The top-level domain (TLD) .CPA, stands for Certified Public Accountant, is a restricted and specialized TLD for licensed CPA firms. This domain’s main purpose is to serve individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking CPA services.
The .CPA TLD has a technical structure similar to other TLDs. It branches off from the root domain, constituting the highest level of domain in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. The two types of TLDs are generic TLDs (gTLD) and country code TLDs (ccTLD). However, the .CPA is an example of a gTLD.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) controls the .CPA domain. According to the AICPA website, the objective of implementing the .CPA domain is to increase the credibility and professionalism of CPA firms on the internet and provide additional security measures to consumers online. Application for the .CPA domain is restricted and monitored, meaning only licensed CPA firms can apply, ensuring authenticity.
For a firm to request preliminary permission for .CPA domain use, they must fulfill the eligibility requirements outlined by the AICPA. These professional eligibility criteria include holding a valid CPA license, maintaining good standing with all regulatory bodies, and agreeing to comply with the .CPA domain’s terms and conditions.
The .CPA domain also brings technological benefits — providing a more secure environment for CPA firms and their clients. One example is that it helps to prevent phishing – a cybercrime where a person is contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data. The .CPA domain’s increased security measures will help clients to quickly verify the legitimacy of an email or a website.
The internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of the internet namespace, lists the .CPA as a delegated TLD – meaning it is up, running, and under the supervision of the AICPA per its September 2020 listing.
In conclusion, the .CPA is a restricted gTLD dedicated to licensed CPA firms. It’s subjected to specific regulations by the AICPA to uphold the domain’s professional legitimacy online.
Sources Used:
1. ICANN: Root Zone Database.
2. The American Institute of CPA: .CPA Domains.
3. ICANN: About the .CPA TLD.
4. The American Institute of CPA: CPA.com Launches .CPA Website Domains.
