Once signed by Gov. Moore, the modernized licensure framework will take effect on Oct. 1

Maryland’s effort to add an additional pathway to CPA licensure has successfully crossed the finish line — with the MACPA providing critical support at every stop along the way.

House Bill 643, “Certified Public Accountants — Licensure — Qualifications,” moved out of the Senate’s Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee without opposition earlier this week and earned unanimous approval from the full Senate late Thursday. It had earned unanimous approval in the House in early March before crossing over to the Senate.

Sponsored by Dels. Kriselda Valderrama, Lily Qi, and William Wivell, the measure introduces a modernized licensure framework that preserves the existing 150-hour model while adding a new, experience-based pathway for CPA candidates.

The bill now awaits Gov. Wes Moore's signature, after which it will take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.

“This is a tremendous victory for Maryland’s CPA profession,” said MACPA CEO Rebekah Olson, CPA. “This new pathway will open doors for more CPA candidates while helping employers address critical talent needs. It strengthens the pipeline without compromising the rigor and trust that define the CPA credential.”

Until now, CPA candidates in Maryland have had two primary options for obtaining their license: (a) earn a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting plus 30 additional credit hours of college-level education, or (b) earn a master’s degree in accounting. Each option also requires candidates to pass the CPA Exam and complete at least one year of relevant professional experience.

The new law creates a third pathway, allowing candidates to earn their CPA license by completing a bachelor’s degree, gaining two years of relevant professional experience, and passing the CPA Exam.

Maryland now joins a growing national movement to modernize CPA licensure. In recent years, dozens of states have enacted or are considering similar changes aimed at addressing talent shortages, evolving workforce needs, and the increasing complexity of the profession.

As Olson noted throughout the legislative process, the new pathway offers several key benefits:

• It provides greater flexibility by recognizing diverse educational and career paths.
  
  
• It reduces the time and financial barriers associated with the traditional 150-hour requirement.
  
  
• It helps employers expand their talent pipelines at a time of growing demand.
  
  
• It keeps Maryland competitive with other states pursuing similar reforms.

Importantly, the law does not eliminate the 150-hour pathway, reduce examination requirements, or weaken supervision standards. Instead, it reflects a more flexible, experience-informed approach to demonstrating professional competency — one that positions Maryland’s CPA profession for a stronger, more sustainable future.

Olson praised state lawmakers — especially Dels. Valderrama, Qi, and Wivell, Sen. Arthur Ellis, and Sen. Brian Feldman, who chairs the Senate’s influential Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee — for their support of what could be one of the most impactful pieces of legislation for Maryland’s accounting and finance profession in years.

 “We’re incredibly grateful to lawmakers for recognizing the need to modernize CPA licensure in a thoughtful, responsible way,” Olson said. “Their support on this issue will mean substantial, meaningful change for the state’s CPAs, future CPAs, and Maryland businesses.”