The number of Americans taking exams to enter the accounting profession has plunged to the lowest level in 17 years, according to new data from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
In 2022, the number of new entrants sitting Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exams dropped to just over 67,000, down from 72,000 in 2021, according to data published in AICPA’s annual report, marking a significant shortfall from the institute’s forecast of 74,000.
According to Financial Times, that figure also marked the lowest level AICPA has registered for the exam participation since 2006.
AICPA noted it had seen a declining number of U.S. accounting graduates and candidates sitting the exam, with the latest figures prominently being bolstered by candidates from overseas, which could further worsen the current shortage of professionals in the field across the United States….