The pathway to certification as a public accountant for veterans and members of the military with relevant military experience is through reciprocity of another jurisdiction's license or through initial application. Military and veteran applicants should review Policy 20-2: Pathways to Certification for Applicants with Military Experience and Rule 1.5(A)(2) related to credit for military experience, education, or training towards certification requirements. Further information on general requirements provided here.
Reciprocity
As explained in Policy 20-2, veteran or military applicants with a current, valid license or registration as a certified public accountant from any US state, territory, or insular possession of the United States or the District of Columbia are eligible for licensure via reciprocity, pursuant to Rule 1.5(E).
Initial Application
As explained in Policy 20-2, veteran or military applicants who do not hold a current, valid license or registration as a certified public accountant from another jurisdiction may apply for initial licensure, pursuant to Chapter 1.5 of Board Rules &, Regulations. If wishing to apply military experience, education, or training towards requirements, the following should be noted:
- Education Requirements: Military experience, education, or training may be credited towards Education Requirements, but only if an Accredited Baccalaureate Granting College has accepted it. Per Rule 1.2(E)(4) and Rule 1.2(D)(5), acceptance is demonstrated either by the college including the credit on an official transcript, or by the college otherwise verifying to the Board that the credit would apply towards graduation.
- Experience Requirements: Accounting experience gained while serving in the military that conforms with Rule 1.4 may be applied towards the minimum Experience Requirements. Pursuant to Rule 1.4(A)(4), the Board may accept experience other than that delineated in rule if it is comparable, as determined on a case-by-case basis. Policy 20-2 outlines how individuals who have military accounting experience may be considered for an exception related to who can verify their accounting experience. More details on verifications can be found in Rule 1.4(A).
Other helpful information for veterans and members of the military can be found on DORA's main Military and Veterans Programs site. This website also contains information for relocated military spouses.
If you have questions on licensing of veterans or members of the military, please contact Laura.Bravo@state.co.us