Minnesota’s thriving business landscape offers exceptional opportunities for certified public accountants. With Fortune 500 companies such as Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group headquartered here, along with a robust healthcare and manufacturing sector, CPAs with the right qualifications are in high demand. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to meet Minnesota CPA requirements and launch your accounting career in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota employs over 25,000 accountants and auditors, with employment projected to grow 7% through 2028, faster than the state’s overall job growth rate. Whether you’re targeting positions at major Twin Cities firms, such as CliftonLarsonAllen and Deloitte, or smaller practices throughout the state, understanding Minnesota’s specific CPA licensure path is essential.
Once you understand how to become a CPA in Minnesota and meet all requirements, numerous career paths open up. Manufacturing giants like 3M require CPAs with experience in inventory management, while Minnesota’s expanding healthcare sector seeks professionals with expertise in medical billing and compliance. The following comprehensive guide outlines each step to earn your Minnesota CPA license.
- Get your Education in Minnesota
- Take the Uniform CPA Exam in Minnesota
- Gain the Necessary Experience in Minnesota
- Get your Minnesota CPA License
- Continuing Education in Minnesota
- Minnesota CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Get Your Education
Minnesota CPA Education Requirements Overview
The Minnesota Board of Accountancy mandates specific educational qualifications for CPA certification. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan your academic journey effectively.
Key Requirement: All Minnesota CPA candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration.
Since traditional bachelor’s degrees typically comprise 120 semester hours, most candidates pursue additional education through:
- Master’s in Accounting programs
- MBA with accounting concentration
- Post-baccalaureate accounting certificates
- Five-year integrated CPA track programs
Minnesota Residency Requirements
To sit for the CPA exam in Minnesota, you must meet one of these qualifications:
- Be a Minnesota resident
- Have regular employment in Minnesota
- Be working in Minnesota to gain qualifying experience
- Have confirmed Minnesota employment within 90 days of exam completion
Accreditation Standards
The Minnesota Board recognizes three accreditation levels:
Verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education Database. International students must obtain credential evaluation from NASBA International Evaluation Services or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Four Pathways to Meet Education Requirements
Minnesota offers flexible pathways to meet the 150-credit requirement:
Pathway 1: Graduate Degree from a Level 3 Accredited Program
- Master’s degree with accounting concentration
- From a Level 3 accredited accounting program
- Minimum 150 total credits (undergraduate + graduate)
Pathway 2: Graduate Degree from Level 2 Business Program
- Any graduate degree from an accredited business school
- Plus 24 undergraduate OR 15 graduate accounting credits
- Must include: Auditing, Financial Accounting, Taxation, Management Accounting
Pathway 3: Bachelor’s Plus Additional Credits
- Bachelor’s from a Level 2 business program
- Additional courses/certificates totaling 150 credits
- 24 semester hours in accounting (covering four core areas)
- 24 semester hours in business-related courses
Pathway 4: Any Bachelor’s Degree Plus Accounting Courses
- Bachelor’s from any Level 1 accredited institution
- 24 upper-level accounting credits
- Must cover: Auditing, Financial Accounting, Taxation, Management Accounting
2. Take The Uniform CPA Exam
Minnesota’s Early Examination Advantage
Minnesota offers an Early Examination rule allowing candidates to sit for the CPA exam before completing all education requirements. This strategic advantage can accelerate your path to licensure.
Early Exam Option: Apply within 180 days of degree completion and schedule the exam within 90 days of your expected graduation date.
CPA Exam Application Process
- Register Online: Visit CPA Examination Services (CPAES) to begin your application
- Gather Required Documents:
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Passport-sized photograph
- Payment via certified check, money order, or credit card
- Additional Requirements for Current Students:
- Certificate of Enrollment signed by a college official
- Confirmation that the coursework was completed within 120 days
Submission and Scheduling
Mail application materials to:
CPA Examination Services – Minnesota Coordinator
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469
After NASBA processes your application:
- Receive Notice to Schedule (NTS) via your preferred method
- Schedule through Prometric at Minnesota testing locations
- Arrive one hour before your scheduled exam time
- Access scores online within 48 hours at NASBA’s score release portal
For disability accommodations or questions, contact Minnesota CPA Examination Services at 800-CPA-EXAM.
Learn more about exam preparation with our comprehensive CPA exam guide.
3. Gain The Necessary Experience
Minnesota Experience Requirements
After passing the CPA exam, Minnesota requires one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience. This practical training ensures you’re prepared for the responsibilities of public practice.
Pre-Experience Ethics Requirement
Important: Complete the AICPA Professional Ethics Home Study Course before beginning your experience requirement.
Order the ethics course materials directly from AICPA’s ethics resource center.
Qualifying Experience Criteria
Documentation Requirements
Your supervising CPA must complete the CPA Experience Verification Form. Keep this form for submission with your license application—do not submit it separately.
Pro tip: Many candidates find opportunities through their university career centers or by networking with the Minnesota Society of CPAs.
