A CPA is a licensed professional who helps with accounting, taxes, and financial planning. To become a CPA in Missouri, you need to pass an exam, complete education and work experience, and meet ongoing learning requirements.
Steps to Become a CPA in Missouri
To become a CPA in Missouri, you must:
- Get the right education
- Pass the CPA exam
- Complete CPE
- Apply for your CPA license
1. Education Requirements
Before taking the CPA exam, you must:
- Complete 150 credit hours of college education
- Have a bachelor’s degree
- Take 33 hours of accounting classes
You can take the exam after earning 120 hours, but need all 150 to get licensed.
2. Missouri CPA Exam Details
The CPA exam has four parts:
- Auditing and Attestation
- Business Environment and Concepts
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Regulation
3. How to Apply for the CPA Exam
Here’s how to apply:
- Go to the NASBA CPA Exam Services website.
- Send your college transcripts.
- Pay the exam fee.
- Get your Notice to Schedule
- Schedule your exam at a Prometric test center.
4. How to Pass the CPA Exam
- Use a CPA review course
- Study with a schedule
- Practice with sample questions
- Focus on one section at a time
- Take breaks to avoid burnout
5. What Is CPE and Why It’s Important
CPE stands for Continuing Professional Education. After becoming a CPA, you must keep learning to stay updated with tax laws, ethics, and accounting standards.
6. Missouri CPE Requirements
- Complete 120 hours of CPE every 3 years
- Do at least 20 hours every year
- Include 2 hours of ethics in every 3-year period
7. Ethics Course for CPAs
You must take a 2-hour ethics course that teaches:
- Professional behavior
- Rules for CPAs in Missouri
- How to make ethical choices
8. CPA License Requirements in Missouri
To apply for your CPA license, you need:
- To pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam
- To complete 150 college credit hours
- At least 1 year (2,000 hours) of work under a licensed CPA
- An approved ethics course
9. How to Get Your CPA License
Apply through the Missouri State Board of Accountancy. You will need to send:
- Proof that you passed the CPA exam
- Your college transcripts
- Your work experience form
- Ethics course certificate
- Pay the license fee
10. CPA License Renewal and CPE Rules
- You must renew your license every 2 years
- You must complete CPE hours to keep your license active
- Keep records of your CPE for 5 years in case you’re audited
11. Final Tips
Becoming a CPA in Missouri takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Make sure you:
- Start with the right education
- Study hard for the CPA exam
- Complete your work experience
- Keep up with your CPE hours
FAQs
Q1: Can I take the CPA exam with only 120 credit hours?
Yes, but you’ll need 150 credit hours to get your license.
Q2: How often do I need to renew my CPA license in Missouri?
Every 2 years.
Q3: What counts as work experience for a CPA license?
At least 1 year of work under a licensed CPA, doing accounting or auditing tasks.
Q4: How many CPE hours do I need?
120 hours every 3 years, with at least 20 hours per year.
Q5: Can I take any CPE courses I want?
No. They must be approved and related to accounting, ethics, or finance topics.
