For aspiring CPAs in Maryland, understanding the state-specific requirements is crucial for achieving licensure. Here's an in-depth guide to the CPA Exam and license requirements in Maryland:

Social Security, Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements

• Social Security Number: Required for CPA licensure.

• Minimum Age: 18 years old.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not mandatory.

• Residency: Not required for the CPA Exam or licensure.

Education Requirements for Licensure

• Credit Hours: 150 hours, including a Bachelor’s degree.

• Specific Coursework:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.

• At least 120 semester hours for CPA Exam eligibility (150 hours for licensure).

• Required course breakdown:

• Accounting and Ethics: A minimum of 30 semester hours in accounting and ethics, including specific courses in auditing, cost/managerial accounting, U.S. Federal Income Tax, financial accounting, and an ethics course.

• Business-Related Courses: 21 semester hours required, covering 5 out of 9 specific areas including statistics, economics, business finance, management, marketing, U.S. business law, business communication, quantitative methods, and computer science/information systems.

Work Experience Requirements

• Duration: 1 year (or 2,000 hours) of professional experience.

• Supervision: Must be verified by a licensed CPA.

• Nature of Work: Can include various accounting-related services in public practice, government, private industry, or academia.

CPA Ethical Exam Requirements

• Mandatory: Yes, candidates need to complete the AICPA's Professional Ethics Course.

• Passing Score: Minimum of 90%.

International CPA Examination Program

• Participation: Maryland is a participant, facilitating non-U.S. citizens to become CPAs.

• Credential Evaluation: International candidates must have their education evaluated by NASBA's International Evaluation Services (NIES) or Foreign Academic Credentials Service (FACS).

Maryland CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees

• Initial Application Fee: $67.

• Exam Fees: $238.15 for each section.

• Total Exam Cost: Approximately $1,020.

• License Fee: Upon passing the exam, gaining experience, and completing the ethics requirement, a $22 licensing fee is payable for obtaining the CPA license in Maryland.

License Renewal

• Renewal Period: Every two years from the issuance date.

• Renewal Fee: $56 (a higher fee applies if the license has expired).

• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): 80 hours required every two years, including at least 4 hours in ethics.

CPA Exam: Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling

• Year-Round Availability: Candidates can schedule exams based on their convenience.

• Score Release: Announced biennially by the AICPA; scores available within 48 hours of release dates.

• Application Process:

• Apply through CPA Central, NASBA's examination portal.

• Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Maryland State Board.

• Receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) and schedule the exam with Prometric.

• Pass all four sections of the exam.

This guide provides the essentials for becoming a CPA in Maryland. For any specific queries or assistance, feel free to ask!