Becoming a CPA in Massachusetts (continued)
In addition, the degree must include or be supplemented by 24 semester
hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses (other than accounting courses)
at the undergraduate level or 18 semester hours at the graduate level, or an
equivalent combination thereof.
Option 3. If your highest degree is a bachelor’s degree in business, your
degree must include, or be supplemented by, 30 semester hours in accounting with coverage in financial accounting, audit, taxation, and management
accounting. In addition, the degree must include, or be supplemented by,
24 semester hours in business courses other than accounting courses. These
business courses shall include coverage in business law, information systems,
finance, and coverage in at least one of the areas of economics, business
organizations, professional ethics, and/or business communication.
Option 4. If your degree is not in business, your 30 semester hours in accounting must include at least three semester hours in each of the subject
areas of financial accounting, audit, taxation, and management accounting;
and your 24 semester hours in business must include at least three semester
hours in each of the areas of business law, business information systems,
professional ethics and finance. Business courses, other than accounting, in
business management of organizations, economics, and/or business communications may be included for the business course requirements.
5. Can I sit for the CPA exam before I meet the 150-hour requirement?
YES, you may sit for the exam if you have a bachelor’s degree and at least
120 educational credits (180 quarter hours) that include 21 credits in accounting and 9 credits in business. These credits require coverage in certain
subject areas as specified on www.cpatrack.com. If your bachelor’s degree
was awarded with less than 120 credits, you will need to take additional
courses to reach 120 – there are NO exceptions. Anyone who sits for the
exam before acquiring 150 educational credits will be required to complete
an Academic Evaluation for Certification Report before applying for a Massachusetts CPA license. This is filed with CPA Exam Services for a fee of $100
and is available at www.NASBA.org.
* 6. Is there a time limit to meet the 150-hour certification/licensure requirement if I sit for the exam with 120 credits?
YES. You must meet the educational requirements within 3 years from the
time you receive your official letter of passing all four parts of the exam. If
you don’t, you will need to retake all parts of the exam.
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