The end of the current New Jersey triennial reporting period is December 31, 2011. Renewing your CPA license can be confusing, but proper preparation and the right information will make the process easier and less frustrating. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions, contact information and more. If you have other questions, Society staff will do their best to assist you.
What is the best way to renew my license?
The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy has mailed the instructions for renewing your CPA license via its secure MyLicense website. The instructions will provide your MyLicense code, which is required to renew online. If you do not receive these instructions by October 31, please contact the Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-888-656-6225 (within New Jersey) or 1-973-424-8150 (outside New Jersey).
What if I plan to move or have moved or changed my address in the past three years?
Licensees must notify the Board by mail or electronically no later than 30 days following a change of address of record. Please immediately inform the State Board of your new contact information.
What could happen if I renewed my license as active and don’t complete the required total number of credits by the end of the triennial?
Contact the Board immediately as to any extenuating circumstances. You will not be allowed to hold yourself out as a CPA or practice accountancy in the State of New Jersey, and the State Board can impose severe financial penalties. Also, the licensee is primarily responsible for documenting the satisfaction of CPE, and all 120 hours of CPE must be obtained from a provider that has a sponsor number issued by the State Board or has registered with NASBA. If you do not have the requisite credits by December 31, 2011 — and if you are selected for audit — you can be subject to a fine and required to make up any deficient credits.
What should I do if I don’t think I’ll have enough credits by December 31, 2011?
These licensees should request “paid inactive” status, pay the associated fees, take the required number of credits and then reapply for active status.
Is there any grace period after the end of the triennial on December 31, 2011?
There is NO statutory or regulatory authority for a "grace period." While the board occasionally considers waivers and special situational deviations, all licensees are urged to refrain from attempting to self-apply such exemptions.
What about the law and ethics course?
Each applicant for a triennial license renewal shall complete a four-credit course on New Jersey Law and Ethics provided by a sponsor approved by the State Board.
Click here for courses offered by the NJSCPA.
Can I fulfill the ethics requirement through self-study?
No, you are not permitted to fulfill the New Jersey Law and Ethics requirement via self study.
I’m also licensed in New York state. Does taking the New Jersey Law & Ethics course satisfy the ethics requirement in New York?
The New Jersey Law & Ethics course no longer satisfies the ethics requirement in New York if your principal place of business is in New York. In January, the New York State Board of Public Accountancy voted and approved a change to the state’s
ethics program guidelines. Previously, a CPA licensed in multiple jurisdictions could use an ethics course in another state to satisfy the ethics requirement in New York. Under the new rule, if your principal place of business is in New York state and you are licensed in New York, you
MUST take a New York ethics course to satisfy your ethics requirement. However, CPAs licensed in multiple jurisdictions including New York, who have a principal place of business outside of New York, can satisfy New York’s ethics requirement by taking an ethics course in the CPA's primary state of practice. If you’ve already taken the four-hour New Jersey Law & Ethics course, the credits will satisfy your New Jersey ethics requirement and the credits for that course may be used toward your overall New York CPE credit requirement. If you have questions about your personal situation, you may call the New York State Board at 518-474-3817 (Choose Option #1, then extension #160).
Does taking the New York Law & Ethics course satisfy the ethics requirement in New Jersey?
No, you must take the New Jersey Law & Ethics course.
Where can I find a list of approved CPE sponsors?
Visit the State Board's website at
www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/accountancy/cesponsor.pdf. CPE sponsors must have a sponsor number with the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy or be approved by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
How are self-study credits applied?
The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy grants credits at the rate of one credit for every 50 minutes of correspondence and individual self-study program participation. A maximum of 60 credit hours of continuing professional education may be obtained in correspondence and other individual self-study programs in each triennial renewal period. Self-study credits must be obtained through a NASBA-approved self-study provider.
Can a CPE instructor receive credit for teaching?
One credit hour shall be given for each 50-minute period of service. For the lecturer’s, instructor’s, discussion leader’s or speaker’s preparation time, there shall be awarded two additional hours of continuing professional education credit for each credit hour of instruction. The instructor shall not be given credit for subsequent sessions in the same year involving substantially identical subject matter, except that after one year has elapsed the Board may give one additional credit hour for each 50-minute period of service for the initial presentation, provided the original material has been updated. The maximum credit given for service as a lecturer, instructor, discussion leader or speaker shall not exceed 60 credit hours for the triennial period, and an instructor or discussion leader who is employed as an instructor or discussion leader on a full-time basis shall not be eligible to obtain continuing professional education credit for such activities.
What is the NJSCPA’s role in the renewal process?
The New Jersey Society of CPAs is the professional organization representing the state’s CPAs. While the Society can provide advice, answer questions and offer CPE courses, the State Board is the governing body with respect to CPE requirements, license renewal or issuance, and any related penalties issued.
How can I contact the N.J. State Board of Accountancy?
Inquiries or concerns can be addressed to: N.J. State Board of Accountancy, P.O. Box 45000, Newark, NJ 07101; 973-504-6380. The Board's website is located at
www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/accountancy.
Is there anything else I should know?
Complete your CPE and renew your license early. If you are looking for courses to take, please feel free to visit
njscpa.org/catalog. Remember, courses fill up quickly, and in some instances may be sold out, during the last four months before the end of the triennial.