Bridge to CPA: Introduction & Frequently Asked Questions Guide
As national conversations surrounding CPA licensure evolve, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants is determined to be part of a solution that propels the profession forward.
That's why the FICPA, NOVA Southeastern University, and three South Florida accounting firms – Berkowitz Pollack Brant, Kaufman Rossin and PAAST – have unveiled a new partnership that will assist future certified public accountants (CPAs) on their path to licensure.
What is Bridge to CPA?
The Bridge to CPA pilot program, the first of its kind, will give firm employees who have already completed 120 hours of undergraduate education the opportunity to fulfill their remaining 30 credit hours – necessary for licensure as a CPA – through the MAcc program at Nova Southeastern’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship, an institution accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
This program gives eligible candidates the option to pursue their fifth year of education and take career-relevant courses without having to navigate the cost and access barriers that can dissuade potential CPAs from obtaining their license.
Participants will assume no tuition costs and incur zero debt through the combined support of NOVA Southeastern University, employer firms, and tuition awards from the FICPA Scholarship Foundation and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Clay Ford Scholarship Program.
Class curricula has been approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy, and the program is set to launch in Fall 2024, with plans for expansion in 2025.
Why did you create the Bridge to CPA program?
Currently, aspiring CPAs are required to obtain 150 credit hours for licensure in Florida. The Masters in Accounting (MAcc) programs around the state are the gold standard for preparing students for licensure. However, the FICPA recognizes that, for some students, the cost and accessibility of obtaining an additional hours of education can be a barrier to entry. The FICPA strives to help candidates overcome hurdles on the path to licensure and have access to career-relevant courses that will set them up for long-term success in the CPA profession.
How does Bridge to CPA work? What makes it cost-free for the students?
Students will enroll at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and take online classes to prepare them for CPA licensure. Program participants will assume no tuition costs and incur zero debt through the combined support of NSU, employer firms, and tuition awards from the FICPA Scholarship Foundation and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Clay Ford Scholarship Program.
Does this mean FICPA will not support other licensure pathways in the future?
The FICPA’s current regulatory position is to support the 150-credit hour requirement. We recognize that the national landscape for licensure continues to evolve. We also understand that no matter what happens, students will have a choice of which pathway to pursue to obtain CPA licensure, including the 150-credit hour pathway. With this program, they can obtain their fifth year of education from an accredited business school, with courses that have been approved for licensure in Florida, but without the cost and access barriers that may exist for some students.
Does this program compete with AICPA & NASBA’s Experience, Earn, and Learn (ELE) Program?
No. This program is complimentary and not meant to directly compete with any innovative programs that have been launched to support students on their journey to licensure. FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ National Pipeline Advisory Group and its Experience, Learn and Earn task force. Bridge to CPA was developed to maximize the opportunities available through Florida-based scholarship funding and employers who have shown a strong commitment to supporting their staff on their journey to CPA. Weir also has prior experience in creating and launching debt-free college programs for other industries and sought to bring those innovations to the CPA profession.
What is the FICPA Scholarship Foundation and what type of funding support is available?
Founded more 60 years ago, the FICPA Scholarship Foundation provides support and fosters success for current and future CPAs via financial scholarship to students. Each year, the Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in funding to aspiring CPAs at over 25 universities in Florida.
What is the Clay Ford Scholarship?
Each year, a portion of the license fees from Florida CPAs go to fund the DBPR Clay Ford Scholarship Program. The program was established to assist dedicated students from diverse backgrounds in Florida and provide financial assistance during the fifth year of education. Each year, $200,000 is made available in scholarship funding. Eligible applicants may receive up to $8,000 per semester. The FICPA advocates for its inclusion in the state budget during each Legislative Session.
Why did you choose Nova Southeastern University for the program?
The FICPA sought to partner with a forward-thinking, AACSB-accredited business school which had a strong reputation with employers for preparing aspiring CPAs for career success. NSU immediately stood out to us as a prospective partner because of its reputation, organization agility, and commitment to serving a multinational and diverse pool of students.
Can other schools offer the program?
At this time, the program is only in partnership with Nova Southeastern University. The FICPA will assess the potential need for additional schools in 2025.
How were the pilot firms chosen for the program?
Prior to further scaling the program, the FICPA wanted to start with three strong regional firms who are recognized for their dedication to talent development. Each of these firms is based in South Florida and has an established relationship with both Nova Southeastern University and the FICPA. These firms were hand selected because of their strong culture and their unwavering commitment to cultivating talent.
Can other firms or employers offer the program?
At this time, the pilot program is only offered to three firms. The FICPA’s intent is to fine tune the operations of the program during its pilot in the Fall of 2024, add a handful of new firms in the Spring of 2025, and then roll out a statewide launch for Fall of 2025. Firms and organizations from across the state will be invited to participate at that time. If you'd like to express your interest or learn more about the program fill out the form below.
Will prospective students have to live in South Florida as the program expands?
No. Course content is available fully online and can be taken from anywhere.
What kind of courses will the students take?
Students will take career-relevant online courses in the MAcc program that have been approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy for licensure in Florida. All of the courses offered will have a focus in business and accounting, specifically tailored to assist students in meeting the requirements for licensure in Florida.
How are students selected for the program?
Students are selected by their employers based upon designated criteria and must meet the MAcc program admission standards required by Nova Southeastern University. Should students have an interest in participating in the program, they should contact the three firms in the pilot for more information.
Will students earn a MAcc degree in the program?
Students will be taking classes offered in NSU’s MAcc degree but are not required to obtain a master’s to participate in the program. The option is there for them to do so, and all students will be encouraged to earn the master’s degree. Students and their employers will discuss what works best for their individual career plans.
Are students required to take a certain number of credit hours to participate in the program?
No. Students enrolled in the program will have already completed between 120 and 150 hours of education before enrolling. Students will be assigned an advisor who will assist them in how many credit hours are needed to complete their licensure requirements.
Is this program available for students outside of Florida?
Not at this time. The FICPA strives to be a future-focused thought leader in the profession and would be happy to share any insights as to how other state societies or national organizations could create a similar program in their jurisdiction.