What do I do after passing CPA exam?

Can you get your two years of experience before passing the cpa exam?

• What if I get my two years of accounting experience and then pass the cpa exam a year later? does the experience count towards my license?

• Answer:

  Depends on the state(s) where you're licensed, as each state will have it's own specific work requirements and guidelines, so you'll need to check your state's Board of Accounting website. I am licensed in VA, MD, and DC - all of which required 1 year of work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. For these jurisdictions, the work experience component was not affected by when you passed the exam (i.e. you could start work on Jan 1 2009, pass all 4 sections during 2009, and apply for your license on Jan 1 2010). I do not know of any state that requires you to pass all 4 sections before counting work experience.