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Michigan CPA Exam Requirements 2024: Important Details

Michigan CPA Exam Requirements

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Michigan CPA Exam Requirements

Do you want to learn how to become a CPA in Michigan? You’re in the right article. The Michigan CPA Exam Requirements is the first step to becoming a CPA. Keep reading below because, in this article, we were able to summarize everything that you need like specific CPA criteria, such as education and residence requirements, licensure data, who to contact, and the cost of the exam.

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Summary of Michigan CPA Requirements

Credit Hours to sit for CPA Exams (Accounting concentration)120
Credit Hours in Auditing to sit for CPA Exams3
Credit Hours in Accounting to sit for CPA Exams21
Credit Hours in General Business Subjects to sit for CPA Exams24
Bachelor’s Required to Sit for CPA Exams?No
Credit Hours for CPA License150
Work Experience Required1 – 5 Years
Required CPE Hours Biennially40

General Requirements

CPAs in Michigan have no minimum age requirement or state residency or citizenship required in the United States. A Social Security number is required.

Education Requirements

To meet the Michigan CPA education requirements, you will require 150 semester hours for your full license, but you only need 120 semester hours to appear for the exam, with a specified percentage of study in accounting. Michigan will allow you to take the first CPA exam sections of the CPA exam 30 days before your college graduation.

Michigan used to require a year of auditing experience to obtain a license requirement. Today, however, you need one compilation, review, or audit engagement to experience gained. These standards are substantially more lenient for those who want to avoid public accounting systems.app

Accepted Educational Institutions

Check if your college Michigan Board of Accountancy will accept your college credits. The six acceptable regional accreditation authorities listed below must accredit your school:

Required Courses

Complete the CPA degree and program requirements in Michigan. A CPA granted certificate requires 150 total semester hours of college credit and a bachelor’s degree with a specialty in accounting. The educational requirement has two options:

  1. With 12 semester hours of graduate-level accounting courses, you can get a master’s degree in accounting or business administration (not to include additional information systems or tax courses)
  2. Complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting to earn 120-semester credits, plus 30 total semester hours of supplemental courses, including 30 semester hours of accounting courses, six semester hours of taxation, and 39 additional semester hours, with at least three semester hours but no more than 12 semester hours in no fewer than 5 of the following subject areas:
    • Economics
    • Business law
    • Finance
    • Ethics
    • Marketing
    • Management
    • Statistics
    • Taxation
    • Business policy

Working straight through to your master’s degree is another option for meeting the state’s criteria. Ensure that your undergraduate work meets the board’s requirements. Then, pursue a master’s degree in accounting or a Master of Business Administration with a minimum of 12 graduate hours in accounting, excluding information systems and taxation. You must complete a 150 Hour Educational Analysis form if you do not have a master’s degree.

Transfer Credits/Foreign Education

Suppose you attended or graduated from a school outside the United States. In that case, your academic credentials must be reviewed by NASBA International Evaluation Services or a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. member agency. Select a company from their website and request an evaluation.

An overseas candidate or student with foreign education can become a CPA provided they meet the educational requirements. Apply to one of the 55 US jurisdiction Boards of Accountancy, sit for the exam, and pass the four-part CPA Exam.

Uniform CPA Examination

Candidates must meet the Michigan CPA exam requirements under one of the two options to be eligible for the Uniform CPA Examination:

  1. Have completed a curriculum required for a baccalaureate degree consisting of not less than 120 semester hours with a concentration in accounting from a regionally accredited U.S. educational institution, including the completion of:
    • 3 semester hours (4.5 quarter) hours in Auditing,
    • 21 semester (31.5 quarter) hours in accounting including study in each of the following:
      • Financial Accounting and Accounting Theory
      • Managerial Accounting, including Cost Accounting
      • Accounting Systems and Controls
      • U.S. Federal Taxation
      • Governmental/Fund Accounting
    • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in general business subjects

