Learning how to become a CPA in Missouri opens doors to exceptional career opportunities in one of the Midwest’s strongest economies. Missouri offers outstanding prospects for certified public accountants, with the state home to Fortune 500 companies like H&R Block, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Emerson Electric. The Missouri CPA requirements provide a clear pathway to diverse career opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, and government auditing. With average CPA salaries of $80,160 and strong job growth projected, following the Missouri CPA requirements to obtain your license is a smart career investment.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to become a CPA in Missouri, covering all Missouri CPA requirements including education standards, exam preparation, experience guidelines, and licensing procedures established by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy.
Expert Review: This guide has been reviewed by certified public accountants licensed in Missouri and reflects current Missouri State Board of Accountancy requirements as of December 2024.
Quick Navigation – How to Become a CPA in Missouri:
- CPA Salary Outlook in Missouri
- Step 1: Meet Missouri CPA Education Requirements
- Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Step 3: Complete Missouri CPA Experience Requirements
- Step 4: Apply for Your Missouri CPA License
- Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
- Frequently Asked Questions
CPA Salary Outlook in Missouri
Understanding the earning potential is crucial when considering how to become a CPA in Missouri. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), accountants and auditors in Missouri earn competitive salaries that reflect the state’s strong economy and demand for financial professionals:
Regional Salary Variations Across Missouri
These competitive salaries, combined with Missouri’s lower cost of living compared to coastal states, make learning how to become a CPA in Missouri an attractive career decision.
Step 1: Meet Missouri CPA Education Requirements
The first step in how to become a CPA in Missouri is fulfilling the education requirements. The Missouri State Board of Accountancy has established specific Missouri CPA requirements for education that all certified public accountants must meet.
Missouri CPA Education Requirements Overview
a. Contact Missouri colleges and universities with accounting programs. Since the standard bachelor’s degree in accounting consists of just 120 semester hours, earning a post-baccalaureate certificate or master’s in accounting is the most tried and tested way to get those additional 30 credits needed to meet Missouri CPA requirements. Many of these programs are available entirely online, and you can find specialized five-year CPA track programs that offer a blended bachelor’s and master’s curriculum.
Missouri CPA Residency Requirements
b. Missouri residency requirement. To become a CPA in Missouri, you must either be a resident of, be regularly employed in, or have a place of business in Missouri to be eligible to take the Uniform CPA Exam and obtain licensure.
Accreditation Requirements for Missouri CPA Education
c. Ensure your college credits meet Missouri CPA requirements. The Missouri State Board of Accountancy defers to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) with regard to school accreditation. NASBA currently recognizes all regional accrediting agencies:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you graduated from a foreign college or university, one of the following agencies must evaluate your credits for the Missouri CPA requirements. Obtain evaluation forms from the agency and have them submitted directly to CPA Examination Services, Missouri Coordinator, P.O. Box 198469, Nashville, TN 37219-8469:
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
- SpanTran Evaluation Services
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- NASBA International Evaluation Services
Detailed Missouri CPA Curriculum Requirements
d. Meet specific Missouri CPA requirements for curriculum. Between your bachelor’s and post-bachelor’s education, your 150 semester hours must include:
Important Notes for Missouri CPA Requirements:
- CPA review courses are acceptable to meet the 150 semester hour requirement
- Commercial CPA review courses are NOT acceptable
- Community college courses from accredited colleges are acceptable
- Correspondence, online and CLEP courses from accredited colleges are acceptable if you receive credit at an accredited college
Top Accounting Schools in Missouri for CPA Preparation
Missouri offers several excellent accounting programs to help you meet the education requirements for how to become a CPA in Missouri:
- University of Missouri System (Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis) – Comprehensive accounting programs with CPA preparation tracks
- Washington University in St. Louis – Prestigious Olin Business School with strong accounting curriculum
- Saint Louis University – Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
- Missouri State University – College of Business with specialized accounting degree programs
- University of Central Missouri – Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam – Missouri CPA Requirements
The second step in how to become a CPA in Missouri is passing the Uniform CPA Exam. Once you’ve completed the Missouri CPA requirements for education (150 semester hours and a bachelor’s degree), you may apply to take the exam. As of January 2024, the CPA exam has been updated with new sections and extended testing windows.
