Montana Board of Public Accountants

Montana Application Requirements

Applications for initial CPA licensure in Montana will be processed through NASBA Licensing Service.  All initial applications must be submitted to NASBA Licensing Service.  For assistance in filing a complete application, download the applicaiton checklist

When applying for a license through NASBA Licensing Service, you must select your method of application.  If you are a former Montana certificate holder with a terminated license who is now applying for a full permit license, you will apply by Original License method.  You must order a license verification from Montana to be sent to NASBA Licensing Service or provide transcripts, any required education evaluation, evidence of passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and evidence of completing the AICPA Comprehensive Ethics course

Methods of License Application

  • This application is for Montana exam candidates that have successfully passed the Uniform CPA exam and are applying for first-time licensure, as well as those individuals previously licensed in Montana but let their license terminate, and are not licensed in another jurisdiction. Please see the information under tab: Becoming a CPA by Examination.
  • This application is for individuals applying for licensure in Montana that have passed the Uniform CPA exam in another jurisdiction but have not been licensed in another jurisdiction.  Individuals applying for licensure through Transfer of Grade must meet Montana’s education requirements.   Please see information under the tab: Becoming a CPA by Transfer of Grade.

    All Original License applications and Transfer of Grade applications are reviewed by the Board at their regularly scheduled board meetings.  A COMPLETE application must be received 15 business days prior to a scheduled board meeting to be included on that meeting agenda.  Please refer to Board Information/Board Meetings for specific meeting dates.

  • This application is for individuals applying for licensure in Montana that hold a current, active, unrestricted  license from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction Please see the information under the tab: Becoming a CPA by Transfer of Licensure.
  • his application is for individuals applying for licensure in Montana that hold a license with a professional credentialing institute that has a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with NASBA/AICPA.  Please see the information under the tab: Becoming a CPA by International Reciprocity.
  • All licenses must be renewed by December 31 of each year, or a 100% late fee will be added to the renewal fee.  The fee to timely renew a license is: 

    • $125.00 for full active licensees
    • $75 for inactive licensees
    • $25 for retired licensees
    • No fee is currently charged for annual firm registration, but it must still be filed by December 31
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