Montana CPA Exam & License Requirements

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Montana is a clear-cut process, but it’s one that’s evolving with the accounting profession. As highlighted in the CPA Journal, the world of accounting is changing rapidly due to emerging technologies, impacting education and the number of CPA candidates​​. Montana’s CPA requirements are tailored to prepare accountants for these modern challenges.

This article will guide you through the Montana CPA Exam and license requirements. We’ll cover everything from the educational qualifications you’ll need, to the details of the CPA exam, and the work experience necessary for licensure. Plus, we’ll touch on how to maintain your CPA status in Montana. Whether you’re just starting in accounting or aiming to update your qualifications, this guide will help you understand what it takes to become a CPA in today’s dynamic accounting landscape.

Understanding Montana’s Two-Tier CPA System

Montana operates under a two-tier system for CPA certification and licensure, offering distinct paths for candidates with varying goals and circumstances. This system includes both a CPA certificate and a CPA license, each with its own set of requirements.

• CPA Certificate: For those who may not yet have work experience or a Social Security Number, such as international students or individuals primarily interested in the CPA credential, Montana offers the CPA certificate. This option does not require work experience, making it an accessible choice for those at the early stages of their accounting careers or those from outside the United States seeking CPA credentials.
• CPA License: The CPA license is a step beyond the certificate and includes additional requirements such as verified work experience. This license is ideal for candidates looking to practice as CPAs in Montana, offering the full scope of professional privileges associated with the title.

Both pathways reflect Montana’s commitment to accommodating a diverse range of candidates, ensuring that the CPA credential is accessible yet maintains its professional integrity and value.

Now, let’s explore the steps involved in the Montana CPA licensure process:

How to Get Your Montana CPA License

Embarking on the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant in Montana involves several key steps that are crucial to achieving this professional milestone. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to accomplish:

1. Meet Education and Verified Work Requirements: Ensure you fulfill Montana’s specific educational criteria, which typically includes a bachelor’s degree and specific accounting coursework, and accumulate the requisite work experience under a licensed CPA. There are no minimum age or residency requirements. 
2. Pass All Sections of the CPA Exam: The CPA Exam is comprehensive and challenging, covering a wide range of topics crucial to the accounting profession. Many candidates find it beneficial to enroll in a CPA review course to better prepare for the exam.
3. Complete the AICPA Ethics Exam: This exam tests your understanding of professional and ethical standards in accounting, a critical component of CPA practice.
4. Submit All Required CPA License Application Paperwork: Accurately fill out and submit all necessary documents for your CPA license application in Montana.
5. Pay the CPA License Application Fee: This fee is part of the application process and varies by state.

Selecting a CPA Review Course can play a pivotal role in your success in Montana. Given the complexity of the CPA exam, a significant proportion of candidates do not pass on their first attempt. A well-chosen review course can bridge the gap between your current knowledge and the exam’s requirements, tailored to fit your budget, learning style, and schedule.

Engaging with a review course while your application is processed – which may take several weeks – is a strategic way to use this time. Early and consistent preparation not only solidifies your understanding of the material but also greatly enhances your chances of passing the CPA exam on your first try, setting a strong foundation for your career in accounting.

Education Requirements for Montana CPA Licensure

1. Academic Credentials: To be eligible for CPA licensure in Montana, candidates must first meet specific educational requirements. This typically includes earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Credit Hours: Beyond the bachelor’s degree, Montana requires candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education. This higher credit requirement is a standard in many states, intended to ensure a comprehensive level of accounting education.
3. Accounting and Business Coursework: Within these 150 semester hours, candidates must include a certain number of accounting and business-related courses. These courses should cover essential topics in accounting, finance, management, and related fields to provide a well-rounded educational foundation.
4. Accreditation: It’s important that the college or university attended is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. This ensures the quality and acceptability of the educational credentials.

Work Experience Requirements for Montana CPA Licensure

Duration of Experience: Candidates are required to complete a minimum of one year (2,000 hours) of practical work experience. This duration is specifically designed to provide candidates with adequate exposure to a range of accounting tasks and challenges.

Nature of Work: The work experience must involve duties commonly performed in the practice of public accounting. This includes tasks like auditing, financial reporting, tax preparation and planning, management advisory services, and other relevant accounting functions. The experience should be substantive and cover key areas of accounting to ensure a well-rounded skill set.

