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
Starting January 1, 2026, Virginia will no longer require of higher education to apply for CPA licensure. Instead, candidates will fulfill one of these two education requirement options, which then will determine the amount of professional experience required:
- Completed bachelor's degree
- Completed master's degree
Experience requirements
According to Virginia's newest regulations that will take effect on January 1, 2026, candidates must complete one to two years of professional experience performing one or more accounting services within a public accounting firm, government agency, business, or academia. All experience must be verified by a CPA or comparably qualified accountant from another country.
- Candidates with a bachelor's degree must complete two years of experience.
- Candidates with a master's degree must complete one year of experience.
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.
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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.
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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.
