The CPA License

The CPA license sets you apart from other accounting professionals.  On any engagement, CPAs bring to the table value that stems from continuing education, training and commitment to objectivity, ethics, integrity, independence, expertise and lifelong learning – the very hallmarks of the CPA profession.

“An active CPA license could make the difference between getting or keeping a great job,” said OSCPA career coach Janice Worthington MA, CPRW, JCT, president of Worthington Career Services.

Reactivate your license

Has your CPA license expired? Ohio CPAs are reactivating their license in record numbers as a defensive measure in a tough economy.  It is simple to reactivate your license.

The Ethics Requirement

The Accountancy Board of Ohio (ABO) requires that all CPAs with the active permit obtain 3 credit hours in professional standards and responsibilities (PSR). The requirement is intended to heighten CPAs' awareness of Ohio's accountancy laws and rules and the importance of ethics in the accounting profession—a profession whose foundation was built upon objectivity, integrity and trust.

Renewing your CPA license

CPAs should verify the accuracy of their ABO information prior to their license renewal, normally every three years, unless newly licensed, then two years. Visit acc.ohio.gov/lookup.htm and search for the license or firm.

(Hint: entering too much information in the search can cause incorrect or no information to appear.  For example, go to the dropdown and enter the Accountancy Board of Ohio, then enter only the last name.)

ABO maintains six types of status for CPAs:

• Inactive – License in good standing but not holding out as a CPA.  Must use the term “inactive” after their CPA license.
• Retired – Turned in their CPA License.  Will no longer be a CPA.
• Revoked – License taken away due to revocation/disciplinary action by the board.
• Suspended – License suspended due to disciplinary action by the board until provisions to meet certain standards, CPE, disciplinary fees, are met.Active – License is in good standing and they may hold themselves out as a CPA in the state of Ohio.
• Expired or Lapsed – License lapsed due to non-renewal as of expiration date.
  

About The Accountancy Board of Ohio

The mission of the Accountancy Board of Ohio is to assure that the services received by Ohioans from Public Accountants (PAs) and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) will be performed in an ethical, competent, and professional manner and in accordance with all appropriate laws and standards. The Board determines the level of knowledge of all applicants through means of an examination. Those who pass the examination are then licensed and regulated by the Board. The Board mandates a program of continuing education for its licensees.

The Accountancy Board of Ohio

Vern Riffe Center
77 South High Street, 18th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43266-0301
http://www.ohio.gov/acc/
Tel: 614.466.4135