Requirements

Maine CPA Exam Requirements (2026)

Maine requires 150 semester hours and one year of experience. The Maine Board of Accountancy manages CPA licensing in the state.

Quick answer

Maine requires 150 semester hours, 1 year of experience, and passing all 4 CPA exam sections. Overseen by the Maine Board of Accountancy.

150 hrs

Education

semester hours

1 yr

Experience

either

$50

Application Fee

state board

40 hrs

CPE

annual

Licensing Timeline

Steps to CPA License in Maine

1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam

Apply through NASBA and the Maine Board of Accountancy.

3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam

Pass all four sections within the 30-month window.

4. Gain Professional Experience

Complete one year of supervised accounting experience.

5. Complete Ethics Requirements

Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam.

6. Apply for Your CPA License

Submit your license application to the Maine board.

Fee Breakdown

Fee estimates for Maine — verify current amounts at Maine Board of Accountancy
Fee TypeAmount
State Application Fee$50
Exam Fee (per section)$238
Total Exam Fees (4 sections)$952
Estimated Total (exam only)$1002

Your Maine CPA Checklist

0/6 complete
1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam
3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam
4. Gain Professional Experience
5. Complete Ethics Requirements
6. Apply for Your CPA License

What makes Maine unique

  • Maine has standard 150-hour and one-year experience requirements.
  • No residency or age requirement.
  • Annual CPE of 40 hours with 4 hours of ethics.

Education Requirements

Maine requires 150 semester hours from a regionally accredited institution, including 24 semester hours of accounting and 24 semester hours of business courses. This ensures that you do not waste precious hours re-watching identical lecture modules or re-reading long textbook chapters that you have already comprehended. Instead, our analytics pinpoint the exact wording tricks and cognitive patterns that cause incorrect answers under exam conditions, maximizing the value of your existing firm-sponsored curriculum. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

The University of Maine offers accounting programs that prepare candidates for licensure. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

CPA Exam and Experience

Maine candidates apply through NASBA and test at Prometric centers. Due to Maine's size, some candidates may test at centers in neighboring states. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

One year of accounting experience under CPA supervision is required. Maine accepts experience across public, industry, and government accounting. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

Fees and Licensing

Maine's application fee is approximately $50. Total first-attempt costs including NASBA exam fees are about $1,003. Many major public accounting firms and corporate employers maintain discretionary professional development funds that can be applied to targeted practice supplements. Presenting a clear, analytics-backed progress report to your learning manager can help justify the expense and secure firm-level sponsorship. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

License and renewal fees are additional. Maine's fees are generally modest. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

Continuing Professional Education

Maine CPAs must complete 40 hours of CPE annually, including 4 hours of ethics. The board follows standard CPE guidelines and accepts various delivery methods. Our content team is comprised of seasoned CPAs and accounting educators who continuously review new pronouncements and exam updates to ensure our banks stay fully aligned. This rigorous, multi-pass editorial review process guarantees that every explanation and mapping is technically flawless and reflects the true style of the actual exam. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines.

Documentation must be maintained for at least five years for audit purposes. We believe advanced technology should serve to guide and clarify rather than to replace rigorous, active study habits. Employing a structured, expert-verified AI dialogue ensures that you get instant conceptual clarity without the risk of relying on unverified public search engines. Each core and discipline section of the exam features its own unique testing style, specific cognitive demands, and Blueprint weightings. Adapting your study strategies to match these section-specific differences ensures that you do not waste effort on irrelevant details or miss high-yield concepts.

Start practicing for the Maine CPA exam

CPAPass targets your weak areas so you can pass faster. Start with 10 free questions a day.

Start Practicing Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours in Maine?
Maine's current rules require 150 hours to sit for the exam. Check with the board for the latest requirements.
Does Maine require residency?
No. Maine does not require state residency for CPA licensure.
What experience does Maine require?
Maine requires one year of accounting experience under CPA supervision.