Missouri CPA CPE Requirements Guide Becoming a Certified Public Accountant in Missouri is a rewarding journey that opens the door to a stable and respected career in accounting. But like any professional path, it comes with its own set of steps—from passing the CPA exam to fulfilling Continuing Professional Education and obtaining your license. If you’re aiming to crack the Missouri CPA process, this is your ultimate guide.
Understanding the Missouri CPA Path
To become a CPA in Missouri, candidates must go through three key phases:
- Meet exam eligibility and pass the CPA exam
- Fulfill the CPE requirements
- Apply for and maintain a CPA license
Missouri CPA Exam Requirements
Before you can sit for the Uniform CPA Exam, you need to meet the education requirements set by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy.
Educational Requirements:
- 150 total semester hours of education from an accredited college or university
- Within those 150 hours:
- 33 hours in accounting
- 27 hours in business-related courses
Taking the CPA Exam in Missouri
The CPA Exam is made up of four sections:
- AUD: Auditing and Attestation
- BEC: Business Environment and Concepts
- FAR: Financial Accounting and Reporting
- REG: Regulation
Exam Facts:
- Each section is 4 hours long
- Must pass all 4 sections within an 18-month rolling window
- A score of 75 or higher is required on each part
The exam is administered by NASBA, and candidates must apply through the Missouri State Board of Accountancy.
Missouri CPA Experience Requirement
After passing the exam, candidates must complete experience hours before applying for licensure.
Work Experience Requirements:
- 1 year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience
- Supervised by a licensed CPA
- Can be in public accounting, industry, or government
Make sure your experience is properly documented and verified!
Missouri CPE Requirements
To maintain an active CPA license, you must meet continuing professional education requirements on a regular basis.
CPE Breakdown:
- 120 hours every 3 years
- Minimum of 20 hours per year
- At least 4 hours in ethics every reporting period
You can complete CPE through online courses, seminars, or in-person classes—as long as they are approved.
Missouri CPA Licensing Process
Once you’ve completed your education, passed all exam sections, and fulfilled the experience requirement, you’re ready to apply for your CPA license.
Steps to Apply for a CPA License:
- Submit the application via the Missouri State Board of Accountancy
- Provide verification of experience and education
- Pass the ethics exam
- Pay the application and license fees
Licenses are renewed every two years, and maintaining your CPE is crucial for renewal.
CPA License Renewal in Missouri
Your license needs to be renewed biennially. Keep an eye on deadlines, as late renewals may come with penalties or additional paperwork.
Key Requirements for Renewal:
- CPE documentation
- Ethics hours verification
- Renewal fee
Helpful Resources for Missouri CPA Candidates
- Missouri State Board of Accountancy
- NASBA
- AICPA Ethics Exam
Bookmark these for easy access throughout your CPA journey.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a CPA in Missouri?
On average, it takes 4–6 years, including education, exam prep, and fulfilling experience requirements.
Can I take the CPA exam before finishing 150 credit hours?
Yes, you can take the exam after earning 120 credit hours, but you must complete 150 hours before applying for a license.
What counts toward CPE credit?
Approved webinars, workshops, online courses, and live events all count—just ensure they’re recognized by the state board.
Is the AICPA ethics exam required in Missouri?
Yes, passing the ethics exam is required before you can apply for your CPA license.
Final Thoughts
The road to becoming a Missouri CPA may seem long, but with a clear plan, it’s entirely achievable. From acing the exam to mastering your CPE hours and securing that hard-earned license, each step is a building block to a successful accounting career. Follow this step-by-step guide, stay organized, and you’ll be adding “CPA” to your name before you know it.
