In Maine, licensing still takes 150 semester hours. That includes a bachelor's degree or higher with basic accounting and auditing courses. A 2025 law lets you sit for the exam with 120 semester hours.
You do need to plan to finish the 150 hours. You'll also need 2 years of experience under the direction of a CPA. So plan on the 150-hour route. If you're finishing a bachelor's, ask the Maine Board of Accountancy how to plan your last 30 hours.
How to Get a CPA License in Maine
Every route also asks you to pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Here's how the education and experience fit together in Maine.
| Route | Education | Experience | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150-hour route | At least 150 semester hours, including a 4-year bachelor's degree or higher, with basic accounting and auditing courses | 2 years under the direction of a CPA | In effect |
Education to Sit for the CPA Exam in Maine
You need at least 120 semester hours of education if you'll complete the 150-hour requirement.
What Changed Recently
Public Law 2025, chapter 297 lowered the education needed to sit for the exam to 120 semester hours. Licensure still takes 150 hours.
What Accountants Earn in Maine
Accountants and auditors in Maine earned a median of $77,480 a year in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle half earned between $63,920 and $98,700. About 3,860 people held these jobs in the state.
Accounting Programs in Maine
None of the programs on our main rankings are based in Maine. You can still study online with a school in another state. Before you enroll, check that its accounting and business courses match what the board asks for. Our best online accounting degrees are a good place to start.
CPA Requirements in Nearby States
Thinking about working across a state line, or studying in one state and licensing in another? Each state sets its own rules, so here's where the states near Maine stand on the bachelor's-plus-experience route.
- New Hampshire CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since April 22, 2026
- Massachusetts CPA requirements: bachelor's route proposed
- Vermont CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since June 8, 2026
Check With the Maine Board of Accountancy
The board sets the rules and decides your application. We checked these requirements against official sources on October 12, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the details on the board's site before you apply.