Missouri CPA Exam Application Process
a. Register through the CPA Portal for Missouri. Go to the CPA Examination Services (CPAES) website, where you can register online through the new CPA Portal by creating an Okta account.
b. Submit required documentation for Missouri CPA exam application:
- Submit an official college transcript in a sealed school envelope
- If you are still attending college, submit a Certificate of Enrollment form signed by a college official
- Submit payment for application and examination fees ($90 evaluation fee plus $348.80 per exam section)
c. Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA by mail, fax or email. As of 2024, you have 30 months to complete all exam sections (extended from the previous 18-month limit).
Missouri CPA Exam Testing Centers
d. Schedule your examination at a Missouri testing center through Prometric:
- Lee’s Summit
- Jefferson City
- Springfield
- St Louis
- Kansas City
2024 Missouri CPA Exam Structure and Requirements
Effective January 1, 2024, the Uniform CPA Examination changed significantly. To successfully complete the exam as part of Missouri CPA requirements, you must pass:
Visit our comprehensive guide for detailed information on the Uniform CPA Exam, including study tips and preparation strategies.
Step 3: Complete Missouri CPA Experience Requirements
The third step in becoming a CPA in Missouri involves fulfilling the experience requirements. The Missouri State Board of Accountancy requires all certified public accountants to complete one year of accounting experience prior to licensure.
AICPA Ethics Requirement for Missouri CPAs
a. Complete the AICPA Ethics Course. You must pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)’s Professional Ethics: AICPA’s Comprehensive Course. This is an 11-hour self-study course with an open-book exam requiring a 90% passing score.
Missouri CPA Work Experience Requirements
b. Fulfill Missouri CPA experience requirements:
Acceptable experience must include:
- Supervision by a CPA licensed in Missouri or another state
- Combination of accounting, attest, review, compilation, management advisory, tax, or consulting competencies
- Completion within a timeframe of no less than one year and no more than three years
Experience Documentation for Missouri CPA Requirements
c. Complete the Experience Documentation:
- Have your supervising CPA (Endorser) complete the Experience section of the Application for Initial License to Practice Public Accounting
- The endorser must sign the Endorser-Experience Addendum in the presence of a Notary Public
Major Employers for CPA Experience in Missouri
Missouri offers diverse employment opportunities for gaining CPA experience across various industries:
- H&R Block (Kansas City) – Global tax preparation and financial services
- Wells Fargo Advisors (St. Louis) – Investment and wealth management
- Emerson Electric (St. Louis) – Industrial technology and engineering
- Express Scripts (St. Louis) – Pharmacy benefit management
- Cerner Corporation (Kansas City) – Healthcare information technology
- Big Four Accounting Firms – PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG all have significant Missouri presence
Step 4: Apply for Your Missouri CPA License
The fourth step in how to become a CPA in Missouri is applying for your license. After satisfying educational requirements, passing the Uniform CPA exam, and completing experience requirements, you are ready to apply for a CPA license.
Pre-Application Checklist for Missouri CPA License
a. Verify you’ve met all Missouri CPA requirements:
Missouri CPA License Application Process
b. Submit Your Missouri CPA License Application:
- Complete the Application for Initial License to Practice Public Accounting
- Include the date you passed the AICPA Ethics Exam
- Have your endorser complete the application sections
- Include a completed Endorser-Experience Addendum notarized
- Include $90 application fee payable to the Missouri State Board of Accountancy
- Mail to: Missouri State Board of Accountancy, 3605 Missouri Blvd., P.O. Box 613, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0613
Interstate Reciprocal License for Missouri CPAs
If you’re already a CPA in another state and want to learn how to become a CPA in Missouri through reciprocity, you may apply for a Reciprocal CPA Certificate under these conditions:
- Hold a current, valid CPA license in another state
- Have passed the Uniform CPA Exam
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours of college credit
- Have completed the AICPA Ethics Examination
- Have one year of CPA experience in the ten years preceding your application
- Meet continuing professional education requirements
Required Documentation for Reciprocity:
- Complete the Application for a License as a Certified Public Accountant by Reciprocity
- Submit Authorization for Interstate Exchange form
- Certified copies of college transcripts
- Recent 2″ x 2″ photograph
- $165 fee payable to the Missouri State Board of Accountancy
Missouri CPA 4 and 10 Reciprocity Process
If you have been licensed and in practice for four of the last 10 years, you qualify for streamlined reciprocity to become a CPA in Missouri:
- No 150-credit hour requirement
- No college transcripts required
- No licensed CPA attestation of experience needed
- Submit the Application for License by Reciprocity via 4 & 10
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
The final step in how to become a CPA in Missouri is understanding the ongoing requirements to maintain your license. Every CPA licensed in Missouri must fulfill continuing professional education (CPE) hours to maintain licensure. As of January 2020, Missouri updated its CPE requirements.
