Virginia CPA Requirements at a Glance
- Education: Bachelor’s degree + 150 semester hours
- Exam: Pass all 4 sections of CPA exam
- Experience: 1 year (2,000 hours) supervised
- Ethics: 8-hour AICPA course required
- Timeline: Typically 5-7 years total
- Median Salary: $82,560 annually
Virginia’s thriving economy creates exceptional opportunities for CPAs across diverse industries. With three of the state’s top five GDP contributors—manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services—actively seeking accounting talent, the demand for qualified CPAs continues to grow.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors in Virginia is projected to grow 7% through 2028, creating approximately 4,700 annual job openings. Major employers include Fortune 500 companies like Capital One (McLean), Genworth Financial (Richmond), General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman, alongside Big Four accounting firms and regional practices throughout the Washington D.C. metro area.
This comprehensive guide walks you through each requirement to become a licensed CPA in Virginia, from education through continuing professional development.
Steps to Become a CPA in Virginia
- Meet Education Requirements
- Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Complete Required Experience
- Apply for CPA License
- Maintain License with CPE
- Virginia CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Meet Virginia’s CPA Education Requirements
Virginia requires specific educational achievements before you can pursue CPA licensure. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan your academic path efficiently.
Degree Requirements
The Virginia Board of Accountancy mandates:
- Minimum degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Total credit hours: 150 semester hours for licensure (120 hours allows exam eligibility)
- Typical path: Bachelor’s degree (120 hours) + Master’s degree or certificate (30 hours)
Many candidates pursue a Master’s in Accounting or enroll in specialized CPA track programs designed to meet the 150-hour requirement. Online accounting programs offer flexibility for working professionals.
Required Coursework
Your education must include specific accounting and business courses:
Acceptable Accreditation
Virginia accepts degrees from institutions accredited by:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
International Education Evaluation
If you earned your degree outside the U.S. or from a non-accredited institution, you must have your transcripts evaluated by a Board-approved evaluation service such as:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- NASBA International Evaluation Services
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam in Virginia
Once you meet the educational requirements, you can begin the CPA exam process. Virginia allows candidates to sit for the exam with 120 semester hours and a bachelor’s degree, though you’ll need 150 hours for licensure.
Application Process
- Obtain your Jurisdiction ID by calling the Virginia Board at (804) 367-8505
- Apply online through the Virginia Board of Accountancy portal
- Submit required documents:
- Official transcripts (sent directly from your institution)
- Copy of driver’s license
- Application and exam fees
- Disability accommodation documentation (if applicable)
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from NASBA
- Schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center
Virginia Testing Locations
Prometric offers CPA exam testing at these Virginia locations:
For comprehensive exam preparation strategies, visit our Uniform CPA Exam guide.
Step 3: Complete Virginia’s CPA Experience Requirements
Virginia requires all CPA candidates to complete both professional experience and ethics education before licensure.
Work Experience Requirements
Virginia requires 1 year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting experience under a licensed CPA.
Key experience requirements include:
- Duration: 2,000 hours (equivalent to one year full-time)
- Type: Can be full-time or part-time, but must be paid employment
- Settings: Public accounting, industry, government, or academia
- Supervision: Must work under a licensed CPA who will verify your experience
- Exclusions: Self-employment and unsupervised tax preparation don’t qualify
Required Competencies
Your experience should develop skills in:
- Financial and management accounting
- Taxation and tax planning
- Auditing and assurance services
- Professional skills relevant to public accounting
Ethics Requirement
All Virginia CPA candidates must complete the AICPA Professional Ethics course (8 credit hours). This self-study course covers professional conduct standards and ethical decision-making in accounting practice.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Your supervising CPA must:
- Hold an active CPA license in Virginia or a substantially equivalent state
- Directly supervise your accounting work
- Complete the Experience Verification form
- Seal and mail the verification directly to the Board
Step 4: Apply for Your Virginia CPA License
After meeting all requirements, you’re ready to apply for licensure through the Virginia Board of Accountancy.
License Application Checklist
Apply online at the Virginia Board of Accountancy website.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State CPAs
Virginia offers reciprocal licenses to CPAs from states with substantially equivalent requirements. The process includes:
- Submitting an endorsement application
- Providing a Letter of Good Standing from your current state
- Meeting Virginia’s CPE requirements
International Reciprocity
CPAs licensed by these international bodies may qualify for Virginia licensure after passing the IQEX exam:
- Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Públicos (IMCP)
- Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)
- Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA)
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Professional Education
Virginia CPAs must complete ongoing education to maintain their licenses and stay current with evolving standards.
CPE Requirements
Acceptable CPE Activities
- Professional conferences and seminars
- University courses (1 semester hour = 15 CPE hours)
- Self-study programs with testing components
- Teaching/presenting (maximum 30 hours per 3-year period)
- Publishing professional articles
CPE Resources
Find quality CPE programs through:
- Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA)
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- Virginia college and university accounting departments
- Professional accounting associations
Maintain CPE documentation for at least three years in case of audit.
Virginia CPA Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you evaluate the return on your CPA investment. Virginia offers competitive compensation for accounting professionals, particularly in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. metro area.
Statewide Salary Data
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), accountants and auditors in Virginia earn:
Metropolitan Area Salaries
Salary levels vary significantly across Virginia’s metro areas:
CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than the general accountant and auditor category, with additional premiums for specialized certifications in areas like forensic accounting or information systems.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Virginia?
The typical timeline is 5-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional credits (often through a master’s program), 6-18 months to pass the CPA exam, and 1 year to complete the experience requirement. Some accelerated programs can shorten this timeline.
Can I take the CPA exam before completing 150 credit hours?
Yes, Virginia allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours and a bachelor’s degree. However, you must complete all 150 hours before applying for licensure.
What’s the CPA exam pass rate in Virginia?
Pass rates vary by section but typically range from 45-60%, in line with national averages. The cumulative pass rate for first-time test takers is approximately 50-55% per section.
Does Virginia accept online accounting degrees?
Yes, Virginia accepts online degrees from regionally accredited institutions. The same coursework and credit hour requirements apply regardless of delivery format.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Virginia?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000, including application fees ($120), exam fees ($1,000-$1,500), study materials ($2,000-$3,000), and licensing fees ($140). This doesn’t include education costs.
Can I transfer my CPA license to Virginia from another state?
Yes, Virginia has reciprocity agreements with all U.S. states except Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. You’ll need to apply for a Certificate by Endorsement and provide a Letter of Good Standing from your current state.
What happens if I don’t complete CPE requirements?
Failure to complete required CPE can result in license suspension or revocation. The Board may also impose fines or require additional CPE hours as remediation.
Next Steps: Launch Your Virginia CPA Career
Now that you understand Virginia’s CPA requirements, take action:
- Evaluate your current education against Virginia’s requirements
- Research accredited accounting programs in Virginia
- Create a timeline for completing each requirement
- Connect with the Virginia Society of CPAs for networking and resources
- Consider specializations like governmental accounting or tax accounting to enhance your career prospects
Virginia’s robust economy and proximity to Washington D.C. create exceptional opportunities for CPAs. Whether you’re interested in public accounting, corporate finance, or government service, earning your CPA license opens doors to rewarding career paths throughout the Commonwealth.
