2026 data Maine board official source

Maine Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the Maine data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

To practice as a certified public accountant (cpa) in Maine, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and 1 year of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Maine's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

The initial price tag is $62, and renewal costs $59 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 80 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For certified public accountant (cpa)s, the reciprocity picture is: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
48/100
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) · Maine

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training N/A
N/A
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A-
$62
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$30/yr
$59 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
40.0 hrs/yr
80 hours every 2 years
Experience Required F
1 year
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Maine

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$62
Renewal Fee
$59
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maine licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maine?
In Maine, the license path calls for, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and a $62 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maine?
To become a licensed certified public accountant (cpa) in Maine, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maine licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Maine from another state?
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Maine licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Maine require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing?
Yes, Maine requires a criminal background check as part of the certified public accountant (cpa) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maine?
Maine ties continued certified public accountant (cpa) licensure to 80 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $59 renewal fee.

What to do with this certified public accountant (cpa) license

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maine, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a certified public accountant (cpa)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Maine licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.