New law expands CPA licensure pathways in New Jersey

The basics:

• New law creates alternative pathways to CPA licensure in New Jersey
• Candidates can qualify with bachelor’s degree, two years’ experience & CPA exam
• Measure updates practice mobility rules for out-of-state CPAs
• Law takes effect Feb. 11, 2026, with safe harbor for current licensees

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a key piece of legislation aimed at expanding pathways for CPA licensure in New Jersey Jan. 20, his final day in office.

Assembly Bill 5598/Senate Bill 4493 allows those considering CPA licensure to qualify by earning a bachelor’s degree, completing two years of work experience and passing the CPA Exam.

This is a topic NJBIZ has previously reported on extensively, as the accounting profession has faced a talent pipeline shortfall. The legislation is modeled after the work for credit program, which has been piloted throughout the state with great success. Previously, CPA candidates had only one pathway to licensure – completing at least 150 credits (30 more than a bachelor’s degree), having one year of work experience in accounting and passing the CPA exam.

Since the work for credit program launched here, a number of states have followed suit in embracing the alternative pathways to CPA licensure. More than 20 states beat New Jersey to the punch in terms of codifying it legislatively.

The legislation passed the Senate last month and Assembly in May 2025. It also updates practice mobility rules. The changes allow CPAs licensed in other states to practice in New Jersey as long as they have a bachelor’s degree or higher degree, have passed the CPA exam, and have at least one year of licensed experience.

CPAs already licensed in New Jersey before the bill takes effect automatically retain their credentials under a safe harbor provision.

NJCPA

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants played an instrumental role in the process. NJCPA worked with bill sponsors on this key legislation, which goes into effect Feb. 11, 2026.

“We could not be more pleased with Gov. Murphy’s signing of the additional CPA pathway bill into law as well as the significant support from primary bill sponsors Assembly Sterley Stanley and Sen. Anthony Bucco and the entire New Jersey Legislature to help bring about necessary change to the pathway to becoming a CPA,” said Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, CEO and executive director, NJCPA. “Accountants and CPAs help grow New Jersey’s economy by enriching the business landscape.

“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 African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Commerce & Industry Association, Morris County Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Bankers Association, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ also supported the legislation.

‘About building a stronger economy’

“As legislators, we should be doing everything we can to make New Jersey a destination for top-tier professionals, and that’s exactly what this new law does,” said Bucco, R-25th District. The Senate Republican Leader was a prime bill sponsor. “By cutting unnecessary red tape, we’re making it easier for current and aspiring public accountants to practice here without jumping through excessive hoops.

“It’s a commonsense move that helps unqualified individuals succeed and strengthens our workforce.”

“By creating more opportunities for college graduates to earn their CPA license and encouraging out-of-state CPAs to work in New Jersey, this new law will help businesses find the talent they need to be successful,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-25th District, a prime bill sponsor. “More broadly, this is about building a stronger economy and connecting more people to rewarding careers.”

Dunn noted how the financial services industry is changing with advancements in technology and policy shifts.

“This law allows New Jersey to evolve with the industry and minimize hurdles for CPA licensure so that we have qualified people who can meet the increasing demands of the profession,” said Dunn.

Following final passage, Dan Geltrude described it as a gamechanger for the state. Geltrude, founder and managing partner of Nutley-based Geltrude & Co., and “America’s Accountant,” was the architect of the work for credit program and staunchly advocated for this legislation, as NJBIZ has previously reported on.

“We’re going to benefit from it – the profession and the state,” Geltrude told NJBIZ in December.

Following the signing of the legislation by Murphy, Geltrude wrote on LinkedIn: “Finally – the best news possible for the accounting profession! It took a lot of hard work by many people, but well worth it!”