Maryland CPA requirements
Wondering how to become a CPA in Maryland? The first thing you'll want to do on the road to becoming a CPA is to check the requirements to become a CPA in Maryland, as the Maryland Board of Accountancy will ultimately license you. This page serves as a resource for Maryland's CPA licensure requirements, but always consult with Maryland's Board of Accountancy for the most current information.
Each state has different requirements prior to taking the CPA Exam and earning your license. Meeting the CPA requirements outlined below is necessary prior to earning your Maryland CPA license.
Each state has different requirements prior to taking the CPA Exam and earning your license. Meeting the CPA requirements outlined below is necessary prior to earning your Maryland CPA license.
Each state has different requirements prior to taking the CPA Exam and earning your license. Meeting the CPA requirements outlined below is necessary prior to earning your Maryland CPA license.
CPA Requirements in Maryland
CPA Exam Education Requirements
Before taking the CPA Exam in Maryland, you must meet the education requirements. First, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. You must also have completed 120 semester hours with a major in accounting which must include:
- 30 semester (45 quarter) hours in accounting and ethics, including one 3 semester (4.5 quarter) hour course each in:
- Auditing
- Cost accounting
- Managerial accounting
- US federal income tax and ethics
- A minimum of 9 semester (13.5 quarter) hours in financial accounting
- A minimum of 9 semester (13.5 quarter) hours in elective accounting courses
Additional Requirements for Licensure
Beginning October 1, 2026, earning your CPA license in Maryland requires that you meet one of the following combined education and experience requirements (in addition to passing the CPA Exam):
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, plus two years of qualifying experience
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, 30 additional semester hours (150 total hours), plus one year of qualifying experience
- Master's degree or higher in accounting, plus one year of qualifying experience
Sources:
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CPA license renewals
Maryland CPAs must have their license renewed biennially. All CPA licenses expire on December 31st of each even numbered year.
Maryland CPA CPE requirements mandate 80 hours of continuing education is required each license period. CPE hours must include:
- Four hours of CPE must be in ethics each two-year period.
- On the first renewal, you do not need to have taken any CPE to renew. However, if you did take any CPE, you must report it with the first renewal so that it will carry forward to your next renewal. If you do not report it with the first renewal you will not be able to use it for the next renewal.
Maryland CPA CPE requirements mandate 80 hours of continuing education is required each license period. CPE hours must include:
- Four hours of CPE must be in ethics each two-year period.
- On the first renewal, you do not need to have taken any CPE to renew. However, if you did take any CPE, you must report it with the first renewal so that it will carry forward to your next renewal. If you do not report it with the first renewal you will not be able to use it for the next renewal.
Maryland CPA CPE requirements mandate 80 hours of continuing education is required each license period. CPE hours must include:
- Four hours of CPE must be in ethics each two-year period.
- On the first renewal, you do not need to have taken any CPE to renew. However, if you did take any CPE, you must report it with the first renewal so that it will carry forward to your next renewal. If you do not report it with the first renewal you will not be able to use it for the next renewal.
