Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Mississippi opens doors to rewarding career opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, and government positions throughout the Magnolia State. With an average salary of $73,450 for accountants and auditors in Mississippi, earning your CPA license can significantly boost your earning potential and career prospects.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of becoming a CPA in Mississippi, from education requirements to exam preparation and licensure. Whether you’re a college student planning your path or a working professional ready to advance your career, you’ll find everything you need to know about Mississippi CPA requirements.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Meet Mississippi CPA Education Requirements
- Step 2: Apply for the CPA Exam
- Step 3: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Step 4: Complete Experience Requirements
- Step 5: Apply for Mississippi CPA License
- Mississippi CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Meet Mississippi CPA Education Requirements
Mississippi requires CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education, which typically means earning a bachelor’s degree plus additional coursework. This requirement aligns with most states’ standards and ensures CPAs have comprehensive business and accounting knowledge.
Specific Education Requirements
Your 150 semester hours must include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses (courses numbered 300 or above)
- 24 semester hours in general business courses
- 3 semester hours in business law (included in the 24 business hours)
Acceptable Accounting Courses
Upper-level accounting courses that count toward your 24-hour requirement include:
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Governmental Accounting
- Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
Meeting the 150-Hour Requirement
Most candidates meet the 150-hour requirement through one of these paths:
Mississippi accepts coursework from any regionally accredited institution, including online programs. Consider exploring online accounting degree programs if you need flexibility while completing your education requirements.
Step 2: Apply for the CPA Exam
Once you’ve met the education requirements, you can apply to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination through the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. The application process involves several important steps:
Application Requirements
- Complete the online application through the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy website
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Pay application fees:
- Initial application fee: $150
- Examination fees paid to NASBA (varies by section)
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) after approval
Exam Application Timeline
The Mississippi State Board typically processes complete applications within 4-6 weeks. Plan accordingly, especially if you have specific testing windows in mind. Your ATT is valid for six months from the issue date, giving you flexibility in scheduling your exam sections.
Pro Tip: Apply for all four exam sections at once to save time and streamline your testing schedule. You can take the sections in any order that works best for your study plan.
Step 3: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Examination consists of four sections that test your knowledge across various accounting and business topics. Mississippi follows the same exam structure and requirements as all other U.S. jurisdictions.
CPA Exam Sections
Mississippi Testing Locations
CPA exam testing centers in Mississippi include:
- Jackson – Prometric Testing Center
- Gulfport – Prometric Testing Center
You can also take the exam at any Prometric testing center nationwide, which is helpful if you’re near state borders or traveling.
Passing Score and Validity
- Passing score: 75 on each section
- Score validity: 18 months from passing your first section
- Number of attempts: Unlimited (with reapplication)
For comprehensive exam preparation strategies, check out our CPA exam guide with study tips and resources.
Step 4: Complete Experience Requirements
Mississippi requires one year of accounting experience under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA before granting your license. This experience ensures you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
Qualifying Experience
Your experience must include:
- Full-time employment (minimum 35 hours per week)
- Direct supervision by a licensed CPA
- Accounting or auditing services in public practice, industry, or government
Types of Acceptable Experience
Mississippi accepts experience in various settings:
- Public Accounting – Working for CPA firms on audits, tax preparation, or consulting
- Corporate Accounting – Internal accounting roles in private companies
- Government Accounting – Positions with federal, state, or local government agencies
- Not-for-Profit Accounting – Financial roles in nonprofit organizations
Documentation Requirements
Your supervising CPA must verify your experience by:
- Completing the experience verification form
- Attesting to the quality and nature of your work
- Confirming that they provided adequate supervision
- Verifying the specific dates of employment
Important: Start documenting your experience early. Keep detailed records of your responsibilities, projects, and supervisor information to streamline the verification process.
Step 5: Apply for Mississippi CPA License
After meeting all education, examination, and experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for your Mississippi CPA license. This final step officially authorizes you to practice as a CPA in Mississippi.
License Application Requirements
- Complete the CPA license application online through the Mississippi State Board website
- Submit ethics exam certificate (AICPA Professional Ethics Exam)
- Provide experience verification from your supervising CPA
- Pay licensing fees:
- Initial license fee: $100
- Wall certificate fee: $25 (optional)
- Submit to background check if required
Ethics Exam Requirement
Mississippi requires completion of the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. The exam covers:
- AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
- Mississippi State Board rules and regulations
- Professional responsibilities and ethics
The exam is open-book and can be taken online. Most candidates complete it in 2-4 hours.
Maintaining Your Mississippi CPA License
Once licensed, you must maintain your CPA status through:
Mississippi CPA Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your career path and evaluate the return on your educational investment. CPAs in Mississippi typically earn higher salaries than non-certified accountants due to their advanced qualifications and expertise.
Mississippi Accountant and Auditor Salaries
Salary Factors for Mississippi CPAs
Several factors influence CPA salaries in Mississippi:
- Experience Level – Entry-level CPAs typically start at $50,000-$60,000, while experienced CPAs can earn $90,000+
- Industry – Public accounting, corporate finance, and government positions offer different compensation packages
- Location – Urban areas like Jackson typically offer higher salaries than rural regions
- Specialization – CPAs specializing in areas like forensic accounting or taxation may command premium salaries
- Firm Size – Big Four firms and large corporations generally offer higher compensation
Career Growth Potential
Mississippi CPAs can advance to positions such as:
- Senior Accountant: $65,000-$80,000
- Accounting Manager: $75,000-$95,000
- Controller: $90,000-$120,000
- CFO: $120,000-$200,000+
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Mississippi?
Most candidates complete the entire process in 5-7 years: 4-5 years for education (150 hours), 6-18 months for exam preparation and passing, and 1 year for experience requirements. The timeline varies based on your educational path and exam success.
Can I sit for the CPA exam before completing 150 hours?
Yes, Mississippi allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam after completing a bachelor’s degree (120 hours) as long as they’ve met the specific accounting and business course requirements. However, you must complete all 150 hours before receiving your license.
Does Mississippi have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Mississippi has reciprocity agreements with most states. CPAs licensed in other states can apply for a Mississippi license if they meet substantially equivalent requirements. The process typically requires verification of your current license and meeting Mississippi’s continuing education standards.
What if I fail a section of the CPA exam?
You can retake any failed section after receiving your score notice. There’s no limit on attempts, but you must reapply and pay exam fees for each retake. Remember that you must pass all four sections within 18 months of passing your first section.
Are there continuing education requirements for Mississippi CPAs?
Yes, Mississippi requires 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) annually, with at least 20 hours in accounting and auditing subjects. You must also complete 4 hours of ethics CPE every three years.
Can I complete my experience requirement outside Mississippi?
Yes, you can complete your experience requirement in any state as long as it meets Mississippi’s standards and is verified by a licensed CPA. The key is ensuring your supervising CPA can properly document and verify your experience.
What’s the difference between a CPA certificate and license in Mississippi?
Mississippi issues a CPA license, not a certificate. The license authorizes you to practice public accounting and use the CPA designation. Some states distinguish between certificates (exam completion) and licenses (practice rights), but Mississippi combines these into a single license.
Ready to start your journey to becoming a Mississippi CPA? Explore accredited accounting degree programs that meet Mississippi’s education requirements and set you on the path to CPA success.
