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VT CPA FAQ on the new pathway to CPA licensure

Jun 18, 2026 —

This FAQ was developed as a response to passage of H.588, which opens a new pathway to CPA licensure in Vermont. It will be updated as new information becomes available. The Office of Professional Regulation in the Secretary of State’s Office and the Board of Public Accountancy are responsible for approving and issuing all CPA licenses; OPR is the definitive source of information.

Please continue to send your questions to VT CPA for follow up.

What is the new pathway?

The new pathway makes it possible for people to apply for their CPA license after completing a Bachelor’s degree with an accounting focus, two years of public professional experience, and passage of the CPA exam. You can find the text of the legislation here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/ACTS/ACT119/ACT119%20As%20Enacted.pdf. (See pages 9-13.)

Where can I apply for licensure?

Licensure is granted by the Office of Professional Regulation. You can find information about the licensing process on their website here: https://sos.vermont.gov/accountancy.

When does the new pathway become effective?

The pathway became effective with the approval of the bill by the Governor on June 8, 2026.

Have there been any changes to the requirements to sit for the CPA exam?

No; this bill does not enact any changes to existing requirements. The National Association of State Board of Accountancy administers the CPA exam. Requirements to sit for the exam in Vermont can be found here: https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/vermont/.

Have there been any changes to how long the CPA exam credit is valid?

No; this bill does not enact any changes to existing validity of credit for exam passage. Currently, credit for any section passed is valid for 30 months from the actual date the examination sections were taken and credit expires by section. https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/vermont/.

Will there be any changes to the accounting courses required for licensure or renewal?

The legislation does not include or require any changes. If changes are enacted, those would be done through administrative rule, although this is not necessitated; there is no timeline for updating these rules available at this time. Administrative rules can be found here: https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/accountancy/accountancy_board_administrative_rules.pdf?_gl=1*1nbuj68*_ga*NTA0NzE5NTEuMTc2OTUyNDcwMg..*_ga_V9WQH77KLW*czE3ODE4MTY4MTEkbzEyMCRnMSR0MTc4MTgxNzQ5OCRqNTUkbDAkaDA. See section 5.3 for the academic requirements.

Will there be any changes to the portfolio requirements for licensure or renewal?

When will the OPR forms and website be updated?

OPR staff are actively working on updating information on the website and in application materials.

If someone was planning on licensure via the 150-hour track, do they need to inform OPR if they are going to change?

There is no need to specifically reach out to OPR with this information.

Does the two years of experience need to be in public accounting?

Yes, per the administrative rule in place, experience does need to be in public accounting. There are some areas where the experience can be non-public. Administrative rules can be found here: https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/office_professional_regulation/professions/accountancy/accountancy_board_administrative_rules.pdf?_gl=1*1nbuj68*_ga*NTA0NzE5NTEuMTc2OTUyNDcwMg..*_ga_V9WQH77KLW*czE3ODE4MTY4MTEkbzEyMCRnMSR0MTc4MTgxNzQ5OCRqNTUkbDAkaDA. See sections 5.9-5.10.