Minnesota CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Minnesota
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
- •Must include auditing and tax courses
Experience Requirements
- ✓Public accounting
- ✓Private industry
- ✓Government
Exam Eligibility
The 24 accounting hours are the bachelor's route, which sets no separate business figure. A graduate accounting degree qualifies on its own, and the graduate business route accepts 24 undergraduate or 15 graduate accounting hours plus 24 hours of business-related or additional accounting courses.
From July 1, 2026 you must also be a Minnesota resident, attend a Minnesota school, or work in Minnesota for qualifying experience. A nonresident may qualify by meeting one of those within the 90 days before or after the exam.
Licensing & CPE
Licensure Pathways
Traditional 150-Credit Pathway (Sunsets June 30, 2030)
- •150 semester hours with accounting concentration
- •1 year of professional experience
- •This pathway sunsets June 30, 2030
120-Credit + Experience Pathway
Effective: January 1, 2026
- •Bachelor's degree (120 credits)
- •2 years of professional experience
- •Minnesota previously used a 120+2yr model before 2006
Master's Degree Pathway
Effective: January 1, 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
Minnesota CPE & License Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Programs for Minnesota
2 programs meet CPA education requirements in Minnesota. Browse by category to find the right fit.
Certificates
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