Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maine opens doors to a thriving career in one of New England’s most dynamic business environments. With the state’s growing technology, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors joining traditional industries like shipbuilding and maple syrup production, Maine CPAs are in high demand across diverse fields.
This comprehensive guide covers all Maine CPA requirements, from education and examination to experience and licensing. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a career changer, you’ll find everything needed to navigate Maine’s CPA licensure process successfully.
Maine CPA Requirements at a Glance
Quick Navigation
- Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
- Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Step 3: Gain Required Experience
- Step 4: Apply for Your License
- Step 5: Maintain Through Continuing Education
- Maine CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Meet Maine’s CPA Education Requirements
The Maine Board of Accountancy requires all CPA candidates to complete specific educational benchmarks before sitting for the Uniform CPA Exam. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan your academic path efficiently.
Core Education Requirements
Maine requires CPA candidates to complete:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 150 semester hours of college education total
- Specific accounting coursework meeting Board standards
Since most bachelor’s degrees consist of 120 semester hours, you’ll need an additional 30 credits. Popular options include:
- Master’s in Accounting (most common path)
- MBA with accounting concentration
- Post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting
- Additional undergraduate coursework
Required Accounting Coursework
Maine mandates at least 15 semester hours in accounting topics, including:
Acceptable Accreditation
The Maine Board accepts degrees from institutions accredited by:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Important: If your institution isn’t regionally accredited, contact the Maine Board of Accountancy at (207) 624-8672 for a transcript evaluation before proceeding.
International Education Credentials
International transcripts must be evaluated by:
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam in Maine
Once you’ve completed 120 semester hours toward your degree, you can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination. Maine allows candidates to sit for the exam before completing all 150 hours, provided they graduate within 120 days of testing.
Application Process
- Apply online through NASBA’s CPA Examination Services
- Submit required documentation:
- Official transcripts (sent directly from your institution)
- Certificate of Enrollment (if still in school)
- Application and examination fees
- Mail documents to:
CPA Examination Services – ME
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469
Exam Sections and Testing
The CPA Exam consists of four sections, each requiring a score of 75 or higher:
Maine Testing Locations
Prometric testing centers in Maine are located in:
- Bangor
- Presque Isle
- South Portland
Schedule your exam at Prometric’s website after receiving your Notice to Schedule (NTS).
Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
After passing the CPA Exam, you must complete Maine’s experience requirement to qualify for licensure. This hands-on training ensures you’re prepared for the responsibilities of public accounting practice.
Experience Requirements
Maine requires:
- 2 years of full-time public accounting experience
- 4,160 total hours (2,080 hours = 1 year)
- Supervision by a licensed CPA
Required Competencies
Your experience must include:
Supervisor Requirements
Your supervising CPA must:
- Hold an active CPA license (Maine or another state)
- Directly supervise your work
- Complete the Verification of Work Experience form
- Document your competencies and responsibilities
Finding Qualifying Experience
Maine CPAs work in various settings:
- Regional firms: One River CPAs (Oakland, Bath, Augusta), Cummings Lamont McNamee (Kennebunk)
- Local practices: PGM (Biddeford), small town accounting shops
- Corporate accounting: Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
- Growing sectors: Technology, healthcare, and biotechnology companies
Step 4: Apply for Your Maine CPA License
Once you’ve met all education, examination, and experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for your Maine CPA license.
Application Checklist
Before applying, ensure you have:
✓ Passed all four CPA Exam sections
✓ Completed 150 semester hours of education
✓ Finished 2 years of qualifying experience
✓ Obtained supervisor verification
✓ Gathered all required documentation
License Application Process
- Complete the Individual License Application
- Submit the required documents:
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the Board)
- Verification of Work Experience form
- Verification of Licensure (if supervisor is out-of-state)
- Pay licensing fee: $147 (check or credit card)
- Mail to:
Maine Board of Accountancy
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0035
Interstate Reciprocity
If you’re already a CPA in another state, you may qualify for reciprocity if:
- Your state has substantial equivalency under the Uniform Accountancy Act
- You meet Maine’s education and experience requirements
- You’ve maintained your license for 4+ years with CPE or recent experience
International Reciprocity
Maine recognizes chartered accountants from:
- Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA)
- Instituto Mexicano De Contadores Publicos (IMCP)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)
- New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA)
- Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA)
International candidates must pass NASBA’s International Qualification Examination (IQEX).
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Maine CPAs must complete annual continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain their licenses and stay current with industry changes.
