Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed SB 1233 into law, creating an additional pathway to CPA licensure beginning Aug. 28, 2026.
Under the new law, CPA candidates can qualify by earning a bachelor’s degree with the required accounting coursework, completing two years of professional experience and passing the Uniform CPA Examination. The pathway will exist alongside Missouri’s current licensure options, which require either a master’s degree or 150 semester hours of education, one year of experience and passage of the CPA exam.
The legislation also updates Missouri’s practice mobility provisions to help preserve reciprocity for out-of-state CPAs.
The Missouri Society of CPAs (MOCPA) supported the legislation after a Blue Ribbon research committee it convened in 2024 recommended aligning Missouri with proposed updates to the Uniform Accountancy Act. The committee, chaired by Jeff Parkison, evaluated how alternative licensure pathways could affect employers and future CPAs in the state.
Missouri joins more than 40 jurisdictions that have enacted similar legislation as states continue exploring alternative CPA licensure pathways to address talent pipeline challenges. Additional implementation details are expected as rulemaking is finalized.
