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Experience Requirements

Become a CPA in Minnesota

Updated Nov. 10, 2023

Gaining accounting experience is a necessary component of earning your CPA certificate. This is in addition to meeting the other requirements for becoming a CPA.

In Minnesota, you need a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience using accounting, attest, compilation, tax, consulting or other skills noted in the BOA rule 1105.2600. Experience must be earned in no less than one year and no more than three years. 

One year of experience can be in:

  • Public accounting
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Government
Paid internships count provided the candidate didn’t use the internship to fulfill the education requirements. 

Experience verification

A CPA with first-hand knowledge of the work can verify your experience. The verifying CPA can't be related to the CPA candidate. If they are certified in Minnesota, the CPA must have an unexpired active or inactive certificate. If they are certified in another state, they must hold an unexpired certificate in that state.

Can I work while sitting for the exam?

In Minnesota, work hours earned while sitting for the CPA exam can be counted towards your one year of experience.

Questions?

Contact the MNCPA membership department at 952-831-2707 or email us for answers to your CPA certification questions. 

CPA certification is regulated by the Minnesota Board of Accountancy (BOA). They can be reached at 651-296-7938 or online