4. Get Your Minnesota CPA License
Pre-Application Checklist
Before applying for licensure, confirm you’ve completed:
- ✓ 150 semester hours with a qualifying degree
- ✓ Passed all four CPA exam sections
- ✓ Passed AICPA Ethics Exam
- ✓ Completed 2,000 hours of verified experience
- ✓ Obtained CPA Experience Verification forms
License Application Process
- Download Application: Obtain the Application for Minnesota CPA Certificate
- Compile Supporting Documents:
- Completed CPA Experience Verification forms
- Final official transcript showing 150 credits
- Three Personal Reference Forms (distributed to references)
- AICPA Ethics Exam completion (sent directly by AICPA)
- $150 application fee payable to the Minnesota Board of Accountancy
- Submit to:
Minnesota Board of Accountancy
85 East Seventh Place, Suite 125
St. Paul, MN 55101-2143
Interstate Reciprocity
Minnesota participates in CPA mobility, which allows practitioners to practice across state lines. CPAs from substantially equivalent states can practice in Minnesota without notification. Currently, only Virgin Islands lacks substantial equivalency.
Reciprocity Application Requirements:
- Valid CPA license from another state
- Meet Minnesota’s education, exam, and experience standards
- 120 CPE hours within the past three years
- Completed AICPA Ethics Exam
- Submit Non-Minnesota CPA Application
International Reciprocity
Minnesota recognizes credentials from these international jurisdictions:
International candidates from recognized jurisdictions are required to pass only the International Qualification Exam (IQEX). Others must meet full Minnesota requirements, including the Uniform CPA Exam.
5. Stay Current Through Continuing Professional Education
Minnesota CPE Requirements
Maintaining your Minnesota CPA license requires ongoing professional development through continuing professional education (CPE).
Annual Requirement: Complete 120 CPE hours every three years, with minimum 20 hours annually.
CPE Distribution Requirements
Approved CPE Providers
- NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors
- American Institute of CPAs
- Minnesota Society of CPAs
- Accredited colleges and universities
- CPA firms with a quality review within three years
Documentation Requirements
Maintain CPE records for five years, including:
- Certificates of completion with program details
- Detailed program agendas
- Instructor credentials
- Personal statement on professional relevance
Report CPE hours during license renewal using the online CPE reporting tool.
6. Minnesota CPA Salary Information
Accountant and Auditor Salaries in Minnesota
Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your CPA career path. Minnesota offers competitive compensation for accounting professionals, particularly in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Top Paying Minnesota Metro Areas
CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than general accountants, with additional premiums for specialized certifications and industry expertise.
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.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Minnesota?
Most candidates complete the process in 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional credits (often through a master’s program), plus 1 year of qualifying experience after passing the CPA exam. Minnesota’s early exam option can help accelerate this timeline.
Can I start the CPA exam before graduating in Minnesota?
Yes! Minnesota’s Early Examination rule allows you to apply within 180 days of completing your degree and sit for the exam within 90 days of your expected graduation date. You’ll have 150 days after testing to provide proof of degree completion.
What’s the difference between Minnesota’s education pathways?
The four pathways offer flexibility based on your educational background. Pathway 1 requires the most specialized accounting education (graduate degree from an accredited accounting program), while Pathway 4 is most flexible (any bachelor’s degree plus specific accounting courses). All pathways require 150 total credits.
Do I need to be a Minnesota resident to obtain a license?
Not necessarily. You qualify if you’re a Minnesota resident, employed in Minnesota, working here to gain experience, or have a job offer to start within 90 days of passing the exam.
How much does the entire CPA certification process cost in Minnesota?
Total costs typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, including: exam application fees ($200-$ 300), exam section fees ($250 per section), ethics course ($200), license application ($150), and study materials ($2,000-$ 3,000). This doesn’t include education costs.
What happens if I pass the CPA exam but don’t get licensed right away?
CPA exam credits don’t expire in Minnesota once you’ve passed all four sections. However, if more than four years pass before applying for licensure, you’ll need to show 120 hours of CPE completed within the previous three years.
Can I transfer my CPA license from another state to Minnesota?
Yes, through reciprocity. If your state has substantially equivalent requirements, the process is straightforward. You’ll need to verify your license, demonstrate CPE compliance, and complete the AICPA Ethics Exam if you have not already done so.
Next Steps: Launch Your Minnesota CPA Career
Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a CPA in Minnesota! Your journey requires dedication, but the rewards—both professional and financial—make it worthwhile. Minnesota’s diverse economy offers CPAs opportunities across industries from Fortune 500 corporations to innovative startups.
Professional Resources
Connect with these organizations to accelerate your career:
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) – National resources and certifications
- Minnesota Society of CPAs – Local networking and CPE opportunities
- Minnesota Board of Accountancy – Official licensing information
Specialization Opportunities
Consider these in-demand specializations for Minnesota CPAs:
- Information Technology Auditing – Critical for tech companies
- Healthcare Financial Management – Growing with the medical device industry
- Manufacturing Cost Accounting – Essential for 3M and similar companies
- Nonprofit Accounting – Numerous opportunities in Twin Cities
Ready to begin? Begin by researching accredited accounting programs that meet Minnesota’s requirements. Whether you’re just starting college or transitioning into a new career, Minnesota’s CPA pathway offers a clear route to professional success.