OR

  1. Have completed a curriculum required for a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent educational institution) consisting of not less than 120 semester hours including the completion of:
    • 3 semester hours (4.5 quarter) hours in Auditing,
    • 21 semester (31.5 quarter) hours in accounting including study in each of the following:
      • Financial Accounting and Accounting Theory
      • Managerial Accounting, including Cost Accounting
      • Accounting Systems and Controls
      • U.S. Federal Taxation
      • Governmental/Fund Accounting
    • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in general business subjects

Studying for the CPA Exam

The CPA exam consists of the three core sections and candidates would need to select one of the three discipline to demonstrate deeper skills and knowledge, allowing candidates to choose a specialization. There is no set order in which the exam portions must be completed. The components of the CPA test are as follows:

  • Auditing and Attestation. This exam section covers the basics of financial and attest services, such as audits, reviews, compilations, and preparing agreements.
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting. This exam section covers financial accounting topics for all business entities, including the government and nonprofits.
  • Regulation. This exam section covers federal taxation, tax services, professional ethics, and business law for individuals and business entities.
  • Disciplines
    • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Focused on financial reporting, data analytics, and performance management. This area is suitable for those who are interested in financial analysis and reporting. An extension of FAR core.
    • Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Concentrates on IT governance, data security, and system controls. Ideal for individuals who wish to specialize in IT audits and information security. An extension of AUD core.
    • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Centers on personal financial planning and tax compliance for individuals, businesses, and other entities. Suitable for those with a strong interest in taxation and financial planning. An extension of REG core.

You may take the required test sections in any order, but you must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within an 18-month period beginning on the date the first examination section completed was taken. All components must be passed within the 18-month term. Any exam taken outside of the 18-month timeframe will result in a loss of credit.

Choose a CPA Review Course

CPA review courses have prepared accounting professionals to pass the test for years. Almost every accountant who becomes a CPA uses a review program. In other words, they are an excellent investment. Here are the suggested CPA review courses:

  • Becker CPA Review
  • Surgent CPA Review
  • Gleim CPA Review
  • UWorld Roger CPA Review
  • Wiley CPAexcel

Signing Up for the CPA Exam

After deciding which CPA exam to take, go to the CPA Examination Services (CPAES) website to register online or obtain exam application forms. Depending on your matriculation status, gather the following papers to apply:

  • If you have completed all educational requirements:
    • Submit an official college transcript to CPA Exam Services
    • Submit payment with a certified check or money order to CPA Exam Services or via credit card
  • If you are still enrolled in college, submit the following in addition:
    • Submit an official college transcript (classes in progress may be listed as such) to Examination Services
    • Submit a Certificate of Enrollment form completed prior academic institution’s registrar

CPA Exam Fees

The Michigan CPA exam cost consists of four main fees: an education evaluation application fee of $90, the examination application fee of $344.80 per CPA exam section totaling $1,379.20 for all four sections, the CPA application fee of $300 and then the license renewal fee is $200.

Education Evaluation Application Fee$90.00
Examination Fees
Auditing and Attestation (AUD)$344.80
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)$344.80
Regulation (REG)$344.80
Disciplines (ISC, TCP, or BAR)$344.80
Total for all 4 CPA Exam Sections$1,379.20
Licensing & Registration Fees
CPA New Application Fee$300.00
License Renewal Fee$200.00

Passing the CPA Exam

Candidates for the Uniform CPA Exam must have at least a bachelor’s degree concentrating in accounting and 120 semester hours of schooling. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA) created the Uniform CPA Exam, administered by the National Association of Michigan State Board of Accountancy (NASBA). Applicants must apply to take the exam on the National Association of Accountancy website. The Uniform CPA Exam is required in all 50 states and consists of four portions that can be completed in any order. To qualify for a license, candidates must pass all four parts with a score of 75 or better during an 18-month rolling period.

