(1) All applicants for a license must:

(a) meet the requirements of 37-50-302, MCA;

(b) submit a complete application and pay all fees;

(c) meet the education requirements of 37-50-305, MCA, and:

(i) meet the education requirements of ARM 24.201.501; or

(ii) for applicants with exam dates prior to November 1997, meet the following education requirements:

(A) An applicant who has examination scores for an examination administered prior to or in May 1996 must have graduated from a college or university accredited at the time of the applicant's graduation with:

(I) a baccalaureate degree, with a concentration in accounting, including 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of accounting, auditing, and tax courses, and 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) in other areas of business such as business law, management, marketing, economics, and finance. The other areas of business shall include no more than six semester hours (nine quarter hours) in one area; or

(II) a baccalaureate degree, with a concentration other than accounting and five years of employment experience at a public accounting firm, or in industry or government in a responsible financial position; or

(III) a baccalaureate degree, with a concentration other than accounting and related courses in other areas of business administration which the board considers to be an equivalent education, including 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of accounting, auditing, and tax courses, and nine semester hours (14 quarter hours) in other areas of business such as business law, management, marketing, economics, and finance. The nine semester hours (14 quarter hours) shall include no more than three semester hours (five quarter hours) in one area.

(B) An applicant who has examination scores for an examination administered in November 1996 or May 1997 must have graduated from a college or university then accredited to offer a baccalaureate degree subsequent to passing the exam, and completed 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of accounting, auditing, and tax courses, and 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) in other areas of business such as business law, management, marketing, economics, and finance. The 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) shall include no more than six semester hours (nine quarter hours) in one area.

(d) pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam in accordance with ARM 24.201.516 or 24.201.517;

(e) pass the comprehensive professional ethics for CPAs course developed by the AICPA;

(f) meet the experience requirement of ARM 24.201.502; and

(g) provide a license verification if currently holding or have ever held a professional license in another state.

(2) Applicants for initial license who did not sit for the exam as a Montana candidate must submit official transcripts for all domestic education to CPAES for evaluation in reference to Montana education requirements.

(3) Incomplete applications for licensure that are older than 12 months will be considered invalid and void. The applicant will be required to reapply and pay another fee.