They all got the credential based on points accumulated for life experience. To me, that is not a real credential. The registration period for the test was extended through August 31 and sometime next year, the test will become mandatory, according to Jim Bourke of WithumSmith+Brown who is wrapping up three years as chair of the CITP committee. Bourke shares my viewpoint about the need for a test to create a hurdle for those who which to hold credentials. On the way to a mandatory test, "We are in the process of creating an education pathway a review course for people to study," he said. Bourke said the reliance on points for life experience penalizes younger CPAs. "If I have been in the profession for five years and am a young person, I probably haven't been able to accumulate 100 points in lifelong learning," he said. "I want to make it attractive to younger professionals." Maybe credential holders can be shamed into taking the test by giving those who do a tag that their designation is "not your grandfather's CITP." The 1,800 oldcomers could get the tag "Stayin' Alive."