Subject: Clarification Needed on CPA Licensure Requirements in Oklahoma
Hello everyone,
I’m a resident of Oklahoma and I’m looking for some clarification regarding the CPA licensure requirements. I’m a bit confused because the official state website doesn’t specify where the additional 30 credit hours need to come from.
My plan is to take community college courses to fulfill the 150-hour requirement, but I’m uncertain if these courses will qualify for licensure. The Oklahoma government website mentions a “Minimum of 30 hours of Accounting above principles, including one course in auditing or assurance,” but it doesn’t clarify whether this includes courses I’ve taken for my bachelor’s degree.
I know that in some states, those 30 credit hours must be graduate or upper-division courses, which adds to my confusion.
I’m currently on a tight budget and can only afford college through a Pell grant, which is why I’d prefer the community college option over pursuing a master’s degree. Has anyone else in Oklahoma navigated this process? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
One response
It sounds like you have a lot of questions about meeting the CPA licensure requirements in Oklahoma, and it’s understandable to be confused given the information available.
In Oklahoma, to meet the 150-hour requirement, you generally need a total of 30 additional credit hours beyond your bachelor’s degree. These hours should include coursework in Accounting, as you noted, and they must be above the principles level. The requirement specifically mentions that these should include at least one course in auditing or assurance.
Typically, the additional credits can come from upper-level undergraduate courses or graduate-level courses. Since you mentioned considering community college courses, you’ll want to ensure that those courses will be accepted as meeting the state’s specific requirements. Community college courses can sometimes be more limited in scope, and it’s crucial to check whether the credits you’re interested in would count toward the CPA licensure requirements.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Contact the Oklahoma Board of Accountancy: They can provide definitive answers about which courses will count toward the 30 credit hours. They might also clarify whether community college courses would be acceptable.
Talk to your academic advisor: If you’re enrolled in a college or university, your academic advisor can help guide you on how to best structure your courses to meet the requirements.
Research accredited programs: Look for affordable online or in-person courses from accredited colleges or universities that offer the specific Accounting classes you need.
Explore scholarships or financial aid: Check if there are any scholarships or grants available specifically for Accounting students that could help with your costs for additional courses.
Yes, you can meet the requirements without a master’s degree if you carefully select the right courses. Just ensure that they align with the licensing requirements to avoid any delays in your application later on. Good luck, and feel free to share how things go or if you have further questions!