Annual Missouri CPA CPE Requirements
Important Missouri CPA CPE Guidelines:
- Licensees in good standing receive a 60-day grace period (until March 1) for CPE shortages
- Maintain CPE records for at least five years
- Random CPE audits are conducted by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy
- Half credit hours (25 minutes) may be counted after the first 50 minutes have been earned
Approved CPE Subjects and Formats for Missouri CPAs
Acceptable Educational Subjects:
- Accounting and Financial Reporting
- Assurance and Auditing
- Taxation
- Management Consulting
- Specialized Knowledge/Applications
- Business Management
- Professional Ethics
- Personal Development (if it relates to professional competence)
Approved Educational Formats:
- Group study programs (workshops, seminars, conferences)
- Self-study programs (all 40 hours may be in this format)
- University or college credit courses
- University or college non-credit courses
- Internet-based programs
- Teaching and instruction
- Writing articles for publication in accounting publications
Find Acceptable CPE Programs for Missouri CPAs
- Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants
- American Institute of CPAs
- NASBA’s National Registry of CPE Sponsors
- Missouri colleges and universities
Career Specializations After You Become a CPA in Missouri
Once you’ve completed all the steps on how to become a CPA in Missouri, your license opens doors to numerous specialized career paths. Consider these growing areas:
- Forensic Accounting – High demand in Missouri’s financial sector for fraud investigation and litigation support
- Financial Planning – Growing wealth management opportunities with affluent Missouri populations
- Information Systems Accounting – Critical for Missouri’s technology companies and healthcare systems
- Government Auditing – State and local government opportunities throughout Missouri
- Healthcare Accounting – Major hospital systems and healthcare organizations
Professional Organizations for Missouri CPAs
After completing the process of how to become a CPA in Missouri, consider joining professional organizations that can advance your career:
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) provides members with guidance and advocacy, along with professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants offers state-level networking, professional development, and continuing education specifically relevant to Missouri CPAs.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Become a CPA in Missouri
How long does it take to become a CPA in Missouri?
Typically 5-6 years total: 4 years for bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional 30 credit hours, 6-18 months for exam preparation and completion, plus 1 year (2,000 hours) of supervised experience. The Missouri CPA requirements timeline can vary based on your educational path and exam preparation.
Can I take the CPA exam before completing all Missouri CPA requirements?
Yes, you can sit for the exam once you’ve completed 150 semester hours and earned your bachelor’s degree. Missouri allows candidates to apply before completing all credits if they submit an enrollment certificate and expect to finish within 60 days.
What are the main Missouri CPA requirements I need to meet?
The main Missouri CPA requirements include: 150 semester hours of education (including 33 accounting hours and 27 business hours), a bachelor’s degree, passing all four CPA exam sections, completing 2,000 hours of supervised experience, passing the AICPA ethics exam, and meeting residency requirements.
Do I need to be a Missouri resident to become a CPA in Missouri?
You must be a Missouri resident, regularly employed in Missouri, or have a place of business in Missouri to be eligible for Missouri CPA licensure. This is one of the key Missouri CPA requirements for eligibility.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Missouri?
Total costs to become a CPA in Missouri include: application fees ($90), exam fees (approximately $1,395 for all four sections), education costs (varies by program), ethics course ($200-300), and review course materials ($1,000-$3,000). Plan for $5,000-$15,000 in total costs.
What happens if I don’t complete Missouri CPA CPE requirements on time?
Missouri provides a 60-day grace period (until March 1) for CPE shortages. If you still don’t meet requirements after the grace period, you may face license suspension and penalty fees.
Can I transfer my CPA license from another state to Missouri?
Yes, Missouri accepts CPA licenses from other states through reciprocity agreements. Requirements include having a current license, meeting education standards, and completing required experience. This is an alternative path for how to become a CPA in Missouri if you’re already licensed elsewhere.
How often do I need to renew my Missouri CPA license?
Missouri CPA licenses must be renewed biennially between October 1 and September 30, with a renewal fee of $80. You must also complete the annual CPE requirements to maintain your license.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
