Massachusetts CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Massachusetts
Key Facts
- ✓Does not require SSN (popular for international candidates)
- ✓150 credit hours required for licensure
- ✓Prefers public accounting experience (or 3 years non-public)
- ✓80 hours of CPE required every 2 years
International Candidates: Massachusetts 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 only (or 3 years non-public)
Exam Eligibility
Licensing & CPE
Exam vs. Licensure: Massachusetts requires different credit thresholds to sit for the CPA exam versus obtaining your license. You can begin testing with 21 accounting credits, but must complete 30 for full licensure. Business credits: 9 to sit, 24 for licensure. Total credits: 120 to sit, 150 for licensure.
Massachusetts State Board of Accountancy
Massachusetts Board of Public 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
Massachusetts CPE & License Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Programs for Massachusetts
12 programs meet CPA education requirements in Massachusetts. Browse by category to find the right fit.
Online MAcc
4Rutgers University — Camden
AACSBOnline Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Syracuse University
AACSBOnline MS in Professional Accounting (Whitman)
University of Massachusetts Amherst
AACSBOnline MS in Accounting (Isenberg)
University of Scranton
AACSBOnline Master of Accountancy
Certificates
2MST Programs
2Related Resources
Planning your CPA journey in Massachusetts? These guides can help.
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