North Carolina has approved another route to CPA licensure. Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 321, the Accounting Workforce Development Act, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. 

“This bill strengthens our state’s accounting talent pipeline by rewarding experience and opening an additional pathway to licensure,” Stein said during the signing, according to Accounting Today. He noted the previous rules created barriers that discouraged some students from pursuing the credential. 

The bill had broad backing, passing unanimously in both chambers. Supporters included the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA), whose board chair, Kelly Puryear, called the measure “thoughtful, forward-looking reform” to address the shrinking CPA pipeline. 

Puryear said the bill preserves high professional standards while making the process more accessible and affordable, aiming to expand the number of qualified candidates to meet business and community needs. 

North Carolina joins more than 30 states that have adopted or are weighing similar legislation. Pennsylvania recently passed a comparable bill, which is awaiting the governor’s signature. 

NCACPA CEO Mark Soticheck said the organization worked with state leaders to help keep financial expertise available for North Carolina families and businesses.