Experience Requirements

To meet the Michigan CPA experience requirements, you will need 2,000 hours of experience that a registered CPA has confirmed to complete your licensing exam application. This experience must have been gained in a public accounting firm, a private enterprise, academia, or the government. To qualify under Michigan Boards of Accountancy guidelines, your experience must involve at least one of the following competency/skill areas:

  • Auditing financial statements
  • Reviewing financial statements
  • Compiling financial statements
  • Attestation
  • Other auditing leads to an opinion expressed in writing, including:
    • Operational audits
    • Reviews of internal controls
    • Compliance audits
    • Giving opinions on likely financial outcomes
  • Performing internal audits independently.
  • Performing compliance audits of government contracts and issuing a findings report
  • Government agency audits and issues findings reports.
  • Preparing income tax and nonprofit tax returns
  • Tax matter research
  • Representing a client before the IRS in an audit
  • Financial forecasts and analyses
  • Management advisory services that include:
    • Forensic accounting
    • Business valuation
    • Fraud examination

 The experience must be gained over a one- to five-year period and can be achieved in government, industry, university, or public practice. Candidates who get academic instruction experience will meet the work experience requirement after teaching four semesters of at least six credit hours per semester.

Supervisor Requirements

Your supervisor must also certify your accounting skills. Complete the Verification of Qualifying Experience form located in the Online License Application Portal with the assistance of your supervising CPA (you must select register if you are a first-time user of the system). The form must be signed by both you and your supervising CPA. This form will be submitted later along with your CPA application.

Apply for Your Michigan CPA License

While most states require ethics before licensing, Michigan candidates can become a CPA without it as there are no Michigan CPA ethics exam requirements. However, part of the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirement is to attend 2 hours of professional ethics annually after getting the CPA license.

You are now ready to apply for your Michigan CPA Certificate. Make sure that you have completed each of the following steps up to this point:

1. Checklist

  • Complete 150 semester hours of college education with an accounting concentration
  • Pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
  • Satisfy the Board’s experience requirement of one year (2000 hours). Have your supervision of CPA verify this employment on the Verification of Qualifying Experience form.

2. Apply for your Michigan CPA Certificate in the following manner:

  • Complete the Michigan CPA Certificate application through the online License Application Portal (you must select register if you are a first-time user of the system)
  • Suppose you do not have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration with a 12-semester-hour concentration in accounting. In that case, you must complete the 150 Hour Educational Analysis form found in the online License Application Portal.
  • If you took the Uniform CPA Exam in a state other than Michigan statutes, upload certified copies of your exam scores

Additionally, you will be expected to submit the following by mail to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909:

  • A copy of your official college transcript
  • Payment via check order made out to the State of Michigan

3. Await notification from the Board that they have to receive, review, and approve your application

Interstate Reciprocal License

Hold a CPA certificate or license in another jurisdiction (except the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico) and wish to practice as a CPA in Michigan. You must meet the following qualifications to be able to apply for a reciprocal CPA certificate in Michigan:

  • Have 150 semester hours of college education
  • Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
  • Have at least one year of accountancy experience

If you meet these qualifications, complete the following steps to attain a reciprocal CPA certificate:

  • Download and complete the Application for CPA Certificate and License/Registration by Reciprocity: US Jurisdictions Only
  • Complete the Certification of CPA Certificate and Grades (included within the application packet). Please send this to the state that holds your Michigan CPA exam license for them to complete and return to the Michigan Board of Accountancy.
  • Include a check order payable to the State of Michigan
  • Mail the above o: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909

Receiving Your Michigan CPA Certificate

Application processing times might range from two to six weeks. Applicants who filed their applications online can track the status of their applications as each condition is confirmed using their account on the LARA website.

A confirmation letter and an official license and wallet card will be mailed. Suppose there are any issues with the application. In that case, applicants will be alerted through email, and will It will take a year from the submission date to fix the error before the application is rejected restarting the CPA exam application process.

