• Become a CPA
• Process Step by Step
• Education
  • Education Requirements
  • Accreditation
  • Minnesota Accounting Programs
• CPA Exam
  • CPA Exam Facts
    • Exam Overview
    • CPA Exam Sections
    • Certification Costs
    • CPA Exam Statistics and Pass Rates
    • Self-Study Ethics Exam
  • CPA Exam Changes
    • Discipline Model
    • Transition Policy
    • Important Dates
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Additional Resources
  • CPA Exam Tips
  • Application Process
    • When to take the CPA Exam
    • How to Apply for the CPA Exam
    • Scheduling the CPA Exam
  • CPA Exam Review
    • Choosing a CPA Review Course
    • Review Course Directory
  • Scoring
  • Becoming a CPA Video
• Certification
• Student Resources
  • Student Membership
  • Student Mentor Directory
  • MNCPA Scholars Program
    • MNCPA Scholars
    • MNCPA Mentors
  • Accounting Scholarships
  • Student Conference - Career Fair
  • News & Resources for Students
• Recently Certified CPAs
• FAQ

Becoming a CPA

The process step by step

Becoming a CPA in Minnesota is a multi-step process. You must meet the education requirements, pass the CPA exam, pass an ethics exam, gain the required experience and then apply for a certificate.

Keep in mind that the application/qualifications for the exam and the application/qualification for the CPA Certification are two distinctly different processes.

Meet Minnesota's education requirements for the Uniform CPA exam.

Apply for the Uniform CPA Exam.

• Get information on the CPA exam format, length, cost, testing sites, testing dates, and more by reading our CPA exam fact sheet.
• Apply to take the CPA exam.

Prepare for the Uniform CPA Exam.

• Review our CPA exam tips
• Register for a CPA exam review course
• Study test simulations and sample questions on the Uniform CPA Exam website.

Pass the Uniform CPA Exam.

• Review our tips on passing the CPA exam.

Take the self-study ethics exam.

Meet the experience requirements.

Apply for a certificate to practice through the Minnesota Board of Accountancy.

Maintain your certificate to practice.

• Minnesota BOA CPA requirements
• Deadlines for your first year of certification

Have certification questions?

The Minnesota Board of Accountancy issues all CPA certificates in the state, including your initial certificate. Should you have questions regarding where you stand in the certification process, the BOA can be reached at 651-296-7938 or visit them online.