Virginia CPA requirements
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career by obtaining your CPA license, it’s important to know exactly what college credits, experience, and other things you’ll need. To help you start the process, we’re outlining the Virginia CPA requirements, but we also recommend checking with the Virginia Board of Accountancy for any updated information or guidelines.
The CPA Exam tests your knowledge in three Core subjects and a Discipline you choose from three options, and you have 30 months to complete all four sections. To apply to take the CPA Exam in Virginia, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting or it’s equivalent and at least 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours). Of your 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours):
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) must be above the introductory level and include courses in auditing, financial accounting, managerial or cost accounting and taxation
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses, no more than six of which can be in upper-level accounting.
The CPA Exam tests your knowledge in three Core subjects and a Discipline you choose from three options, and you have 30 months to complete all four sections. To apply to take the CPA Exam in Virginia, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting or it’s equivalent and at least 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours). Of your 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours):
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) must be above the introductory level and include courses in auditing, financial accounting, managerial or cost accounting and taxation
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses, no more than six of which can be in upper-level accounting.
The CPA Exam tests your knowledge in three Core subjects and a Discipline you choose from three options, and you have 30 months to complete all four sections. To apply to take the CPA Exam in Virginia, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting or it’s equivalent and at least 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours). Of your 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours):
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) must be above the introductory level and include courses in auditing, financial accounting, managerial or cost accounting and taxation
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses, no more than six of which can be in upper-level accounting.
CPA requirements in Virginia
In addition to the requirements necessary to sit for the exam and passing it, Virginia CPA requirements are in place related to additional education and experience.
Education requirements
All CPA candidates must provide documentation showing they have their bachelor’s degree or higher with an accounting concentration and a total of 150 semester hours (225 quarter hours) of post-secondary education. Like the requirements to take the CPA Exam in Virginia, those hours must consist of:
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) must be above the introductory level and include courses in auditing, financial accounting, managerial or cost accounting and taxation
- 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of business courses, no more than six of which can be in upper-level accounting.
Experience requirements
Prior to applying for your CPA license, candidates must complete 2,080 work hours (the equivalent of one year of full-time employment) in a firm, government, industry, or educational setting that involves using accounting, financial, tax, or other relevant skills. This work needs to be verified by a licensed and active CPA and submitted with the Virginia Board of Accountancy’s Experience Verification Form.
Ethics requirements
CPA candidates must also complete the one-time, eight-hour Professional Ethics: AICPA’s Comprehensive Course (for Licensure) and obtain a 90 percent or higher on the exam. In addition to this, you’ll need to take the two-hour Virginia-specific ethics course, which is an annual requirement.
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For more than 60 years, Becker has been the leader accountants turn to for CPA prep.
For more than 60 years, Becker has been the leader accountants turn to for CPA prep.
Over 1 million candidates have prepared with Becker and 98% of customers say that Becker meets their CPA Exam preparation needs.
Over 1 million candidates have prepared with Becker and 98% of customers say that Becker meets their CPA Exam preparation needs.
Over 1 million candidates have prepared with Becker and 98% of customers say that Becker meets their CPA Exam preparation needs.
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Since 2007, 90% of Watt Sells award winners prepared with Becker.
Since 2007, 90% of Watt Sells award winners prepared with Becker.
2,900+ accounting firms, corporations, alliances, government agencies and universities choose Becker.
2,900+ accounting firms, corporations, alliances, government agencies and universities choose Becker.
2,900+ accounting firms, corporations, alliances, government agencies and universities choose Becker.
Virginia CPA license renewals
Virginia CPAs must renew their licenses every three years. The cycle occurs January 1 - December 31 triennially.
Once you have a valid CPA license, you must complete no less than 20 credit hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years, prior to your license renewal. Also, all CPAs must complete a Virginia-specific ethics CPE course.
Once you have a valid CPA license, you must complete no less than 20 credit hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years, prior to your license renewal. Also, all CPAs must complete a Virginia-specific ethics CPE course.
Once you have a valid CPA license, you must complete no less than 20 credit hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years, prior to your license renewal. Also, all CPAs must complete a Virginia-specific ethics CPE course.
