Accountancy

CPA Licensing

For the accountancy student, certification is the ultimate stamp of approval. It's the difference between being aspirational about your future and living out your professional dreams. The road to certification may feel daunting, but we'll give you the resources and guidance you need to achieve your goals. Our faculty, many of whom are certified public accountants, will not only aid you in fulfilling the educational requirements and preparing for the CPA exam but will also teach you the technical skills necessary for licensing.

Department of Accountancy
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5402 USA
(269) 387-5210

How can I become a Certified Public Accountant in Michigan?

CPA licensing is obtained through the state of Michigan. To become licensed as a CPA in Michigan, an applicant must complete requirements in education, work experience and examinations. 

Regarding education requirements, Michigan law states you must complete 150+ semester hours of higher education. This includes earning, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting from an accredited college or university. 

There are two ways to fulfill your education requirements:

  1. Receive a master’s degree in accountancy or an M.B.A. with a concentration in accounting.
  2. Follow this equation to complete the 150+ required hours: 81+30+39=150.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • 81 semester hours = prerequisites and general subject matter
  • 30 semester hours = accounting subjects (No more than six hours should be given to taxation)
  • 39 semester hours = various subjects

The current requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Michigan include 24 hours of accounting, including auditing. The coursework also must include a study in systems and governmental accounting.

For more details regarding educational requirements as well as work experience and examinations, refer to the Michigan Association of CPA (MICPA) Guide to Becoming a CPA. Other state requirements can be found at NASBA.org.

Support for CPA students: We keep you on track

We know that pursuing your master’s in accounting is a hard-earned process, and we support you every step of the way, including earning your CPA. We have advisors available who will ensure your coursework is on track and you are receiving the technical, educational and experiential support you need to feel confident in your professional endeavors after graduation.
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Uniform CPA Examination

The Uniform CPA Examination is designed to assess the knowledge and skills entry-level CPAs need to practice public accountancy. 

For further details about the examination, CPA testing windows and how to sign up, refer to MICPA's Guide to Becoming a CPA or visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website.