The designation certified public accountant (CPA) is conferred by a state or jurisdiction to individuals to practice as a licensed certified public accountant. The licensing of CPAs protects the public from incompetent individuals performing substandard accounting work. In the United States, there are fifty-four states or jurisdictions with laws and regulations on the requirements and obligations of licensed CPAs. In 1896, New York State passed the first accountancy law to test the qualifications of public accountants. This led to the issuance of a state license to practice as a certified public accountant and the emergence of accounting as a profession with licensing requirements, professional standards, and a code of professional ethics. Other states followed this lead, and eventually all of the fifty-four states and jurisdictions enacted public accounting legislation. The Boards of Accountancy of each jurisdiction are responsible for licensing candidates and for...