Michigan Continuing Education Requirements

The Michigan Board of Accountancy requires that CPAs complete continuing professional education (CPE) hours annually to maintain licensure.

  1. Complete 40 CPE hours every year
    • 8 CPE hours must be in accounting and auditing subjects
    • No more than 20 CPE hours may be earned from self-study.
    • 2 CPE hours must be in ethics
    • One year’s CPE requirement in each category may be carried over to the next year
  2. Earn CPE hours through approved program formats, including:
    • Group programs that include:
      • Written certification of attendance is given.
      • College noncredit courses – 1 semester hour equals 1 CPE hour.
      • College credit courses – 1 semester hour equals 15 CPE hours.
    • Instructing:
      • Working as an instructor, teacher, speaker, discussion leader, or lecturer
      • One hour of instructing equals 3 CPE hours.
      • Instructing may not account for more than 20 CPE hours per year.
    • Self-study programs that:
      • Provide certification of completion
      • Includes approved subject matter (see Step 3 below)
      • You may not earn more than 20 CPE hours each year from self-studying
    • Enroll in these approved CPE subjects
      • Auditing
      • Accounting
      • Information technology
      • Management advisory services
      • Economics
      • Mathematics, statistics, quantitative applications in business, and probability
      • Business law
      • Finance
      • Professional ethics for CPAs
      • Business management
      • Business valuation
      • Financial Accounting advisory services
      • Taxation
      • Other subjects that contribute to a CPA’s professional competence
    • Find approved CPE through:
  3. Maintain records of your CPE for at least four years, including:
    • Title of program
    • Sponsor of program
    • Dates of attendance
    • Content description
    • Written certification from sponsor validating information and attendance
  4. Report CPE yearly when you renew your licensed CPA, using the Online License Renewal Portal (you must select register if you are a first-time user of the system)

Annual CPA License Renewal in Michigan

During each reporting year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, licensed Michigan CPAs must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE). At least eight qualifying hours must be in auditing and accounting systems, with at least two hours in ethics.

At least one hour of ethics CE in any two years must cover Michigan laws and standards governing public accounting functions in any two years available on the LARA website.

License Renewal Application Fee: $200

Summary

Accountants are very in demand. They ensure that sufficient money is supplied so that the research and development team may manufacture outstanding goods. They save the company money during tax season and can boost appraisals for investments such as mergers and acquisitions. When accountants handle their incentives, commissions, and even perk packages, employees appreciate it. Not all accountants, however, are made equal. Accountants can possess various certificates, but just one is the most prestigious. That’s the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Every state has different requirements for CPAs, but here’s how to become a CPA in Michigan.

Michigan CPA Exam F.A.Q.s

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Michigan’s CPA exam and CPA licensure requirements.

Do CPA scores expire in Michigan?

The exam scores do not expire once a Michigan candidate has completed all sections of the exam during the exam windows that exist within a rolling 18-month period beginning on the day that the first section is passed.

What are the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Michigan?

CPAs in Michigan are not required to be of a certain age or to be a resident of the state or a citizen of the United States. However, you must have a Social Security number. You only need 120 semester hours to appear for the exam, with a specified percentage of study in accounting.

How do I register to take the CPA exam in Michigan?

Submit a completed Certificate of Enrollment form to the CPA Examination Service. This form verifies that you are presently enrolled and that all courses and graduation requirements will be met within 60 days of the date you take your first exam portion. You can also check Prometric’s website.

How many accounting credits do you need to sit for the CPA license in Michigan?

For the exam, you need to have finished the curriculum required for a Bachelor’s degree. However, to become a CPA in Michigan, you must complete 150 credit hours.

Does Michigan require an ethics exam for the CPA?

CPAs in Michigan must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam and fulfill continuing education hours. In addition to these credentials, CPAs must have work experience.

How much is the CPA exam in Michigan?

In Michigan, the cost of taking all four sections of the CPA test is $1,379.20, plus a $90 education evaluation application fee.

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