Section 43-3-7. Examinations for certified public accountants; service of process for nonresident applicants

   (a) The board may provide, by regulation, for the general scope of the examination described in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-3-6. The board may approve the examination and obtain advice and assistance in providing for and grading such examination and the division director, with approval of the board, may contract with third parties to perform administrative services with respect to the examination as he or she deems appropriate.

(b) As a prerequisite to sit for the examination, candidates shall meet the education requirements provided in division (a)(3)(A)(i) of Code Section 43-3-6.

(c) An applicant for the certificate of certified public accountant who has successfully completed the examination provided for in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-3-6 shall have no status as a certified public accountant until he or she has the requisite education and experience and has received his or her certificate as a certified public accountant.

(d) The board, by regulation, may provide for granting a credit to any applicant for satisfactory completion of an examination in any one or more of the subjects provided for in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-3-6 given by the licensing authority in another jurisdiction. Such regulations shall include such requirements as the board deems appropriate to ensure that any examination approved as a basis for any such credit, in the judgment of the board, shall be at least as thorough as the examination approved by the board at the time of the granting of such credit.

(e) The board, by regulation, may prescribe the time and conditions under which an applicant may retain credit for a portion or portions of the examination provided for in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-3-6.

(f) Application for certification by persons who are not residents of this state shall constitute the appointment of the Secretary of State as the agent for service of process in any action or proceeding against such applicant arising out of any transaction, activity, or operation connected with or incidental to the practice of public accounting in this state by nonresident holders of certified public accountant certificates.

Code 1933, § 84-205, enacted by Ga. L. 1935, p. 85, § 5; Code 1933, § 84-204, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, p. 1063, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 559, § 3; Ga. L. 1989, p. 1098, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Ga. L. 2002, p. 863, § 2.