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Committee hears bill to create alternative CPA pathways, let candidates sit for exam at 100 hours
Summary
LB718 would modernize Nebraska’s Public Accountancy Act by allowing candidates to sit for the uniform CPA exam at 100 credit hours and establishing three licensure pathways combining education and supervised experience; supporters said the change expands the pipeline while preserving professional standards.
Senator Mike Jacobson told the committee LB718 is intended to modernize the Public Accountancy Act and address a shrinking pipeline of accounting professionals by providing flexible pathways to CPA licensure.
The bill would allow candidates to sit for the uniform CPA exam at 100 credit hours (typically a four‑year bachelor’s degree) and establish three pathways to full licensure: (1) a master’s degree plus one year of experience; (2) a bachelor’s degree plus 30 additional credit hours and one year of experience; and (3) a bachelor’s degree with two years of professional experience. The bill also introduces changes to mobility and reciprocity rules to align Nebraska with the Uniform Accountancy Act and clarifies distinctions between administrative lapses and ethical violations.
Representatives of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy and the Platt Institute testified in support. Jody, chair of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, said the bill preserves the profession’s high standards while replacing an additional classroom year with supervised work experience. Andrew Blossom, vice chair of the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, said the Board developed the proposal with the Society and expects adoption to align Nebraska with other states that have adopted similar pathways.
Supporters argued the change will help hold onto graduates and attract licensed professionals to Nebraska without lowering exam standards. "This bill is about removing these unnecessary educational hurdles and ensuring Nebraska remains competitive," Senator Jacobson said in his introduction. Lawmakers asked routine questions; Senator Jacobson waived closing and the committee recorded online letters and closed public testimony.
What’s next: The bill received multiple support witnesses; committee action will determine whether the proposal moves forward in the legislative process.
