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Taking the exam versus getting certified
Keep in mind that the education requirements to sit for the CPA exam are different from the
requirements to apply for the CPA certificate.
Education requirements to take the CPA exam and earn the CPA certificate
depend on the accreditation level of the
college or university where the degree was earned (see
Rule
1105.1500,
Rule
1105.2900, and
Minnesota
Statute 326A.03, sub. 3 and sub. 6, for more information).
Level 1 accreditation
Definition: Your educational institution (a four-year degree-granting college or
university) is accredited.
» Level 1 schools in Minnesota
To sit for the
CPA exam: |
Bachelor's or higher degree that includes or is supplemented by at least
24 semester hours of accounting at the upper division (junior-senior)
level or graduate level, including coverage of, but not necessarily
separate courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation and management
accounting.
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To earn the
CPA certificate: |
150 hours, which must include at least the
following:
- 24 semester hours of upper division or graduate level courses in
financial accounting, auditing, taxation and management accounting
- 24 semester hours in undergraduate or graduate level courses in
business-related subjects or accounting
- No more than six hours of this 48 may be from internships or life
experience.
Note: Additional internship hours over the six allowed within the
accounting and business concentration can be applied toward the 150 hours. |
Level 2 accreditation
Definition: Your business school or college of business within the educational
institution is accredited.
» Level 2 schools in Minnesota
Requirements if you have a bachelor's degree:
To sit for the
CPA exam: |
Bachelor’s degree and completed at least 24 semester hours in accounting
at the undergraduate or graduate level, including coverage of, but not
necessarily separate courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation and
management accounting. An additional minimum of 24 semester hours in
business-related or accounting courses at the undergraduate or graduate
level are also required.
|
To earn the
CPA certificate: |
150 hours. No specific courses required if you met the requirements to
sit for the exam. |
Requirements if you have a graduate degree:
To sit for the
CPA exam: |
Graduate degree and completed at least 24 semester hours in accounting
at the undergraduate level or 15 semester hours at the graduate level or an
equivalent combination. Courses must include coverage of, but not
necessarily separate courses in, financial accounting, auditing, taxation
and management accounting.
|
To earn the
CPA certificate: |
150 hours. No specific courses are required if you met the requirements
to sit for the exam. |
Level 3 accreditation
Definition: Your accounting program or department within the
educational institution is accredited.
» Level 3 schools in Minnesota
To sit for the
CPA exam: |
Graduate degree with a concentration in accounting.
|
To earn the
CPA certificate: |
150 hours. No specific courses are required if you met the requirements to sit for the exam. |
Have questions?
The Minnesota Society of CPAs does not handle CPA exam applications or
certification.
Contact the National
Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) at 615-880-4200 to speak
with the Minnesota Coordinator about questions regarding exam eligibility,
specific college or university courses or other education requirement questions.
Contact the Minnesota Board of Accountancy
at 651-296-7938 with questions regarding Minnesota education requirements or
certification.
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Resources for exam candidates
ExamTracker
Use this tool to track your progress in passing the CPA exam. Avoid the pain of having a
passing score expire or missing critical exam updates. You do not need to be a member to
setup an ExamTracker account.
MNCPA Accounting Employer Directory
Ace your interview! Research potential employers with our searchable guide.
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