Retired CPA Certificate Status
Reviewed March 14, 2025
CPAs certified in Minnesota can be granted retired status by the Minnesota Board of Accountancy (BOA).
Qualifications:
To qualify for retired status, you must:
- Be 55 years old or older.
- Hold an active or inactive CPA certificate in good standing (cannot be expired more than a year). Or hold exempt status.
- Declare that you’re not practicing public accounting in any jurisdiction.
If your CPA certificate is active, you must complete the required CPE and be in compliance with the one and three-year reporting requirements before switching to retired status.
Submitting a request
Assuming all qualifications noted above are met and no late fee is required, submit a Retired Status Request Form to the BOA.
The Retired Status Request Form can be mailed or emailed. If emailing, note “Retired Status Request” and your CPA certificate number in the subject line. All forms do require a physical signature. Digital signatures are not accepted.
Access Retired Status Request form
Expired CPA certificates need to be brought back into good standing with the BOA prior to being granted retired status. Refer to the BOA's Retired Status Request Instructions for guidance on next steps if your CPA certificate has expired.
Effective status change date
A status change to retired is effective the day the Board approves the request.
You will receive a follow-up retirement card from the BOA once your request has been granted. This information is also searchable within the “Find a CPA” section of the BOA’s site.
Search for your CPA status
Rules for using retired status
CPAs with retired status can’t perform any work that requires an active CPA certificate or otherwise hold themselves out as a CPA.
Once granted retired status by the Board, it’s important to represent yourself correctly. Options for using the retired status include:
- Certified Public Accountant – Retired
- CPA – Retired
- Retired Certified Public Accountant
- Retired CPA
Maintaining retired status
There is no annual CPE or certificate renewal requirements for maintaining retired status. There is also no cost to maintaining retired status.
Converting from retired to active or inactive status
A retired CPA certificate can be converted to active or inactive status by completing an Application for Reinstatement form available through the BOA.
To convert from retired to active status, you will need to document 120 hours of CPE earned no more than three years from the date the BOA receives your status change application. Certificates of completion may be requested by the BOA but are not required for application.
Questions?
The Board of Accountancy regulates CPAs in Minnesota. Contact the BOA at 651-296-7938.
Contact the MNCPA at membership@mncpa.org or 952-831-2707.
