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Verified by MI Board of Business

Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Michigan

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Michigan, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Michigan

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Professional Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $77,720 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Michigan eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs~Bureau of Professional Licensing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Michigan

With a median salary of $77,720, Certified Public Accountants in Michigan earn 5% below the national median of $81,680. Michigan ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,308

Median annual salary

$77,720

Hourly estimate

$37.37
5% below national median

Difference: -$3,960

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$50,240
  • P2525th percentile$62,260
  • P50Median$77,720
  • P7575th percentile$100,020
  • P9090th percentile$130,320

State vs National Median

State: $77,720
National: $81,680

Total employment: 43,910 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#24 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$101,780
#2New Jersey$101,340
#3Massachusetts$96,580
#4California$96,360
#5Washington$96,180

Nearby States Comparison

Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Michigan$77,720Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$77,640Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Indiana$77,410Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$78,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Michigan68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Indiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Wisconsin68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Professional Licensing

P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI, 48909

Phone: 5172410199

Related Careers in Michigan

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$82,170Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$52,240Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$85,550No educational requirementsVaries by board
Claims Adjuster$77,380Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Michigan?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Michigan?

Michigan lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.

What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Michigan?

The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Michigan.

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Michigan?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Michigan is $77,720. Salaries range from $50,240 (10th percentile) to $130,320 (90th percentile).

How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Michigan compare to the national average?

Certified Public Accountants in Michigan earn 5% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of $77,720.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in Michigan?

Michigan employs approximately 43,910 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Michigan from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Certified Public Accountants in Michigan?

The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs / Bureau of Professional Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600---,00.html.

How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Michigan?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.