Becoming a CPA

Experience

Candidates are required to have two years of experience obtained while under the supervision of a CPA.

• Experience need not be paid and can be in the form of internships or co-ops. However, all experience must be obtained under the supervision of an individual who has held a CPA certificate for at least three years.
• Experience may be obtained in public accounting, industry, or government.
• Experience must be obtained no earlier than 10 years prior to the initial application for certification.
• In order for experience to count it needs to be in four out of the eight categories below:
  • Assessment of the adequacy of the employer’s internal controls
  • Testing of the adequacy of the employer’s internal controls
  • Tax return preparation
  • Tax return research
  • Preparation of financial statements
  • Analysis of financial statements
  • Cost accounting
  • Budgeting 

As of now, there are no time constraints on how many hours you need in each experience category.

Calling all corporate accountants!

If you thought CPA status was out of your reach because of Connecticut's old experience requirements, the above requirements (which became regulation in 2011) just may open the door for you. Read more about how the new requirements can help you achieve your goals.