Exploring CPA Partner’s Educational Path and Views on Meeting the 150-Hour Rule

Abstract

CPA partners who were members of the AICPA were surveyed regarding the 150-hour rule to be licensed as a CPA. The survey explored CPA partners' 1) educational path, 2) recommended classification of additional credits, 3) the key benefits of meeting the 150-hour rule, 4) specific courses recommended, and 5) opinion of completed courses. The majority recommended additional study in accounting and the key benefit was additional knowledge. Those subject to the 150-hour rule were more likely to complete a master's degree or a double major and when asked which completed courses were worthwhile stated accounting courses 70% of the time.

150 Credit-Hours: Stakeholders’ Benefits and Students’ Skills and Attributes

“…Likewise, determined that 150 credithours requirement to sit for the CPA exam did not influence exam success. Other researchers found master's and M.B.A. degrees positively impact the probability form promotion from senior manager to partner for professionals in public accounting firms (Brink, Norman, & Wier, 2016;McCann & Wilson, 2020). However, in a study by Barrios (2019), the research found no statistical difference in promotion rate for professionals subject to the 150 credit-hours requirement when controlling for age and year individuals entered public accounting.…”