2010 Arizona Revised Statutes
Title 32 - Professions and Occupations
32-721 Certified public accountants; qualifications

32-721. Certified public accountants; qualifications

A. The board shall issue a certificate of certified public accountant to any individual who:

1. Meets the requirement to take the examination pursuant to section 32-723.

2. Within a period of time prescribed by the rules of the board, has obtained a passing grade in each subject of the examination for certified public accountant in this state, or in any other state, territory or possession of the United States that uses the questions and grading facilities of the American institute of certified public accountants or any other institution approved by the board.

3. Meets the following character and fitness requirements:

(a) Is at least eighteen years of age.

(b) Is of good moral character.

(c) Has not engaged in any conduct that would constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of a certificate or other disciplinary action pursuant to section 32-741.

4. Meets the additional experience and educational requirements prescribed by subsection B of this section.

B. In addition to the requirements prescribed by subsection A of this section, the applicant must meet both of the following requirements:

1. Have been employed full time, either before or after passing each section of the examination for certified public accountant, for at least one year in the office of a certified public accountant or public accountant, in private industry or with a government agency that has exposed the applicant to and provided the applicant with experience in the practice of accounting. The board may accept part-time employment as a substitute for the requirement of one year of full-time employment if the part-time employment provides the applicant with equivalent experience in the practice of accounting.

2. Present satisfactory evidence from an accredited institution or a college or university maintaining standards comparable to those of an accredited institution that the applicant has completed at least one hundred fifty semester hours of education of which:

(a) At least thirty-six semester hours are accounting courses of which at least thirty semester hours are upper level courses.

(b) At least thirty semester hours are related courses.