How to Meet Minnesota CPA Requirements

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Minnesota signifies a high level of competence in the accounting profession. The Minnesota Board of Accountancy is the state’s regulatory body, overseeing the process to ensure all licensed individuals meet established standards. The path to licensure involves several stages, each with its own requirements, and this guide provides a look at the qualifications necessary to earn the CPA designation in Minnesota.

Meeting the Education Requirements

The foundation of a CPA license in Minnesota is a significant educational commitment, culminating in what is commonly known as the “150-hour rule.” To be eligible for licensure, a candidate must complete a minimum of 150 semester hours of college-level education. This coursework must result in at least a baccalaureate degree from a college or university that is regionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Within the 150-hour total, the Minnesota Board of Accountancy mandates a specific curriculum. An applicant must have completed at least 24 semester hours of accounting coursework at the intermediate or advanced level. These courses must cover specific subject matter including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

Beyond the accounting-specific courses, the board requires a broad business background. Candidates must complete an additional 24 semester hours in business-related subjects. These courses can cover a wide range of topics such as business law, economics, finance, management, and information systems.

Passing the CPA Examination

Before obtaining a full license, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination. Eligibility to sit for the exam in Minnesota has slightly different educational prerequisites than full licensure. To qualify, a candidate must have earned a bachelor’s degree and completed the required 48-hour block of accounting and business courses, which allows individuals to begin testing while completing their final credits toward the 150-hour rule.

The application to take the exam is managed by CPA Examination Services (CPAES) on behalf of the Minnesota Board. Prospective test-takers must submit official transcripts for evaluation and pay the associated application and examination fees. Once CPAES verifies eligibility, the candidate receives a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which allows them to schedule their exam sections at a Prometric testing center.

The exam itself follows the CPA Evolution model, which consists of three Core sections and one Discipline section. All candidates must pass the three Core sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG). For the fourth part, candidates choose one of three Discipline sections: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).

A passing score for each exam section is a minimum of 75. Candidates must pass all four sections within a rolling 18-month window, which begins on the date the first section is passed. If all four sections are not completed within the valid window, credit for the first section passed expires, and the candidate must retake it.

Completing the Work Experience Requirement

Minnesota requires candidates to obtain at least one year of relevant work experience, which is defined as 2,000 hours of employment. This experience must be gained in a period of not less than one year but not more than three years. This ensures the experience is both substantial and current.

The work performed must involve the use of skills related to accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting. This broad definition allows for qualifying experience to be gained in various sectors, not just a traditional public accounting firm. Candidates can fulfill this requirement by working in private industry, government agencies, or academia.

Verification of the work experience is a formal process that must be completed by a supervising CPA. The verifying CPA must hold an active license and have direct, first-hand knowledge of the candidate’s work. They will be required to complete and sign a “Certificate of Experience” form, which is available from the Minnesota Board of Accountancy’s website, attesting to the nature of the work and hours completed.

Submitting Your CPA License Application

After successfully completing the educational, examination, and experience requirements, the final step is to formally apply for the CPA license. The package must include the main initial license application form, official transcripts from all educational institutions confirming the completion of 150 semester hours, and the signed Certificate of Experience form.

A distinct prerequisite for the final license is passing a separate ethics exam. All applicants must pass the AICPA’s “Professional Ethics: The AICPA’s Comprehensive Course (For Licensure)” with a score of 90% or better. This open-book, self-study exam must be completed within the six months before or after the initial license application is submitted to the board.

The completed application package, along with the non-refundable application fee of $150, must be submitted to the Minnesota Board of Accountancy. Following submission, the board will review the entire file to ensure all requirements have been met. The board will then issue the official CPA certificate to the successful applicant.