Requirements

Missouri CPA Exam Requirements (2026)

Missouri requires 150 semester hours with 33 hours of accounting and one year of experience. The Missouri State Board of Accountancy manages the licensing process.

Quick answer

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

150 hrs

Education

semester hours

1 yr

Experience

either

$60

Application Fee

state board

40 hrs

CPE

annual

Licensing Timeline

Steps to CPA License in Missouri

1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 33 hours of accounting coursework.

2. Apply for the CPA Exam

Apply through NASBA and the Missouri Board of Accountancy.

3. Schedule and Pass the CPA Exam

Pass all four sections within 30 months.

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 Missouri board.

Fee Breakdown

Fee estimates for Missouri — verify current amounts at Missouri State Board of Accountancy
Fee TypeAmount
State Application Fee$60
Exam Fee (per section)$238
Total Exam Fees (4 sections)$952
Estimated Total (exam only)$1012

Your Missouri CPA Checklist

0/6 complete
1. Complete Education Requirements

Earn 150 semester hours with at least 33 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 Missouri unique

  • Missouri requires 33 semester hours of accounting, among the higher requirements nationally.
  • Annual CPE of 40 hours with 2 hours of ethics.
  • No residency or age requirement for CPA candidates.

Education Requirements

Missouri requires 150 semester hours including 33 semester hours of accounting. This higher accounting-hour requirement ensures candidates have extensive subject-matter depth. Statistical trends show that candidates who fail a section often do so by a margin of only a few points, usually due to consistent cognitive blocks rather than a total lack of content knowledge. Shifting your focus to active pattern repair and simulated exam conditions helps bridge this gap and secures those final points needed to cross the passing threshold.

The University of Missouri system and Washington University in St. Louis offer excellent accounting programs designed to meet these requirements. Statistical trends show that candidates who fail a section often do so by a margin of only a few points, usually due to consistent cognitive blocks rather than a total lack of content knowledge. Shifting your focus to active pattern repair and simulated exam conditions helps bridge this gap and secures those final points needed to cross the passing threshold.

CPA Exam and Experience

Missouri candidates apply through NASBA and test at Prometric centers in Kansas City, St. Louis, and other locations. Statistical trends show that candidates who fail a section often do so by a margin of only a few points, usually due to consistent cognitive blocks rather than a total lack of content knowledge. Shifting your focus to active pattern repair and simulated exam conditions helps bridge this gap and secures those final points needed to cross the passing threshold.

One year of accounting experience under CPA supervision is required. Both Kansas City and St. Louis have strong professional services markets.

Fees and Licensing

Missouri's application fee is approximately $60. Total first-attempt costs are about $1,013. Statistical trends show that candidates who fail a section often do so by a margin of only a few points, usually due to consistent cognitive blocks rather than a total lack of content knowledge. Shifting your focus to active pattern repair and simulated exam conditions helps bridge this gap and secures those final points needed to cross the passing threshold. 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.

Missouri's moderate cost of living makes the CPA investment relatively affordable. Statistical trends show that candidates who fail a section often do so by a margin of only a few points, usually due to consistent cognitive blocks rather than a total lack of content knowledge. Shifting your focus to active pattern repair and simulated exam conditions helps bridge this gap and secures those final points needed to cross the passing threshold. 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.

Continuing Professional Education

Missouri CPAs must complete 40 hours of CPE annually, including 2 hours of ethics. The Missouri Society of CPAs offers extensive CPE programming. Statistical trends show that candidates who fail a section often do so by a margin of only a few points, usually due to consistent cognitive blocks rather than a total lack of content knowledge. Shifting your focus to active pattern repair and simulated exam conditions helps bridge this gap and secures those final points needed to cross the passing threshold.

Documentation must be maintained 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many accounting hours does Missouri require?
Missouri requires 33 semester hours of accounting coursework, which is above the typical 24-hour minimum.
Can I sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri allows candidates to sit with 120 hours, but 150 are needed for licensure.
What experience does Missouri accept?
Missouri accepts experience in public, industry, government, or academic accounting under CPA supervision.