Exciting news for CPA candidates in Maryland: Eagerly awaited updates to the state's CPA exam and licensing regulations have received the green light from the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy, a move strongly supported by the MACPA. The approved changes aim to align Maryland's CPA educational requirements with the evolving landscape of the accounting profession.

Key modifications include the replacement of managerial cost accounting with a focus on data analytics, specifying subject matter options for ethics courses (business ethics or accounting ethics), and the addition of data analytics along with the recognition of other business-related content areas outlined in the Uniform CPA Examination Blueprints for licensure.

CPA exam applications submitted before July 1, 2026, will be eligible under either the existing course requirements or the recently approved regulations.

Maryland’s Board of Public Accountancy also granted final approval to change the conditional credit period from 18 months to 30 months, starting from the date of passing the first section.

These adjustments are a response to the evolving demands of the accounting industry, ensuring that newly licensed CPAs in Maryland possess the relevant knowledge and skills. The overarching goal is to streamline educational requirements in the state, bringing them in line with neighboring states and addressing concerns about the appeal of Maryland as a testing location.