification.
Blaine M. Peterson, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, called the legislation the state’s most significant change to CPA licensure in a generation.
“By updating the pathways to CPA certification, we are widening the door for talented students and professionals seeking to enter this profession without compromising the standards that protect the public,” Peterson said. “This legislation is workforce development in action in our state. It strengthens Oklahoma’s talent pipeline, supports the businesses and communities that rely on CPAs, and ensures our state remains competitive in attracting and retaining skilled professionals.”
HB 4317 also authorizes the Oklahoma Accountancy Board to grant CPA certificates to qualifying applicants licensed in other states.
The law takes effect Nov. 1.
