Sacramento, CA—Oct. 3, 2025 – Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1175, a landmark bill modernizing CPA licensure in California. Authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, sponsored by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) and supported by CalCPA, this new law 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 modernizes education requirements to address the extra year of education beyond a bachelor’s degree, which added cost, delayed licensure, and created barriers for too many talented people.
“AB 1175 ensures the CPA profession can continue meeting the needs of Californians,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). “As demand for CPA services grows, this legislation addresses workforce challenges by addressing barriers and opening the door wider for talented students—while maintaining the integrity and trust the public depends on.”
Under AB 1175, 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. The new licensure framework takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
“Modernizing CPA licensure has been a top priority,” said Yen Tu, President of the California Board of Accountancy. “With AB 1175, we’ve made the profession more accessible while preserving the strong consumer protections at the heart of licensure.”
In addition to modernizing education and experience requirements, AB 1175 updates California’s long-standing CPA cross-border practice program, ensuring CPAs can continue meeting client and consumer needs effectively across state lines.
“AB 1175 is a win for the profession, aspiring CPAs, and the public,” said Denise LeDuc Froemming, president and CEO of CalCPA. “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.”
CalCPA encourages members, students and profession leaders to stay connected with CalCPA and the CBA as regulations and implementation guidance are developed in the coming months.
About CalCPA
The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) collaborates with policymakers, government agencies, regulatory bodies and other key stakeholders to shape policies that advance the public interest and help CPAs meet the needs of their clients and employers. CalCPA also provides our members with up-to-date information and practical guidance to support their personal and professional growth as trusted advisers to individuals and businesses, governments and nonprofits of all sizes.