Annual CPE Requirements
Qualifying CPE Topics
Core subjects (unlimited):
- Auditing and attestation
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Taxation
- Management accounting
- Professional ethics
- Accounting information systems
Limited subjects (50% maximum):
- Business law
- Economics
- Statistics and business math
- Communication skills
- Computer software applications
CPE Sources in Maine
- Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants
- American Institute of CPAs
- Maine colleges and universities
- Professional development programs
- Self-study courses (with proper accreditation)
Record Retention: Keep CPE documentation for at least 5 years in case of audit.
Maine CPA Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your career path as a Maine CPA. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors in Maine earn competitive salaries that reflect the state’s cost of living and demand for qualified professionals.
Maine Accountant and Auditor Salaries by Percentile
Top Paying Areas in Maine for Accountants
CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than general accountants due to their certification and specialized skills. Factors affecting salary include:
- Years of experience
- Industry specialization
- Firm size and type
- Additional certifications
- Geographic location within Maine
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.
Career Opportunities for Maine CPAs
Maine’s diverse economy offers CPAs numerous career paths beyond traditional accounting roles. The state’s mix of established industries and emerging sectors creates unique opportunities for accounting professionals.
Growing Industries for CPAs
- Technology and Biotechnology: Maine’s fastest-growing sectors need CPAs for financial planning, venture capital reporting, and R&D tax credits
- Healthcare Systems: Major employers like MaineHealth and Northern Light Health require specialized healthcare accounting expertise
- Maritime Industries: Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employ CPAs for government contract accounting and cost analysis
- Tourism and Hospitality: Seasonal businesses need CPAs for cash flow management and tax planning
- Renewable Energy: Growing wind and solar projects require project accounting and investment analysis
Popular CPA Specializations in Maine
- Internal Auditor
- Management Accountant
- Personal Financial Specialist
- Financial Analyst
- Municipal Accountant
- Tax Specialist
Professional Resources for Maine CPAs
Building a successful CPA career in Maine involves connecting with professional organizations and staying engaged with the accounting community.
Key Professional Organizations
- Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants (MECPA): The State’s primary CPA organization offering networking, CPE, and advocacy
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): National organization providing resources, certifications, and professional guidance
- Maine Association of Professional Accountants: Support for accounting professionals at all levels
Additional Certifications to Consider
After obtaining your CPA license, consider these complementary certifications:
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine CPA Requirements
How long does it take to become a CPA in Maine?
The typical timeline is 6-8 years from starting college to receiving your license. This includes 4-5 years for education (bachelor’s degree plus additional credits for 150 hours), 6-18 months for the CPA exam, and 2 years of required experience. Some candidates complete the process faster by pursuing accelerated programs or working while studying.
Can I take the CPA exam before graduating in Maine?
Yes, Maine allows you to sit for the CPA exam after completing 120 semester hours, provided you will complete your bachelor’s degree within 120 days of taking the exam. You must submit a Certificate of Enrollment signed by a college official along with your application.
What is the CPA exam pass rate in Maine?
Pass rates vary by section and testing window, but Maine candidates typically perform at or above the national average of approximately 50% per section. The Maine Society of CPAs reports that candidates who use review courses and study consistently have significantly higher pass rates.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Maine?
Total costs typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, including: CPA exam fees ($1,000-$1,500), application fees ($200-$300), review course ($1,500-$3,000), and licensing fees ($147). This doesn’t include education costs or potential exam retake fees.
Does Maine accept online accounting courses for CPA requirements?
Yes, Maine accepts online courses as long as they’re from a regionally accredited institution and you receive official credit. This includes both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. However, commercial CPA review courses don’t count toward the 150-hour requirement.
What’s the difference between Maine CPA requirements and other New England states?
Maine’s requirements are similar to neighboring states, all requiring 150 hours of education and passing the Uniform CPA Exam. The main differences are in experience requirements: Maine requires 2 years of public accounting experience with specific competencies, while some states accept broader experience types or shorter timeframes.
Can I get licensed in Maine with experience from another state?
Yes, Maine accepts qualifying experience gained in other states as long as it meets their requirements: 2 years of public accounting experience under CPA supervision, including 400 hours of audit/review/compilation work and 200 hours of advisory services. Your out-of-state supervisor must complete Maine’s verification forms.
How often do Maine CPA requirements change?
The Maine Board of Accountancy reviews requirements periodically, but major changes are infrequent. The core requirements (150 hours, CPA exam, experience) have remained stable. Minor updates to coursework requirements or CPE rules may occur every few years. Always verify current requirements with the Board before beginning your CPA journey.
