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Senate Bill 26-076 creates flexible, experience-based routes to CPA licensure — addressing Colorado's growing accounting workforce shortage while preserving the rigorous standards that make CPAs trusted advisors.
COCPA has championed this legislation and will share updates as it advances through the General Assembly.
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Introduced
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Senate committee (unanimous)
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Full Senate passed
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House committee - Mar 25
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Full House vote
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Governor's desk
Bachelor's + 30 additional credits + 1 year experience
| EDUCATION | Bachelor's degree + 30 credit hours |
| EXPERIENCE | 1 year accounting-related |
| EXAMS | Uniform CPA Exam + ethics |
Bachelor's + 2 years experience
| EDUCATION | Bachelor's degree |
| EXPERIENCE | 2 years accounting-related |
| EXAMS | Uniform CPA Exam + ethics |
Master's degree + 1 year experience
| EDUCATION | Master's degree (post-baccalaureate) |
| EXPERIENCE | 1 year accounting-related |
| EXAMS | Uniform CPA Exam + ethics |
Every pathway preserves professional rigor. All candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, complete ethics training, and have their experience verified by a licensed CPA meeting State Board standards. SB26-076 also aligns Colorado with 25+ states on interstate CPA practice privileges, improving mobility for Colorado-licensed CPAs.
Around 75% of currently licensed CPAs are approaching retirement age, while accounting program enrollments have declined sharply. This bill broadens access to qualified professionals.
The additional 30 credit hours can cost $9,000–$15,000 at public universities — more at private institutions. The new pathway offers an experience-based alternative.
Colorado firms are being forced to turn away clients due to staffing shortages. A broader pipeline means more capacity for businesses and communities that depend on CPA services.
More than 25 states have already modernized their CPA licensure requirements. This keeps Colorado in step with the national trend and preserves CPA mobility across state lines.
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The non-partisan, non-profit CPA-PAC supports legislative candidates who understand our profession's needs, like licensure, tax administration, and workforce development. Your donation strengthens our influence and ensures our voice is heard on key issues. Learn more about CPA-PAC, its importance, and how you can get involved.
To learn more about COCPA's advocacy efforts, contact Cole Buerger, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy: cole@cocpa.org | 303-261-8256