MNCPA Requirements 2026Updated February 20, 2026
Minnesota CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Minnesota
120/150
Credit Hours*
1
Year Experience
$150
License Fee
120
CPE Hours/Year
Key Facts
- ✓120-credit pathway available since January 2, 2026 (SF 3045)
- ✓150-credit pathway sunsets June 30, 2030
- ✓2 years experience required under 120-credit pathway
- ✓Annual license renewal cycle
- ✓120 hours of CPE required every 3 years (reporting period differs from renewal)
*Minnesota offers a 120-credit pathway (SF 3045) with additional experience requirements. See Licensure Pathways below for details.
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 Credits24
Business Credits24
Additional Requirements:
- •Must include auditing and tax courses
Minnesota offers alternative pathways. See Licensure Pathways below.
Experience Requirements
Total Experience12 months (1 year)
SupervisionLicensed CPA
Acceptable Experience Types:
- ✓Public accounting
- ✓Private industry
- ✓Government
Exam Eligibility
Education to SitBachelor's degree with accounting concentration
Minimum AgeNone
Residency RequiredNo
SSN RequiredYes
Licensing & CPE
Initial License Fee$150
Renewal Fee$100
Renewal Period1 year
CPE Hours Required120 per year
Ethics CPE RequiredYes
Licensure Pathways
ActiveSF 3045
Traditional 150-Credit Pathway (Sunsets June 30, 2030)
150
Credits
1
Year Exp.
- •150 semester hours with accounting concentration
- •1 year of professional experience
- •This pathway sunsets June 30, 2030
ActiveSF 3045
120-Credit + Experience Pathway
120
Credits
2
Years Exp.
Effective: January 2, 2026
- •Bachelor's degree (120 credits)
- •2 years of professional experience
- •Minnesota previously used a 120+2yr model before 2006
ActiveSF 3045
Master's Degree Pathway
150
Credits
1
Year Exp.
Effective: January 2, 2026
- •Master's degree
- •1 year of professional experience
Minnesota State Board of Accountancy
Minnesota State Board of Accountancy
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 Minnesota State Board of Accountancy before beginning your application. Last updated: 2026-02-20.
Minnesota CPE & License Renewal
120
CPE Hours Per Period
1 Year
Renewal Cycle
~120
Hours Per Year
Required
Ethics CPE
Initial License Fee
$150
Renewal Fee
$100 every 1 year
Frequently Asked Questions
Minnesota CPA licenses renew annually. CPE is reported on a 3-year cycle with 120 hours required.
Education Programs for Minnesota
2 programs meet CPA education requirements in Minnesota. Browse by category to find the right fit.
150-Hour Pathways
1Related Resources
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