Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1175, a landmark law modernizing CPA licensure in California. Authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), sponsored by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) and supported by CalCPA, the bill creates more flexible, affordable and accessible pathways for aspiring CPAs while preserving the strong consumer protections the profession is known for.
AB 1175 marks the most significant update to California’s CPA licensure framework in decades. It streamlines education and experience requirements to address the barriers created by the traditional 150-hour rule, which often added cost and delayed entry into the profession.
Under the new framework, CPA candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration, pass the Uniform CPA Exam and complete two years of general accounting experience. For added flexibility, candidates can substitute a qualifying master’s degree for one year of experience or an approved accounting certificate program for six months of experience.
“This bill ensures the CPA profession can continue meeting the needs of Californians,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “As demand for CPA services grows, this legislation opens the door wider for talented students while maintaining the integrity and trust the public depends on.”
Yen Tu, CBA president, added, “AB 1175 makes the CPA designation more accessible to Californians from all backgrounds while upholding the CBA’s consumer protection mission.”
Dominic Franzella, CBA executive officer, noted that the bill represents the culmination of nearly two years of collaboration. “We held multiple town hall meetings to listen to stakeholders and other jurisdictions to ensure that California CPA applicants have a more streamlined and easier-to-understand set of licensure requirements.”
In addition to updating education and experience rules, AB 1175 modernizes California’s CPA cross-border practice program, ensuring CPAs can continue serving clients effectively across state lines.
Denise LeDuc Froemming, CalCPA president and CEO, called the bill “a win for the profession, aspiring CPAs and the public. It recognizes the diverse ways people gain the skills to succeed, aligns with today’s marketplace and keeps California a leader in career growth and economic opportunity.”
The bill takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, with the new licensure requirements becoming effective Jan. 1, 2027. The CBA has launched its 2025-26 Campus Tour to raise awareness among students and faculty about the new framework through on-campus and virtual events statewide.
