N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8 § 70.4

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 51, December 18, 2024

Section 70.4 - Licensing examinations

(a) Content. The licensing examination shall consist of an examination designed to test the knowledge and skills required for licensure as a certified public accountant as determined by the Department. The Department may accept an examination to become a licensed certified public accountant as recommended by the State Board for Public Accountancy.

(b) Passing score. The Department shall determine a passing score, in consultation with the State Board for Public Accountancy, on an examination accepted pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section.

(c) Retention of credit. On or before December 31, 2023, the retention period on an examination approved pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall be for a period of 18-months. Such 18-month retention period shall be computed in a manner determined by the Department. On or after January 1, 2024, the retention period on an examination approved pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section shall be for a period of 30-months. Such 30-month retention period shall be computed in a manner determined by the Department.

(1) Extension requests. The Department may in its discretion provide an applicant with an extension to the retention period prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section. An extension may be granted upon a finding by the Department of extenuating circumstances outside the applicant's control. The length of an extension shall be determined by the Department as it relates to the length of the extenuating circumstances experienced by the applicant. The Department may consult with the State Board for Public Accountancy on the appropriateness of granting extension requests.

(d) Admission to the examination.

(i) Prior to August 1, 2027, for admission to the licensing examination as a New York State candidate, the candidate shall meet all education requirements including, but not limited to, completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of study in an acceptable accredited college or university which shall include at least one course in each of the mandatory professional accounting content areas defined in subparagraph (i) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of section 52.13 of this Title, or its equivalent as determined by the Department;

(ii) On or after August 1, 2027, for admission to the licensing examination as a New York State candidate, the candidate shall meet all education requirements including, but not limited to, completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of study in an acceptable accredited college or university which shall include at least one course in each of the mandatory professional accounting and business content areas defined in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of section 52.13 of this Title, or its equivalent as determined by the Department.

(e) Transfer of examination credit. Candidates who have passed, in another state, the licensing examination used by New York State may have their grades transferred upon application, if the requirements of this Part concerning education, and retention of credit have been met.

(f) Competency. If it has been more than ten years since the applicant passed the certified public accountant licensing examination, a license shall not be issued until the applicant completes a satisfactory amount of continuing professional education, acceptable to the Department. The State Board for Public Accountancy shall recommend to the Department the appropriateness of the continuing professional education that is to be completed to satisfy this requirement.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 8 § 70.4

Amended New York State Register September 30, 2020/Volume XLII, Issue 39, eff. 9/30/2020

Amended New York State Register February 24, 2021/Volume XLIII, Issue 08, eff. 2/24/2021

Amended New York State Register November 3, 2021/Volume XLIII, Issue 44, eff. 11/3/2021

Amended New York State Register September 28, 2022/Volume XLIV, Issue 39, eff. 9/28/2022

Amended New York State Register February 28, 2024/Volume XLVI, Issue 9, eff. 2/9/2024, exp. 4/8/2024 (Emergency)

Amended New York State Register March 27, 2024/Volume XLVI, Issue 13, eff. 3/27/2024