Question: I graduated with honors from San Diego State University in 1970 with a BS degree in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting.

I worked for SD Leidesdorf & Co., CPAs in San Diego for 3 years.

I passed the CPA exam in 1971 and became certified that same year, also becoming a member of the California Society of CPAs.

I kept my educational requirements and dues up to date thru I believe 1977 while building up my own small CPA firm.

Since then, I have been in business for myself (consulting, sales, planning) for the past 23 years.

I want to know what it will require to bring my CPA status current again...tests, dues, educational?

Answer: Welcome back. The California Board of Accountancy has a method for allowing people to come back into the profession, but you are going to have to contact them directly to make sure you get the specifics correctly.

I believe they require you to complete 120 hours of continuing education including 48 hours in Auditing and Accounting prior to re-entry. You can start by calling the approprite number below and making contact. I am not sure how they will treat someone who has been out of the profession so long, but hopefully they will find a way.

Your other option would be to re-apply and retake the exam. Good luck. Be sure to let us know how it goes.

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