Supervised Experience: The work must be performed under the supervision of a licensed CPA. The supervising CPA should hold a valid and active CPA license, ideally in the state of Montana or another U.S. jurisdiction. This supervision is crucial as it ensures that the work experience is relevant, guided, and evaluated by a seasoned professional.

Verification and Documentation: Candidates are responsible for obtaining verification of their work experience from their supervising CPA. This includes documenting the nature of the work, the duration, and the details of the supervising CPA. Such documentation is crucial for the licensure application process, as it serves as proof of the candidate’s hands-on experience in the field.

*International candidates: The only foreign credential evaluation agency Montana accepts is FACS

Montana CPA License Requirements: Ethics Exam

In Montana, as in many other states, you must pass the AICPA ethics exam as a critical requirement for CPA licensure. This requirement underscores the importance of ethical standards in the accounting profession.

Course and Exam Details

• Cost: The AICPA Ethics Exam course is priced at $299. However, AICPA members can access the course at a discounted rate of $245.
• Exam Focus: The exam primarily centers on the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. It covers fundamental ethical principles that CPAs are expected to follow, including independence, integrity, objectivity, general standards, and acts discreditable. The exam also features scenarios that test the application of these principles in real-world accounting situations.

Study Resources

• Ethics Course: The AICPA provides a comprehensive ethics course that includes a textbook and practice questions, closely reflecting the content of the actual exam. This course serves as both a study guide and the source material for the exam.
• Additional Resources: Beyond the AICPA course, candidates can utilize a variety of study aids, such as online courses, webinars, and seminars offered by educational institutions and CPA review companies.

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Code: Deeply understanding the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct is crucial. Focus on the principles behind the rules, as this will aid in applying them to various scenarios.
2. Practice Real-World Application: Instead of just memorizing the rules, practice applying ethical principles to real-world cases. This can be achieved through case studies and practice questions that simulate the exam format.
3. Create a Study Schedule: Dedicate specific times for studying the course materials. Regular review and consistency are key to fully grasping and retaining the ethical standards and guidelines.
4. Leverage All Resources: Utilize all available resources, including official AICPA course materials, discussion forums, and additional literature that provide broader insights into professional ethics.
5. Practice Tests: Regularly engage in practice tests to become familiar with the exam’s format and question types. This practice is also helpful in identifying areas where further study might be needed.

By focusing on these strategies and making full use of the available resources, CPA candidates in Montana can effectively prepare for the AICPA Ethics Exam and gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical standards crucial to the accounting profession.

Montana CPA Exam Fees

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Montana involves various fees associated with the CPA examination process. Understanding these costs is essential for candidates as they plan their journey toward licensure.

1. Total Examination Fee: The cost for taking all four sections of the CPA exam in Montana is $1,379.20, which is divided equally among the four sections. Each section costs $344.80.
2. Education Evaluation Application Fee: Before beginning the CPA exam process, candidates must pay an education evaluation application fee of $140. This fee is specifically for assessing educational qualifications to ensure that candidates meet Montana’s academic requirements for the CPA exam.
3. Re-examination Fees: In instances where candidates need to retake any sections of the CPA exam, there are re-examination registration fees. These fees vary depending on how many sections a candidate is re-applying for. It’s important for candidates to be aware that these fees can accumulate, especially if multiple retakes are necessary.

WordPress Tables Plugin

Montana CPA Licensure Updates

As part of the ongoing CPA Evolution initiative, significant changes are being implemented in the CPA exam, particularly impacting the Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section. These changes are vital for candidates pursuing Montana CPA licensure, as they reflect a shift towards a more dynamic and comprehensive assessment model.

Starting January 10, 2024, the CPA exam will adopt a new format under the CPA Evolution. In this updated format, the BEC Exam will be replaced by three new Discipline sections, accompanying the existing Core Exams. For Montana CPA licensure aspirants, this means adapting to a Core-Plus-Discipline model where one must pass one Discipline exam along with the three Core Exams.

For those currently preparing for the CPA Exam or intending to start before the end of 2023, a strategic focus on passing the BEC Exam is advisable. Successfully passing the BEC Exam by December 15, 2023 – the final testing date for the year – will exempt candidates from one of the new, more advanced Discipline sections that will be introduced in 2024. It’s important to note that opportunities to take these new Discipline sections will be limited to one month per quarter in 2024.

