The PICPA pushed landmark legislation through the General Assembly aimed at modernizing and improving access to becoming a CPA. Act 27 is a commonsense and clear solution that allows multiple paths to licensure.
The accounting industry is facing a looming workforce shortage that requires immediate action. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), 75% of the CPA workforce was expected to have reached retirement age by 2019. Although the Journal of Accountancy has reported encouraging gains in accounting enrollment at both two-year and four-year institutions, the growth of accounting graduates still falls short of what's needed to replace retiring CPAs.
In response to this challenge, Pennsylvania is taking a bold step forward. The PICPA and its allies in the General Assembly have pushed through landmark legislation aimed at modernizing and improving access to becoming a CPA. What was introduced as Senate Bill 719 this spring was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro as Act 27 on June 30, 2025. Act 27 garnered unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers because it is a commonsense and clear solution to help address the state’s shortage of CPAs by allowing multiple paths to licensure and less burdensome ability to practice across state lines.
Under the former law, CPA candidates were required to complete 150 credit hours of education or a master’s degree, pass all four parts of the CPA Exam, and gain one year of professional experience. Act 27 introduces an alternative pathway to licensure. Candidates may now qualify with 120 credit hours of education, passage of the CPA Exam, and two years of professional experience. This flexibility is designed to make the profession more accessible by shortening the timeline to work and reducing high-cost educational expenses without compromising standards.
In addition, the bill streamlines licensure recognition for out-of-state CPAs, allowing them to practice in Pennsylvania provided they are licensed and in good standing in their home state. The new “automatic mobility” is now evaluated at the individual licensee level rather than the previous standard of gauging the state’s licensing requirements (substantial equivalency). This change will help attract experienced professionals from other regions and support a more dynamic and responsive accounting workforce across state lines.
This legislation marks a significant shift toward addressing the CPA pipeline crisis with creativity and pragmatism. As the accounting industry continues to evolve, legislators, firm leaders, and educators nationwide must be prepared to take on this looming challenge. Pennsylvania’s action sends a clear message: the state is committed to adapting to the needs of a changing workforce and leading the profession into the future.
For more information regarding Act 27 of 2025 (previously referred to as Senate Bill 719) check out PICPA's one-sheet summary.
Michael Mintzer, CPA, is a resource manager with Maillie LLP in West Chester, Pa. He can be reached at mmintzer@maillie.com.
Sign up for PICPA's weekly professional and technical updates by completing this form.
Statements of fact and opinion are the authors’ responsibility alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the PICPA's officers or members. The information contained herein does not constitute accounting, legal, or professional advice. For actionable advice, you must engage or consult with a qualified professional.
