If you call Virginia home and a career in the finance industry is on your radar, don’t rule out becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). CPAs are in high demand across the state, with job opportunities in fields ranging from private businesses to government agencies.
The CPA credential opens doors to careers that last and evolve with you. And with new pathways to licensure launching in 2026, there’s no time like the present to explore how to become a CPA in Virginia.
Key Points
- Virginia offers 3 pathways to CPA licensure starting in 2026, including a work experience-focused track.
- Candidates must pass the 4-part CPA Exam and an ethics course to qualify for licensure.
- As of 2026, if you only have a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll need at least 2 years of verified accounting experience that’s approved by a licensed CPA.
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CPAs in Virginia often earn about $57,000–$145,000 annually, with higher pay in specialized or senior roles.
Why Become a CPA in Virginia?
CPAs do more than prepare taxes. They’re problem-solvers who help individuals and businesses make confident financial decisions, stay compliant with regulations, and plan for what’s next. CPAs work in audit, advisory, financial reporting, and beyond, bringing trusted expertise wherever money moves.
In Virginia, that expertise is in high demand. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) projects that accountants and auditors will see the most average annual openings statewide among finance roles through 2029. That demand is fueled by Virginia’s powerhouse industries, such as government contracting and technology. From Richmond and Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads, companies rely on skilled accountants to keep operations sound and strategies sharp.
Compared to unlicensed tax preparers, CPAs have a much broader scope of work. You can help clients navigate the IRS complexities and provide audit and assurance services. Licensure can also help you land higher-paying roles. That makes becoming a CPA in Virginia a potentially strategic career move if you’re already on the tax preparer career path and want to level up.
Educational Requirements and Pathways
As of January 1, 2026, Virginia will offer 3 pathways to meet the education and experience requirements for CPA licensure.
All pathways require passing the CPA Exam, a bachelor’s degree or higher, and completing an accounting concentration or equivalent (as defined by the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA). Here are the nuances of each:
Pathway 1: Master’s degree + 1 year experience
This route is ideal if you’re pursuing advanced education. If you earn a master’s degree, you’ll need 1 year of relevant accounting experience to qualify for your CPA license.
Pathway 2: Bachelor’s degree + 30 credit hours + 1 year experience
This is the middle-ground pathway. You can stick with your bachelor’s degree but add 30 additional credit hours of coursework. Combined with 1 year of relevant experience, this will get you a license.
Pathway 3: Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience
For applicants changing careers or with a significant work history, this route offers flexibility in becoming a CPA in Virginia. You can now trade 1 extra year of work experience for 30 credits of education.
CPA Exam and Ethics Requirements
No matter which education pathway you choose, pursuing CPA licensure in Virginia still involves passing the Uniform CPA Exam. This 4-part exam tests the technical knowledge and skills expected of today’s accountants.
Be sure to check out our in-depth CPA Exam guide before you take the test, but here’s a general overview of what the exam includes:
3 core sections:
- AUD: Auditing and Attestation
- FAR: Financial Accounting and Reporting
- REG: Taxing and Regulation
Your choice of 1 of the following discipline sections:
- BAR: Business Analysis and Reporting
- ISC: Information Systems and Controls
- TCP: Tax Compliance and Planning
You’ll need to pass all 4 parts with a score of 75 or higher, and you have 30 months to do it once you pass your first section.
After the CPA exam, Virginia also requires you to score 90% or higher on the self-study Professional Ethics: AICPA’s Comprehensive Course.
After you’re licensed, ethics continues to play a role in maintaining your credential. Every year, Virginia CPAs must complete a 2-hour VBOA-approved ethics course as part of continuing professional education (CPE). Each year’s course content is updated and approved by the board.
Note: If you passed the CPA exam in a state or jurisdiction outside Virginia, you need to provide official college transcripts and transfer CPA exam scores to the VBOA.
Experience Requirements and Licensure Process
To get licensed as a CPA in Virginia, you need more than just education and exams; you’ll also need relevant work experience.
The state requires at least 1 year (2,080 hours) of accounting-related work. This can be completed in public accounting, private industry, government, or even academia. Your experience must be verified by a licensed CPA, and it needs to involve using skills in areas like tax preparation, auditing, financial analysis, or consulting.
With the legislative changes taking effect in 2026, Virginia will also recognize a 2-year professional experience track as a new pathway to licensure. This allows candidates with a bachelor’s degree and strong work background to qualify through extended, verified accounting experience.
Once you’ve completed your education, passed the CPA Exam and ethics course, and met the experience requirement, it’s time to apply for licensure.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the post-exam process:
- Create a VBOA account. Creating a new account with the VBOA is only necessary if you apply from another jurisdiction. If you passed the exam as a Virginia candidate, you should already have a VBOA account.
- Submit your application and pay the $75 application fee
- Complete the AICPA ethics exam.
- Submit the CPE requirements certification form.
- Complete and provide a work experience verification form.
- Wait for approval. The board will review your documents and notify you once your license is issued
CPA Career Path in Virginia
CPAs in Virginia work in a wide range of fields, including public accounting firms, corporate finance teams, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, among others. The state’s mix of industries, from government contracting in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area to healthcare and finance in places like Richmond, drives steady demand for licensed professionals.
Your career path depends on your goals. Some CPAs focus on tax compliance and advisory work, while others move into auditing, financial reporting, or consulting. For those who start on the tax preparer career path, becoming a CPA can be the next step toward higher-level roles with more responsibility and better pay. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate salaries for accountants and auditors range between $57,150 and $145,750, depending on experience and industry.
Depending on your career interests in tax and consulting, you may want to explore the CPA vs. EA (enrolled agent) paths to see which fits your long-term goals.
Maintaining Your CPA Licensure in Virginia
Earning your CPA license is only the beginning. You’ll need to keep it active through regular renewal. In Virginia, you must renew your CPA license every year with the VBOA.
The main requirement is continuing professional education. Initial licensees don’t have a CPE requirement, as long as they submit their application for licensure within the same calendar year that they pass the CPA exam. However, after that, you’ll need 120 hours of CPE over a rolling 3-year period (with a minimum of 20 annually). The board also requires a VBOA-approved ethics course (2 hours) every year.
Staying current ensures your skills remain sharp and keeps you in good standing to practice. Many CPAs focus their continuing education on areas like tax law updates, technology in accounting, or industry-specific financial practices.
FAQs
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?
Yes. Once licensed as a Virginia CPA, you can generally prepare tax returns for clients in other states. However, if you plan to practice or advertise as a CPA outside Virginia, you may need to meet reciprocity or “mobility” rules that vary by state. Always confirm with the state’s accountancy board before offering services.
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?
CPAs in Virginia earn between $57,150 and $145,750 per year, according to the BLS, with salaries climbing higher for experienced professionals or those in management.
How often can I retake the CPA Exam?
If you don’t pass a CPA Exam section, you can retake it without restriction, other than waiting to receive your scores from previous attempts. Remember, you must complete all 4 sections within 30 months of passing your first section.
How do you maintain your CPA license?
Virginia CPAs renew their license annually through the Virginia Board of Accountancy. You must complete 120 hours every 3-year window. An ethics course is also required every year.
Get Started as a CPA in Virginia
Becoming a CPA in Virginia takes dedication, but the payoff is worth it. You’ll step into a career with high earning potential and opportunities across industries. With Virginia’s new pathways launching in 2026, there’s more flexibility than ever to start your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore CPA jobs in Richmond or apply now to join Intuit’s network of tax and accounting experts. Your future in accounting starts here.