Michigan’s economy is driven by powerhouse industries like finance and healthcare. And, of course, we can’t forget about the automotive giants that made Detroit the “Motor City.” Behind the scenes of it all, skilled accounting professionals keep things running smoothly.
If you’re thinking about a career in accounting, earning your certified public accountant (CPA) license can set you on a path filled with opportunity and stability.
This guide walks you through each step of how to become a CPA in Michigan. We’ll cover the education and work experience requirements, break down the exam, and explain how to keep your license active once you’ve got it.
Key Points
- The requirements to become a CPA in Michigan include meeting education requirements, passing the CPA Exam, and completing qualifying work experience.
- You’ll need 150 total credit hours to apply for licensure, but you can take the CPA Exam once you reach 120 credit hours.
- Michigan does not require an ethics exam to get licensed, but your continuing professional education (CPE) includes an ethics requirement.
- The median annual salary for CPAs in Michigan is $77,720, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Education Requirements in Michigan
Meeting the state’s education requirements is your first big step toward becoming a CPA in Michigan.
To sit for the CPA exam, you’ll need at least 120 semester hours of college credit. That typically means a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field. But to get your CPA license in Michigan, you’ll need a total of 150 credit hours. You can earn the additional 30 credits through a master’s program, a graduate certificate program, or undergraduate courses.
Michigan also breaks down the type of classes you need. Out of the required 150 hours, you’ll need:
- 3 hours in auditing
- 21 hours in accounting-specific topics that must include: Financial accounting and accounting theory, managerial accounting (including cost accounting), accounting systems and controls, U.S. federal taxation, and governmental/fund accounting
- Another 24 hours should come from general business classes outside of accounting, such as business law, economics, marketing, and finance.
Taking the CPA Exam
The CPA Exam is a major milestone, and thanks to the 120-hour rule, you can get a head start on the process here in Michigan.
The exam is made up of 3 Core sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation and Regulation (REG)
And 1 Discipline section you choose from these 3 topics:
- Taxation and Compliance (TCP)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
To pass, you’ll need a score of 75 or higher on each section. Most candidates take 1 section at a time, and becoming an accountant in Michigan gives you 30 months from the date you pass your first section to complete all 4.
You’ll apply through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Their site guides you through the process of submitting transcripts, fees, and your CPA Exam application. You’ll also need to submit the $96 application fee and $262.64 per exam section.
Unlike some other states, Michigan doesn’t require a separate ethics exam for initial licensure. Ethics education is built into your continuing professional education once you’re licensed.
Work Experience
Michigan requires you to complete at least 2,000 hours of qualifying experience within a 1- to 5-year timeframe to apply for your license. The work must be verified by a licensed CPA and demonstrate practical accounting skills, such as preparing financial statements, auditing, tax preparation, or consulting.
Your standard work experience doesn’t have to be at a public accounting firm to qualify. However, if you want paraprofessional (internship) experience to count, it needs to be at a public accounting office.
Once you’ve completed your hours, your supervising CPA will need to sign off on your experience when you apply for licensure. Be sure to keep accurate records and maintain a strong professional relationship. Their endorsement is part of your official paperwork.
Applying for CPA Licensure
Once you’ve met the education, exam, and experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for your CPA license in Michigan. You’ll submit your application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of 150 semester hours of qualifying education
- Passing scores on all 4 sections of the CPA Exam
- Verification of your 2,000 hours of work experience, signed by a licensed CPA
- A nonrefundable application fee ($300 for an initial license or $200 for renewal)
Everything can be submitted online through the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS). Processing times can vary, so keep an eye on your email for updates or requests for additional information. Once approved, you’ll receive your CPA license and can officially start working under the title.
Maintaining Your CPA License in Michigan
Once you’re licensed, stay active by keeping up with your continuing professional education (CPE) each year and renewing your license every 2 years through MiPLUS. The renewal fee is $200.
For active renewal, you must:
- Complete at least 40 hours of CPE each year over the 2-year license cycle
- 8 hours must be in auditing and accounting, and 2 hours must be in professional ethics
CPE should relate to accounting, auditing, taxation, or other business topics that strengthen your professional competence.
Additional CPE requirements apply if you let your license lapse. Staying on top of your annual requirements is the simplest way to keep practicing without interruptions. Also, please note that any CPE credits completed more than 12 months before your relicensure application will not count toward reinstatement.
Career Outlook for CPAs in Michigan
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for accountants and auditors in Michigan is $77,720. Top earners in major cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor might make well into 6 figures.
Industries such as automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and banking all rely on licensed CPAs to ensure operations run smoothly and comply with regulations. Entry-level roles may include staff accountant, tax associate, or auditor, and they often serve as steppingstones to roles such as controller, CFO, or firm partner.
Further reading: Still exploring your options? Learn how the CPA designation compares to another popular path in our CPA vs. enrolled agent (EA) guide. Or check out the career path for tax preparers if you’re just getting started and planning to grow.
FAQs
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?
Yes, licensed CPAs can prepare tax returns for clients in multiple states. However, if you plan to establish a physical office or regularly solicit clients across state lines, some states may require additional registration. Always check with the state’s board of accountancy to stay compliant.
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?
CPA salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location. According to the BLS, the median salary for a CPA in Michigan is $77,720 per year. Bonuses and career advancement can significantly increase earnings over time.
How often can I retake the CPA Exam?
You can retake any section of the CPA Exam in Michigan as soon as your score posts. There’s no waiting period or testing window under the continuous testing model. You’ll have 30 months from the date you pass your first section to complete all 4 parts of the exam.
How do you maintain your CPA license?
In Michigan, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education each year, with at least 8 hours in accounting and auditing and 2 hours in ethics. Licenses renew every 2 years through the MiPLUS system. Keeping accurate records of your coursework is crucial in the event of an education audit.
Start Working Toward CPA Licensure in Michigan
With the steps now in front of you, it’s the perfect time to build momentum toward becoming a CPA in Michigan. Whether you’re just starting your degree or already deep into accounting coursework, every step you take moves you closer to a career that’s respected, flexible, and financially rewarding.
If you’re interested in tax prep or want to build experience while you pursue your CPA, check out tax preparer jobs with Intuit or apply now to skip straight to our network of CPA experts.