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Navigating the CPA

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Interested in becoming a CPA? Starting out in an accounting career can be daunting, but we’re here to help you take the first steps. From networking events to scholarships — MTCPA has all the resources you need to get started. And if you can't find what you're looking for, just give us a call. 

If you want to know where you can go to study Accounting, check out this list of accredited institutions in Montana.

Need more direction?

There’s always more to learn. We’ve made finding it a little easier:

Learn more about exam requirements, scholarships, and get advice from other CPAs.

Going for Your CPA in MT

MTCPA knows navigating the path to become a CPA isn't easy, and we want you to have all the information you need to make the best decisions about your career. Taking and passing the CPA Exam requires time, effort, and dedication. But success is well within reach for well-prepared exam candidates.

Starting January 1, 2026

Montana will no longer strictly require 150 semester hours for every CPA licensure candidate. Instead, candidates can choose between two pathways:

  1. Traditional 150-credit option
    • Total 150 semester hours, including required accounting/business coursework
    • Pass the CPA Exam
    • Qualifying experience per Montana Board rules
  2. New Pathway (no 150 Credits)
    • Bachelor’s degree (with required accounting and business coursework)
    • 1 year of relevant experience
    • Pass the CPA Exam

1. Education

To sit for the CPA Exam in Montana, you need:

  • At least 120 total college credits (you can take the exam once you hit this)
  • 24 semester hours of upper-level accounting courses
  • 24 semester hours of general business courses
  • Courses must be approved by the Montana Board of Public Accountants and come from an accredited 4-year college/university.

2. Exam

Once you meet the education requirements, the next step is to pass the Uniform CPA Exam through NASBA.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The CPA Exam has 4 sections
  • You must score 75 or higher on each section
  • You must pass all 4 sections within an 18-month rolling window (Montana rules apply)

You’ll take 3 core sections:

  • AUD (Auditing and Attestation)
  • FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)
  • REG (Regulation)

Plus 1 discipline section (you choose one):

  • BAR (Business Analysis and Reporting)
  • TCP (Tax Compliance and Planning)
  • ISC (Information Systems and Controls)

Helpful Resources

Not sure where to start? Take this quiz to find the best path for you.

3. Experience

To qualify for a Montana CPA license, you need:

  • 1 year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting/auditing experience
  • Must be earned within the 3 years before you apply for your license
  • Work can be in public accounting, private industry, government, or academic settings
  • Your experience must be verified by a licensed CPA or an approved supervisor.

Under the updated Montana rules, you must meet one of these education + experience paths for licensure:

  • Post-bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration + 1 year experience
  • Bachelor’s degree with accounting concentration + 30 additional credits + 1 year experience
  • Bachelor’s degree with accounting concentration + 2 years experience

4. Apply

Once you’ve passed the exam and met all requirements:

Find more details here.

International Students

The Universal CPA Examination application process is basically the same for U.S. and international candidates. In order to qualify to take the Exam outside the U.S., you will have to establish your eligibility through a jurisdiction participating in the international administration of the Exam.

For more information, please refer to NASBA's website here.