Keeping track of key dates for the BEC Exam in 2023 is crucial for candidates aiming for Montana CPA licensure. NASBA has provided specific dates for applying and testing for the BEC section, including deadlines applicable in various jurisdictions. Additionally, first-time international candidates applying through NASBA’s International Evaluation Services (NIES) must complete their international evaluation report by August 4, 2023.

The CPA Evolution initiative is a response to the evolving business environment, aiming to ensure that the CPA licensure model remains current and relevant. The new CPA Exam structure is designed to equip candidates with diverse skill sets, reflecting the changing nature of the accounting profession and preparing them for the future challenges of modern accounting practices. This evolution is particularly significant for Montana CPA licensure candidates, as it aligns their training with the latest industry standards and expectations.

MN Exam Information and Resources

Montana CPA Exam Candidates

Montana CPA Certificate Application

For more details, please contact:

Montana Board of Public Accountants

301 S Park
PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: 406-841-2389

Comparison Montana With Other CPA States Requirements

Montana’s CPA requirements, which include 150 semester hours and a bachelor’s degree, are similar to those of its neighboring states, but with some variations. Idaho, for example, also requires 150 semester hours but specifies 30 hours in accounting and 24 in business courses. Wyoming aligns closely with Montana, requiring the same educational threshold and distribution of semester hours in accounting and business courses. However, Wyoming is more flexible in the field of accounting for its one-year experience requirement.

North Dakota, while adhering to the 150-semester-hour education requirement, mandates that the one-year experience must be specifically in public accounting. South Dakota’s requirements are quite similar to Montana’s, with the same educational and semester hour requirements, and a one-year experience requirement in any accounting field.

In contrast, states like California have distinct requirements. California maintains the 150 semester hours and a bachelor’s degree standard but has a more stringent experience requirement. It requires two years of general accounting experience or one year in public accounting under a CPA’s supervision. This is more rigorous compared to Montana’s more flexible experience criterion, which can be fulfilled in various accounting sectors.

CPA Careers in Montana

The job market for CPAs in Montana is on an upward trajectory. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry forecasts a growth of over 11.5% in the accounting profession from 2018 to 2028. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 4% increase in employment for accountants and auditors from 2022 to 2032, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations.

CPAs in Montana enjoy competitive salaries. Reports from USCIS Guide suggest an average annual salary of $76,135 as of 2021. ZipRecruiter further indicates that as of 2023, the average CPA salary in Montana is approximately $82,737 per year, or about $39.78 an hour.

Montana offers a diverse range of CPA roles across various sectors. Opportunities are available in public accounting firms, private corporations, government agencies, and non-profits. Positions range from staff accountant and tax associate to senior auditor and corporate accounting manager. This diversity, highlighted by sources like the Montana Society of CPAs and Indeed, showcases the versatility and demand for CPAs in the state.

Local Professional CPA Organizations and Networks in Montana

1. Montana Society of CPAs (MSCPA): The Montana Society of CPAs is a prominent organization in Montana, dedicated to supporting and advocating for the CPA profession. It offers educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts to ensure the growth and relevance of CPAs in the state. Founded in 1913, MSCPA has a rich history and a strong membership base, making it a key resource for CPAs in Montana.
2. Billings Chapter – Montana Society of CPAs: The Billings Chapter of the MSCPA focuses on enhancing professional knowledge and providing a platform for members to network with other accountants and business professionals in the Billings area. This chapter organizes various events and meetings, fostering a sense of community among local CPAs.
3. Montana Society of Public Accountants (MSPA): The MSPA is another significant organization for accountants and tax professionals in Montana. It focuses on providing its members with essential resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities. MSPA is dedicated to helping accountants and tax professionals navigate their careers effectively.
4. Networking Opportunities with MSCPA: The MSCPA also emphasizes networking among its members. Through various events and initiatives, the society provides platforms for CPAs to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on professional matters.

These organizations play a crucial role in the professional development of CPAs in Montana. They offer a range of services, from continuing education and professional development to networking and advocacy, supporting CPAs throughout their careers.

FAQs