Research Results Show Significant Support Among CPAs, Students for Proposed Global Credential.

• Position: Global accounting credential - Brief Article

Recent research on the proposed global business credential ("XYZ") indicates strong acceptance of the credential among the pool of potential credential holders as well as a positive impact on potential student enrollment in accounting programs (The CPA Letter, Feb./Mar.). These results, which emerge from research conducted by the Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. ("supply side") and The Taylor Research and Consulting Group, Inc. (students), demonstrate the credential's appeal to the supply side of the equation and to future generations of CPAs.

Equally compelling results on market demand for the credential were just recently discussed at regional Council meetings held late last month. Those results will be shared with members in detail in the May issue of The CPA Letter.

Among the most significant findings:

* Receptivity to the XYZ concept is significantly higher than previously estimated. In addition, a significant percentage of CPAs would seek to obtain the credential.

* There is a growing awareness of this type of credential among potential credential holders.

* The presence of XYZs in the marketplace does not appear to negatively impact the role or value of the CPA.

* The majority of CPAs and AICPA student members would support the launch of XYZ.

Another component of the research was to ascertain the level of interest in and ramifications of the credential among accounting and non-accounting students. The survey found that when XYZ is introduced as an addition to the Vision-aligned CPA, there is a tremendous jump in interest of both credentials among students. Furthermore, among those students who wanted to become CPAs, a significant number would also...