MSCPA has successfully passed historic legislation affecting the profession. Governor Reeves has signed our Alternate Pathways to Licensure Bill.  HB1137 addresses critical challenges the CPA profession is facing:  a declining workforce pipeline, an impending wave of retirements in public accounting, and increasing demand for CPA services.  Encouraging more candidates to pursue CPA licensure is a vital step in resolving these issues.

HB1137 maintains the existing 150 hours pathway, ensures clarity for those obtaining post-baccalaureate degrees, and establishes a new pathway to licensure upon earning a bachelor’s degree. The bill also preserves practice privileges/mobility across state lines with safeguards for those already in practice. 

Pathways to CPA Licensure:

• A bachelor’s degree with additional hours of education for a total of 150 or more semester hours, and one year of experience; or
• A master’s degree and one year of experience; or
• A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience

All candidate degrees must still have an accounting concentration or equivalent as determined by board rule. 

All candidates must still pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

The bill’s effective date is July 1, 2026. 

Mississippi now joins over 30 other states who have enacted changes to allow alternative pathways. This bill aligns us with others to ensure minimal disruption for the profession and be a leader in modernization efforts.