What's Happening?
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) have announced the conclusion of the Experience, Learn and Earn (ELE) program by the end of the fall 2025 semester. The program, in partnership with Tulane University, was designed to help early-career accountants meet the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA licensure at a reduced cost. However, due to changing market conditions and the emergence of new licensure pathways in several states, the program will be discontinued. The decision was made as the program was not achieving the necessary scale for sustainability.
Why It's Important?
The termination of the ELE program reflects the evolving landscape of CPA licensure and education. As states develop more accessible pathways to licensure, the need for programs like ELE diminishes. This shift could impact accounting firms and aspiring CPAs, prompting firms to develop their own educational solutions. The AICPA's decision underscores the importance of adaptability in professional education and the need for innovative approaches to meet the changing demands of the accounting profession.
What's Next?
With the ELE program ending, accounting firms and educational institutions may explore alternative methods to support CPA candidates. This could include developing in-house training programs or forming partnerships with educational providers. The AICPA and NASBA may also continue to monitor and support new licensure pathways to ensure they meet the needs of the profession and its candidates.
