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MECPA Requirements 2026Updated July 27, 2026

Maine CPA Requirements

Everything you need to become a CPA in Maine

150
Credit Hours
2
Years Experience
$56
License Fee
40
CPE Hours/Year

Key Facts

  • ✓150 credit hours required for licensure
  • ✓Lower accounting credit requirements (15)
  • ✓2 years of supervised experience required
  • ✓40 hours of CPE required annually

International Candidates: Maine does not require a Social Security Number (SSN), making it a popular choice for international CPA candidates.

Education & Experience Requirements

Verify Before Applying: Requirements shown are for informational purposes and may have changed. Always confirm current requirements with the official state board before beginning your application.

Education Requirements

Degree RequiredBachelor's degree
Total Credit Hours150
Accounting Credits15(for licensure)
Business Credits0
Additional Requirements:
  • •Flexible education requirements

Experience Requirements

Total Experience24 months (2 years)
SupervisionLicensed CPA
Acceptable Experience Types:
  • ✓Public accounting (employment at a licensed firm under CPA supervision)

Exam Eligibility

Education to Sit120 credits with 12 accounting credits, of which at least 3 must be auditing and attestation, and no business requirement
Credits to Sit120
Accounting Credits to Sit12
Business Credits to SitNone required
Minimum Age18 years
Residency RequiredNo
SSN RequiredNo

Licensing & CPE

Initial License Fee$56
Renewal Fee$35
Renewal Period1 year
CPE Hours Required40 per year
Ethics CPE RequiredYes

Exam vs. Licensure: Maine requires different credit thresholds to sit for the CPA exam versus obtaining your license. You can begin testing with 12 accounting credits, but must complete 15 for full licensure. Total credits: 120 to sit, 150 for licensure.

Maine State Board of Accountancy

Maine Board of Accountancy

Visit Official Website(opens in new tab)
(207) 624-8672
accountancy.board@maine.gov

Application Tips

  • 1.Verify current requirements on the official state board website before applying
  • 2.Have official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
  • 3.Allow 4-6 weeks for application processing
  • 4.Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
Disclaimer: Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Maine State Board of Accountancy before beginning your application. Last updated: 2026-07-27.

Maine CPE & License Renewal

40
CPE Hours Per Period
1 Year
Renewal Cycle
~40
Hours Per Year
Required
Ethics CPE
Initial License Fee
$56
Renewal Fee
$35 every 1 year
Full CPE GuideEstimate Total CPA CostInternational Candidates Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Maine has relatively flexible education requirements, requiring only 15 semester hours in accounting subjects, lower than most states.

Education Programs for Maine

2 programs meet CPA education requirements in Maine. Browse by category to find the right fit.

View all 53 education programs

Related Resources

Planning your CPA journey in Maine? These guides can help.

CPA Salary Guide (2026)What to expect after you passCPA Career PathsWhere a CPA license can take youIs the CPA Worth It?ROI analysis for candidatesHow Long to Study for the CPA ExamRealistic timelines by sectionBest CPA Review Courses (2026)All 9 providers rankedFind Courses for Your SituationBrowse by candidate profileCPA Costs by StateInteractive map & data

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TXTexas
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