to become a CPA/Massachusetts //

Massachusetts is known for its many prestigious and large universities. It ranks as one of the most educated States in the country. The Bay State has a productive workforce and one of the most concentrated financial service sectors in the nation.

The financial services sector in Massachusetts accounts for 15% of its economy. It has over 200,000 professionals, including Certified Public Accountants. These accounting professionals are equipped with the training and skills to handle complex financial challenges.

There are many accounting schools in Massachusetts that prospective professionals can choose from. Explore the CPA requirements for Massachusetts on this page. Find out the details of the licensing process, such as the education, exam, and experience required.

Massachusetts CPA Education Requirements

According to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, each CPA candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 120 credit hours to take the Uniform CPA Examination. These credits should include accounting and business courses.

A candidate must have 150 credits in total, including at least a bachelor degree, to be eligible for state licensing. Also, they need the appropriate number of business and accounting credits. For the 30 additional post-bachelor’s credits, CPA candidates may take standalone courses, complete a graduate degree, or pursue a bachelor’s-to-master’s program.

Credits, Concentrations and Course Acceptance

For the Massachusetts CPA exam, you will need a Bachelor’s Degree and at least 120 credits. You will also need 150 credits to be licensed. The 120 credits should include at least 21 accounting credits and nine business credits.

The 150 credits required for licensure must include 30 credits in Accounting and 24 credits Business.

Candidates can substitute graduate accounting and graduate business credits for undergraduate credits to meet the 150-credit requirement. Accounting electives, but not subject-specific requirements, can be counted as internship credits. Personal finance courses are not finance courses.

If taken at a college or university accredited by the CLEP, CPA review classes can be counted towards the 150 credits requirement. The correspondence and commercial review classes do not qualify.

Transfer credits are not accepted. All courses and degrees must be from a U.S. accredited school or an institution that has been evaluated by NASBA International Evaluation Services.

Massachusetts Experience Requirements

According to Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy a CPA applicant needs to have at least 2,000 accounting hours to qualify for licensure. The experience must be under the supervision of an active CPA, either in a public accounting setting or a non-public accounting setting such as academia or government.

Part-time or full-time experience is acceptable as long as the time period falls between 1-3 years in public accounting, or 3-9 years for nonpublic accounting. Candidates must have supervised experience verified with an experience/employment letter.

Massachusetts is a state that allows CPA candidates to complete their experience either before or after they take the CPA exam. This list highlights services and skills which qualify as professional experience in accounting.

CPA Exam Requirements

CPA candidates take the Uniform CPA Examination through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Every CPA exam is the same, regardless of location:

• Auditing and Attestation
• Business Environment and Concepts
• Accounting and financial reporting
• The Regulations of the United States

The following sections will explore Massachusetts’ CPA requirements.

Exam Eligibility

For a candidate to sit for the CPA examination in Massachusetts, they must either have a bachelor’s and 120 credits completed or be on the right track to do so within 90 days. The 120 credits also must include nine business and 21 accounting credits.

Massachusetts does not have an expiration date for credits. Candidates can therefore take the test at any time following graduation. The only requirements are that the applicant be at least 18 years of age and possess a Social Security Number. However, citizenship or residency is not required. Massachusetts does not require CPAs to pass an ethical exam.

Exam Schedule and Application

Individuals in Massachusetts can apply via CPA Central. First-time applications cost $195.00.

The applicant must submit official transcripts from each institution attended. Candidates who are currently registered must submit a Certificate Of Enrollment confirming that they will meet the requirements in 90 days. Incomplete applications can result in exam scores being voided and fees forfeited.

Candidates pay $238.15 per section when submitting their application. If they complete the test within six months, candidates can take multiple sections at once.

Candidates receive an Notice to Schedule after submitting payment and receiving the approval. The test-takers are required to pass all four sections in 18 months, regardless of the order. Retakes are allowed for failed tests, but not within the same time frame. Reexaminations are $117 for a single section, and $20 each for additional sections.

After passing the Exam

Exam results are not dated, so candidates can apply at any time after they have completed the requirements.

You must submit your application through the ePlace Portal of the Board of Public Accountancy. Applications must include the following:

• A report on the academic evaluation for certification that includes a Bachelor’s Degree and 150 Credits
• Minimum of one year and 2,000 professional hours
• The first time licensing fee is $175, or the reciprocal license cost is $499
• Photograph of a head and shoulders
• Three references letters
• Notarization by signature
• Social Security Number
• Criminal Offender Record Information Form

The Division of Occupational Licensure database allows you to check and verify CPA licenses.

Maintaining your Licensure

Massachusetts CPA licenses are valid for two years. CPAs receive a notice of renewal about 60 days prior to expiration. Licenses that have expired will incur a fee. However, after 20 months the license must be reinstated.

A CPA must complete 80 hours of CPE every two years to renew their license. The first time renewal may require less credits, depending on when you were licensed. Each CPA must pay a renewal fee of $161.

The following are eligible CPE hours:

• National and state accounting organizations offer professional development sessions and technical sessions.
• Courses in business, accounting and law that are offered as university or college credit (each 15-hour credit).
• Non-credit courses at universities and colleges
• Other Accounting Organization Programs
• Other formal education programs
• CPA review courses

Out-of-state CPAs can practice in Massachusetts with a valid license issued by a state that has substantially similar requirements. CPAs with four or more years experience can apply for reciprocal licenses. Accounting firms can be owned by professionals in Massachusetts, as long as at least 50% of the owners are licensed.

Question about CPAs in Massachusetts

How can I become a CPA?

Massachusetts CPA requirements require a minimum bachelor’s, 150 credits and a passing score on the CPA examination, as well as one year of supervised experience in public accounting.

What are the education requirements to become a CPA?

Massachusetts has two levels of education requirements for CPAs: the examination and licensing. Candidates must have a bachelor’s and 120 credits including 21 accounting and 9 business credits to qualify for the exam. For licensure candidates must have a bachelor’s and 150 credits including 30 business credits and 24 accounting credits.

How long does it usually take to become a CPA in Massachusetts?

The time it takes to become a CPA can vary. The bachelor’s degree is usually completed in four years, followed by an additional year of 30 credits. It takes 18 months to pass the exam and another year for the practical experience. Total, this comes out to be 7.5 years.

Is it difficult to get a CPA’s license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts CPA requirements are time-consuming and difficult to meet. The CPA examination is the final step in the process of becoming a CPA. According AICPA the pass rate for the exam varies between 44% and 60 %, depending on which section.

What are the requirements for obtaining a CPA in Massachusetts?

Candidates must meet the education, exam, and experience requirements to become a CPA. They need to have a bachelor’s and 150 credits for education. They must pass the CPA Uniform Exam. They need to have at least one-year of experience in public accounting.

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Author: Alaina McCartney