Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Wednesday signed a measure that adds an additional pathway to CPA licensure, adding Maryland to a growing national movement to modernize the licensure process.

House Bill 643, “Certified Public Accountants — Licensure — Qualifications,” had earned unanimous support from both the state House and Senate in early April. Sponsored by Dels. Kriselda Valderrama, Lily Qi, and William Wivell (himself a CPA), 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 new law will take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.

The Maryland Association of CPAs strongly supported the measure. MACPA CEO Rebekah Olson joined Moore, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and Senate President Bill Ferguson at the bill-signing ceremony. Also in attendance were Mary Beth Halpern, the MACPA's director of technical services and regulatory affairs, and Nick Manis, managing partner of the MACPA's lobbying firm Manis Canning & Associates.

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.

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.