Massachusetts, with its robust academic environment, sets specific standards for CPA licensure. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the Massachusetts CPA Exam and license requirements:

Social Security, Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirement

• Social Security Requirement: Yes, a Social Security number is required.

• Minimum Age: 18 years old.

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

• Residency: No residency requirement in Massachusetts.

Education Requirements for Licensure

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

• Educational Pathways: There are different pathways based on your educational background:

• Path 1: Bachelor's degree with 120 hours, including 21 credits in accounting and 9 credits in business courses.

• Path 2: Graduate degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited program.

• Path 3: Graduate degree with 30 hours in accounting (undergraduate level or 18 at graduate level) and 24 hours in general business (or 18 at graduate level).

• Path 4: Bachelor's degree with 30 hours in accounting and 24 hours in general non-accounting business courses.

Work Experience Requirements

• Duration: 1 year of experience, with a minimum of 2,000 hours.

• Nature of Work: Experience in public accounting or equivalent, under the supervision of a licensedCPA. This can include accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.

Ethics Exam Requirements

• Mandatory State Ethics Exam: Massachusetts does not require a state-specific ethics exam for CPA licensure.

International CPA Examination Program

• Participation: Massachusetts participates in the International CPA Examination Program.

• Credential Evaluation: International candidates must have their educational credentials evaluated for U.S. equivalency.

Massachusetts CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees

• Initial Application Fee: $195

• Examination Fees: $238.15 for each CPA Exam section (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).

• Re-Examination Fees: Varies based on the number of sections, ranging from $117 to $177.

• Licensing Fee: $175 for initial licensing; $499 for reciprocity.

License Renewal

• Renewal Period: Every two years.

• Renewal Fee: $161 for license renewal.

• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE biennially, including 4 hours in ethics.

CPA Exam: Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling

• Exam Availability: The CPA Exam is offered throughout the year during designated testing windows.

• Score Release: Scores are typically released by the AICPA according to a set schedule, a few weeks after the exam date.

• Application Process: Candidates apply through the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy, receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), and then schedule their exam sections through Prometric.

This guide provides a general overview of the CPA licensure process in Massachusetts. Candidates are encouraged to check with the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy or NASBA for specific details or updates.