19 May CPA Licensure May Be Evolving—Here’s What It Means for Aspiring Professionals

Posted at 10:33h in Careers, Culture, News by

Recent proposals from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) could introduce new, more flexible routes to CPA licensure. These changes—if adopted into local law—may significantly benefit students, early-career professionals, and firms that invest in internal talent.

As part of Galíndez LLC’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of accountants, we’re breaking down what’s changing, what it means, and how we support our own team members on their path to becoming CPAs.

What’s Being Proposed?

The proposed changes would update the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA)—a model law designed to standardize CPA licensing requirements across U.S. states and territories. Under the current model, a CPA candidate must meet the following:

  • Credits: 150 credit hours via a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree
  • Experience: 1 year of work experience
  • Examination: Pass the CPA Exam

The AICPA/NASBA proposal introduces three new pathways, any of which would qualify a candidate to sit for the exam:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting plus 2 years of experience
  • A bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting, plus 30 additional credits and 1 year of experience
  • A postgraduate degree with a concentration in accounting and 1 year of experience

All three pathways continue to require passing the CPA Exam.

Why Does This Matter?

  • Increased Accessibility: More students and entry-level professionals could become eligible to pursue CPA licensure without a rigid “one-path” model.
  • National Momentum: Nearly 20 states have begun adopting or exploring alternatives consistent with these proposals.
  • Puerto Rico’s Opportunity: The profession in Puerto Rico is currently governed by Act No. 293 of 1945, which predates the UAA. Amendments would be required to apply these changes locally, but doing so could help keep the profession competitive and attractive.

Galíndez’s Commitment to Its Team

At Galíndez LLC, we believe that investing in our people is investing in the future of the profession. We actively support our in-house team members who are working toward CPA licensure through:

  • Mentorship and real-world experience that meet licensure criteria
  • Schedule flexibility to support study time and exam preparation
  • Educational guidance for choosing the right academic or postgraduate paths

To date, Galíndez has proudly supported several team members currently on staff in pursuing their CPA and Esq. licenses. We’re honored to play a role in their journeys, and we can’t wait to support more as they reach new milestones.

We understand that pursuing these credentials is both a personal and professional achievement. By aligning our internal development initiatives with emerging licensure trends, we position our team—and the firm—to grow together.

A Stronger Profession Starts Here

As the regulatory landscape evolves, Galíndez LLC is committed to staying ahead of the curve, supporting our team members, and contributing to the advancement of the profession in Puerto Rico and beyond. We are proud of the staff members who have earned their CPA license and those who are working hard toward that goal.

To learn more about career opportunities or the support we provide to future CPAs and attorneys, visit our Careers page or contact our HR team.