Mississippi has joined with 30 other states in making history for the CPA profession with the passage of MSCPA’s Alternate Pathways to CPA Licensure bill, an important step in strengthening the future pipeline of accounting professionals while maintaining the high standards that define the CPA credential. Governor Tate Reeves signed HB1137 into law on March 16, 2026, with an effective   date of July 1, 2026.

   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, thereby aligning Mississippi with other states to ensure minimal disruption for the profession.  

Pathways to CPA Licensure in Mississippi

• A bachelor’s degree with additional hours of education for a total of 150 or more semester hours with an accounting concentration or equivalent, passing the CPA exam, and one year of experience; or
• A master’s degree with an accounting concentration or equivalent, passing the CPA exam, and one year of experience; or
• A bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration or equivalent, passing the CPA exam, and two years of experience

   “The CPA license remains the gold standard in the accounting profession. Every licensed CPA will still pass the CPA exam and meet meaningful experience requirements.  These changes simply provide flexibility in how candidates reach that goal. The legislation recognizes that professional competence can be developed through different combinations of education and experience,” said Karen Moody, MSCPA President/CEO.

    Across the country, the accounting profession has been working to address talent pipeline challenges while preserving the integrity and trust associated with the CPA license. HB1137 reflects those national conversations and mirrors the revised Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) provisions. Leaders at the MSCPA believe the bill will help attract more students to accounting, support employers seeking qualified professionals, and ensure Mississippi continues to produce highly skilled CPAs ready to serve businesses, governments, and communities.

   Successful passage of MSCPA’s bill is a culmination of months of due diligence by the Board of Governors, Pipeline Task Force, Legislation Committee, AICPA, and The Accountants Coalition, with concurrence by the  Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. Bills were introduced in both the House and Senate as a safeguard with the support of Speaker Jason White and Lieutenant  Governor Delbert Hosemann. Special thanks to Representative Lee Yancey and Senator Josh Harkins for sponsoring their respective bills which passed each chamber easily. Special recognition also goes to Sharee Brewer, Tony Huffman, Ed Jones, and Linda Keng for their dedicated efforts in drafting or promoting the legislation, along with our lobbyist Stephen Clay.