Dr. Mark Nickerson
The CPA Journal has accepted Associate Professor Mark Nickerson’s manuscript, "Why the 150-Hour Rule is Not the (Major) Problem.”
Dr. Nickerson’s article will be published in an upcoming issue of The CPA Journal, a technical-refereed, double-blind peer reviewed journal published by the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
The 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure is often cited as a significant barrier to attracting skilled talent to the accounting profession. However, a recent large-scale study by the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) challenges this notion, revealing that this requirement is not the leading factor influencing students' decisions not to pursue accounting.
Analyzing data from over 1,800 students and graduates, the study highlights that the primary deterrents are a lack of interest or passion for accounting and the allure of higher starting salaries in other majors.
Historical data further supports this, showing that the 150-hour rule did not hinder the growth of accounting enrollments or those taking the CPA exam since its inception. Additionally, minority students face unique challenges, such as cultural dissatisfaction and a lack of mentorship, which also impact their decisions.
To address these issues, the profession must focus on increasing salaries, improving the profession's branding and also understanding of the profession earlier and more often with students, and continuing their push on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Although published by a state society, the journal has over 95 percent nationally focused content and has been in existence for more than 85 years. The journal is published both in print and online, ensuring a large circulation base to those in public practice, industry, government and academia.
The CPA Journal is Cabells listed and during the review period maintained a 15 percent acceptance rate for uninvited manuscripts such as this per confirmation with Richard Kravitz, editor in chief of the journal.
