If you call Virginia home and a career in the finance industry is on your radar, don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CPA credential opens doors to careers that last and evolve with you. And with new pathways to licensure launching in 2026, there\u2019s no time like the present to explore how to become a CPA in Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CPAs do more than prepare taxes. They\u2019re problem-solvers who help individuals and businesses make confident financial decisions, stay compliant with regulations, and plan for what\u2019s next. CPAs work in audit, advisory, financial reporting, and beyond, bringing trusted expertise wherever money moves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Virginia, that expertise is in high demand. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE)<\/a> projects that accountants and auditors will see the most average annual openings statewide among finance roles through 2029. That demand is fueled by Virginia\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re already on the tax preparer career path<\/a> and want to level up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of January 1, 2026, Virginia will offer 3 pathways<\/a> to meet the education and experience requirements for CPA licensure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All pathways require passing the CPA Exam, a bachelor\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pathway 1: Master\u2019s degree + 1 year experience<\/strong> Pathway 2: Bachelor\u2019s degree + 30 credit hours + 1 year experience<\/strong> Pathway 3: Bachelor\u2019s degree + 2 years experience<\/strong> 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\u2019s accountants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to check out our in-depth CPA Exam guide<\/a> before you take the test, but here\u2019s a general overview of what the exam includes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 core sections:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your choice of 1 of the following discipline sections:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After the CPA exam, Virginia also requires you to score 90% or higher on the self-study Professional Ethics: AICPA\u2019s Comprehensive Course<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019re licensed, ethics continues to play a role in maintaining your credential. Every year, Virginia CPAs must complete a 2-hour VBOA-approved ethics course<\/a> as part of continuing professional education (CPE). Each year\u2019s course content is updated and approved by the board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To get licensed as a CPA in Virginia, you need more than just education and exams; you\u2019ll also need relevant work experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s degree and strong work background to qualify through extended, verified accounting experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve completed your education, passed the CPA Exam and ethics course, and met the experience requirement, it\u2019s time to apply for licensure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a step-by-step look at the post-exam process<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> indicate salaries for accountants and auditors range between $57,150 and $145,750<\/a>, depending on experience and industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your career interests in tax and consulting, you may want to explore the CPA vs. EA (enrolled agent)<\/a> paths to see which fits your long-term goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Earning your CPA license is only the beginning. You\u2019ll need to keep it active through regular renewal. In Virginia, you must renew your CPA license<\/a> every year with the VBOA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main requirement is continuing professional education<\/a>. Initial licensees don\u2019t 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\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201cmobility\u201d rules that vary by state. Always confirm with the state\u2019s accountancy board before offering services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virginia CPAs renew their license annually through the Virginia Board of Accountancy<\/a>. You must complete 120 hours every 3-year window. An ethics course is also required every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becoming a CPA in Virginia takes dedication, but the payoff is worth it. You\u2019ll step into a career with high earning potential and opportunities across industries. With Virginia\u2019s new pathways launching in 2026, there\u2019s more flexibility than ever to start your journey. If you\u2019re ready to take the next step, explore CPA jobs in Richmond<\/a> or apply now<\/a> to join Intuit\u2019s network of tax and accounting experts. Your future in accounting starts here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEducational Requirements and Pathways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This route is ideal if you\u2019re pursuing advanced education. If you earn a master\u2019s degree, you’ll need 1 year of relevant accounting experience to qualify for your CPA license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the middle-ground pathway. You can stick with your bachelor\u2019s degree but add 30 additional credit hours of coursework. Combined with 1 year of relevant experience, this will get you a license. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCPA Exam and Ethics Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Experience Requirements and Licensure Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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CPA Career Path in Virginia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maintaining Your CPA Licensure in Virginia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How often can I retake the CPA Exam?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you maintain your CPA license?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Started as a CPA in Virginia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n