A bill to expand the options available for CPA licensure in New Jersey was signed on Jan. 12 by Governor Murphy. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) worked with bill sponsors Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley (D-18) and Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) on this vital legislation that goes into effect Feb. 11, 2026. Assembly bill A5598 unanimously passed the Assembly on May 22, and Senate bill S4493 unanimously passed the Senate on Dec. 18.
Drafted to increase access to the accounting profession, the bill allows those considering CPA licensure to qualify by earning a bachelor’s degree, completing two years of work experience and passing the CPA Exam. Previously, candidates had only one option of earning at least 150 credits, which is typically 30 credits more than a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a master’s degree, having one year of work experience in accounting and passing the CPA Exam.
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New Jersey joins more than 20 other states that have made statute and/or rule changes to offer additional pathways to licensure.
The bill includes the following provisions:
- New licensure pathway option: In addition to the existing 150-hour option, candidates will be able to pursue a CPA license by earning a bachelor’s degree, completing two years of experience and passing the CPA Exam.
- Individual practice privileges (mobility): CPAs licensed in another state will be able to practice in New Jersey as long as they have a bachelor’s or higher degree, have passed the CPA Exam and have at least one year of experience as a licensed CPA. The same requirements will be necessary for gaining a reciprocal license in New Jersey.
- Safe harbor provision: CPAs licensed in New Jersey prior to the effective date of the bill will automatically retain their license.
“We could not be more pleased with Governor Murphy’s signing of the additional CPA pathway bill. We are grateful for the support of the Governor, significant support from Assemblyman Stanley, Senator Bucco and the entire New Jersey Legislature as well as our knowledgeable members and the business community that understands the challenges faced if we lack the pipeline for future talent,” said Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA. “Accounting enrollments are trending higher at various institutions, so this will cast a wider net of options for those individuals looking to become CPAs.”
The following organizations have given their support to the bill:
- African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
- Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey
- Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey
- Morris County Chamber of Commerce
- New Jersey Bankers Association
- New Jersey Business and Industry Association
- New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
- Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ
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