District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
01/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2026 08:05
Board of Accountancy Announces Important Licensure Updates to Expand Pathways for CPA Candidates
WASHINGTON (January 15, 2026) - The DC Board of Accountancy has announced significant updates to CPA licensure requirements that align the District with national standards and support a stronger pipeline of accounting professionals.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has introduced legislation to amend District law to recognize an alternative pathway for obtaining a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. This follows a May 14, 2025 decision by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), which approved an amendment to the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA). The amendment allows applicants to qualify for licensure with a baccalaureate degree, two years of relevant experience, and passage of the CPA examination.
This model provides an alternative to the traditional pathway, which requires a BA with an accounting concentration, 30 additional education hours, one year of experience, and passage of the examination. Since the adoption of this model rule change, approximately 30 states have updated their laws to allow this alternative pathway. Mayor Bowser's legislation is currently under consideration by the Council of the District of Columbia.
To further strengthen mobility and support the local workforce, the DC Board of Accountancy voted on December 12, 2025, to recognize applicants seeking licensure through reciprocity who meet the following criteria: a BA degree with an accounting concentration, two years of experience, and a valid CPA license in a jurisdiction that has adopted the alternative pathway. These applicants will be deemed to have met the "substantial equivalency" requirement to practice in the District.
This policy is consistent with the Board's authority under D.C. Official Code § 47-2853.08 and 17 DCMR § 2508 and takes effect immediately. Additional details about the Board's vote and the underlying legal framework are available here.
For more information on the DC Board of Accountancy or to apply for a license, visit https://dlcp.dc.gov/node/1617381.
District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection published this content on January 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 15, 2026 at 14:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]