CPA Exam Changes on the Way by Marie Solange Lopes, CPA (licensed in Massachusetts) Factors such as specialized core competencies, expanded CPA skill sets and advancing technology are bringing significant changes to the CPA Exam. According to the AICPA, the percentage of nonaccounting graduate degree hires in public accounting firms increased from 20 percent in 2016 to 31 percent in 2018. This reflects how the evolving business environment is affecting the profession and the CPA licensure model. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the AICPA recently launched the CPA Evolution initiative, having solicited input from over 3,000 stakeholders, including AICPA council members, state boards of accountancy, state CPA societies, academia, regulators, students and technology experts. Feedback included suggestions for an updated exam format with revised core competencies and a greater emphasis on technology and expanded skill sets.
JULY/AUGUST 2021 AZ CPA
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