New Path to CPA Approved!

LB 718 has been approved by the Governor!

This landmark legislation modernizes the Nebraska’s Public Accountancy Act while ensuring a sustainable CPA workforce and preserving the high standards that define the profession.

For many years, a bachelor’s degree combined with meaningful professional experience was the foundation of CPA licensure. For the past 35 years, however, individuals have been required to have 150 total credit hours or a master's degree to become a CPA. While well-intentioned, that requirement created financial and time barriers for many capable students.

LB 718 restores balance.

Nebraska will now offer three pathways to CPA licensure:

Pathway 1
• Master’s degree
• One year of experience
• Uniform CPA Exam

Pathway 2
• Bachelor’s degree + 30 credit hours
• One year of experience
• Uniform CPA Exam

Pathway 3 (New Pathway)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years of experience
• Uniform CPA Exam

Every CPA in Nebraska — regardless of pathway — must complete the required accounting coursework, pass the same rigorous Uniform CPA Examination, and demonstrate competence through supervised experience.

The new bachelor’s+2 pathway replaces additional classroom hours with meaningful, hands-on professional experience. It removes unnecessary financial barriers while preserving rigor and aligning Nebraska with Uniform Accountancy Act model rules. At this time, approximately 30 states are considering or adopting similar reforms. LB 718 ensures Nebraska remains competitive and maintains interstate mobility for our CPAs.

This is a thoughtful modernization — protecting the public, expanding access to the profession, and ensuring a sustainable CPA workforce for decades to come.

Effective Date:

LB 718 will take effect three months after the final day of the legislative session. We will have an exact date once the Nebraska Legislature adjourns. In the meantime, we will continue coordinating with the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy and will provide additional information as rules are finalized.

This achievement reflects a great deal of collaboration among the NESCPA Board of Directors, the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, and engaged members across the state. Thank you to the thoughtful deliberation of those who served on the CPA Licensure Task Force under the leadership of Task Force Chairman and NESCPA Immediate Past Chairman Brian Klintworth. In addition to Klintworth, Task Force members included Drew Blossom, Derrick Blum, Sarah Borchers, Lori Egger, Amy Holzworth, and Shari Munro.

We are also thankful for testimony provided by NESCPA Chairman Jodi Eckhout and State Board Vice Chairman Drew Blossom in support of LB 718. And we are extremely grateful to Senator Mike Jacobson from North Platte, chairman of the Nebraska Legislature's Banking Committee, for introducing the bill on behalf of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Please be sure to send him a thank you at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov.

Cheers to a growing profession and new pathways to CPA!

Click here to view LB 718 on the Nebraska Legislature's website.