CPA License Renewal in Massachusetts (2026)

CPA license renewal in Massachusetts is handled by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure, which requires Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Massachusetts CPA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Individual CPA licenses renew on a fixed biennial schedule, expiring June 30 every two years (the same June 30 date applies in both odd and even years per the board's fee/renewal schedule). Renewal notices are mailed roughly 60 days before expiration.
CE hours required	80 hours
Renewal fee	$161.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure

Go to the official Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure. automated research workflow (official massachusetts Board of Accountancy), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for CPAs in Massachusetts

Per 252 CMR 2.14(2): 80 hours of acceptable continuing professional education during the two-year period immediately preceding renewal, of which 4 hours must be in professional ethics. No carryover is permitted between two-year periods. The board does not pre-approve CPE programs and there is no state-specific ethics exam. First-renewal hours are prorated by issue month (50/60/70/80).

Need approved hours? Compare Massachusetts CPA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CPA license in Massachusetts

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure portal.
Complete the required 80 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: As of May 19, 2017 Massachusetts issues only one license type (full-reporting); non-reporting licenses were discontinued. Renewals, reinstatements, and applications are handled through the eLIPSE/ePLACE online portal; mailed-in renewal coupons/checks are rejected. A license expired less than 20 months may be renewed online with the late fee if CE is complete; expired more than 20 months requires a reinstatement application. The $161 fee is the individual CPA renewal; CPA firm/corporation/partnership permits are $324. Board does not pre-approve CPE; no CE Broker / centralized CE tracking system identified.

CPA license renewal in Massachusetts: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CPA license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts CPA licenses renew every 24 months. Individual CPA licenses renew on a fixed biennial schedule, expiring June 30 every two years (the same June 30 date applies in both odd and even years per the board's fee/renewal schedule). Renewal notices are mailed roughly 60 days before expiration.

How many CE hours are required to renew an CPA license in Massachusetts?

Approximately 80 continuing-education hours per cycle. Per 252 CMR 2.14(2): 80 hours of acceptable continuing professional education during the two-year period immediately preceding renewal, of which 4 hours must be in professional ethics. No carryover is permitted between two-year periods. The board does not pre-approve CPE programs and there is no state-specific ethics exam. First-renewal hours are prorated by issue month (50/60/70/80). Confirm the current requirement with the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure.

Can I renew my Massachusetts CPA license online?

Yes — Massachusetts offers online renewal through the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Massachusetts CPA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $57 may apply. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy (Board of Registration in Public Accountancy), within the Division of Occupational Licensure promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) renewal