How to apply for an Accountancy license

Please see the CPA Application Checklist for further information. Please also read the instructions below before proceeding to ePlace portal.

The Board of Public Accountancy exclusively issues a full reporting license to individuals seeking to practice public accountancy in Massachusetts.

Please email the Board if you have a non-reporting license and would like to upgrade to a full reporting license.

Applicants seeking initial licensure, and reciprocal applicants licensed and practicing for less than 4 years, please review the information below for a summary of the requirements for a license.

If you have been licensed for more than 4 years, see the How to apply for a Reciprocal Accountancy License page for application requirements.

Summary of Requirements for licensure:

1. Applicants must provide proof of passed Uniform CPA Examination scores after meeting the 150 of semester hours from a nationally or regionally accredited institution see the: Corrected CA Interim Policy-New Exam Extensions.  Exams must be completed within a 30-month rolling period. Education evaluation is completed through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
2. A Letter addressed to the Board of Public Accountancy attesting under the pains and penalties of perjury either one of the following by an acceptable reference as stated in 252 CMR 2:
   1. Full- or part-time experience in public accounting that extends over a period of no less than one year and no more than three years and includes no fewer than 2,000 hours of service.
   2. Or full- or part-time experience in non-public accounting that extends over a period of no less than three years and no more than nine years and includes no fewer than 2,000 hours of experience.
3. Three-character reference letters dated and addressed to the Board of Public Accountancy.
4. 2X2 Passport size photo.
5. CORI Permission Form.

Questions about the requirements for licensure or the application process in general, may be directed to the Board office by calling 617-701-8635 or by e-mail accountingboard@mass.gov.