Montana CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Montana
Key Facts
- ✓120-credit pathway available since January 1, 2026 (SB 166)
- ✓Does not require SSN (popular for international candidates)
- ✓CPA Exam window extended to 30 months
- ✓2 years experience required under 120-credit pathway
- ✓120 hours of CPE per rolling 3-year period (50% technical, including 2 hours of ethics)
*Montana offers a 120-credit pathway (SB 166) with additional experience requirements. See Licensure Pathways below for details.
International Candidates: Montana 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
- •Must include auditing course
Experience Requirements
- ✓Public accounting
- ✓Private industry
- ✓Government
Exam Eligibility
Licensing & CPE
Licensure Pathways
Traditional 150-Credit Pathway
- •Bachelor's degree with accounting concentration + 30 additional credits
- •1 year of qualifying accounting experience
120-Credit + Experience Pathway
Effective: January 1, 2026
- •Bachelor's degree with accounting concentration
- •2 years of qualifying accounting experience
- •Can sit for exam with 120 credits
- •CPA Exam window extended to 30 months
Post-Bachelor's Degree Pathway
Effective: January 1, 2026
- •Post-bachelor's degree with accounting concentration
- •1 year of qualifying accounting experience
Montana State Board of Accountancy
Montana Board of Public Accountants
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
Montana CPE & License Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Programs for Montana
2 programs meet CPA education requirements in Montana. Browse by category to find the right fit.
150-Hour Pathways
1Related Resources
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Find the perfect CPA review course for your Montana CPA journey.