If you’re considering a career in accounting, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is one of the most important steps you can take. Earning your CPA license demonstrates your knowledge, credibility, and commitment to the profession—and it opens doors to career advancement and higher earnings. With clear guidance and the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to reaching this important milestone.
Note: Every state has its own requirements. This guide reflects Maine’s current licensure law, revised April 24, 2025 (including new reciprocity pathways), and the June 17, 2025, change allowing exam sitting after 120 semester hours.
CPA Application and Exam Process
To start the CPA application process in the state of Maine, visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to create an account. Upon doing so, you will create your own CPA portal where CPA exam applicants can submit their online application and payments, obtain their Notice to Schedules (NTS) for exams, and receive exam scores. The online evaluation application has a fee of $93, to be paid with the application, if applying through the Maine NASBA. Other states have varying application fee amounts.
As of June 17, 2025, you may sit for the Uniform CPA Exam upon completion of 120 semester hours of college credit, provided you also:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university
- Have completed at least 15 semester hours in accounting-related courses (including 3 in auditing/attestation)
- Demonstrate good character and reputation
Once you have been approved and deemed eligible by the NASBA, you may then apply to sit for exam sessions.
- There is an exam application fee in the state of Maine of $355.64 per exam application; other state application fees may vary.
- Upon applying, candidates will then receive an NTS which is only valid for a six-month period—take your exam before it expires or you’ll forfeit any fees paid.
- You must bring your NTS and approved forms of ID to the testing center on your exam day.
- Check with your public accounting firm about benefits for CPA candidates—such as testing-fee, application-fee, and renewal-fee reimbursements; bonus or compensation increases; and time off to sit for exams.
Obtaining Your CPA License
In order to obtain a CPA license in Maine, individuals must complete the following:
- Successfully pass all four CPA exams within the required timeframe of 30 months from the date of the test score release of your first passed test. A passing test results in a score of 75 or above.
- Complete 150 semester hours of college credit (including the same 15 accounting/auditing hours).
- Have completed a minimum of two years of experience at a licensed public accounting firm with experience in specific accounting-related matters.
When a candidate fulfills the requirements above, they may then apply online at maine.gov for their license, which costs a small $35 license fee.
Annual CPA License Renewal
Once you’ve secured your CPA license, be aware that your CPA license requires an annual renewal as licenses expire every year on September 30. The renewal process is a lot simpler compared to the application process. To renew your license each year a CPA must complete the following:
- Obtain 40 credit hours of Continued Professional Education (CPE) between October 1 and September 30 each year
- The 40 credit hours of CPE may be a combination of soft courses, technical courses, and specialized courses
- Complete four ethics CPE credit hours every three years
Looking Ahead
Obtaining a CPA license has many benefits, including increased earning potential, career advancement opportunities, professional credibility, and personal satisfaction. Are you ready to take the next step in your accounting career? Start your journey towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant today! Visit the NASBA website to begin your application process.
Cassidy Wood joined ARB in 2019 as a college intern and became a manager in 2025. She specializes in providing business advisory and attest services primarily to commercial businesses, auto dealerships, construction companies, and employee benefit plans. Since joining ARB, Cassidy has been actively involved with the firm’s college campus recruiting efforts and plays a key role in identifying and attracting top emerging talent.
