A Curriculum Format to Meet the AICPA 150-Hour Requirement

Abstract

In February 1988, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) reported the results of a vote that is bound to reignite the controversy over 150-hour (5-year) programs. An overwhelming majority of the AICPA members voted that persons applying for membership after the year 2000 must have completed 150 hours of education (73% of the members voted; 83% voted in favor of the requirement). The vote is significant in that the institute has now essentially mandated a national postbaccalaureate education. Legislatures have responded to the AICPA's call by enacting or introducing legislation to enact the 150-hour requirement in 29 states. The first graduates affected by this change will be entering higher education within 4 years. Hence, it is imperative that alternative methods of implementing the new requirements be explored now. This article presents an innovative educational program that helps alleviate three of the major criticisms of 150-hour programs. Specifically, the proposed alternative addresses the strain on university resources, barrier to entry in the profession, and fear that additional education cannot replace experience. In addition, the proposed format helps alleviate a problem that has and will become increasingly difficult for public accounting firms.