Virginia CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA
Want to learn all about the CPA Exam?
Do you want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia and are curious about the state's specific requirements? If so, you've found the best resource for learning about the steps to becoming a CPA in Virginia. Learn what you need to know before applying for your CPA exam and license.
Understanding Virginia CPA Requirements
To become a CPA in Virginia, you must meet specific requirements before you can apply for an initial license from the state. It includes passing the CPA Exam, gaining experience, and passing the ethics exam. You will receive your license upon meeting all Virginia CPA requirements. Here's an overview of these requirements.
| Social Security Requirements | Yes |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | 150 hours (including B.A.) |
| Pass the Exam | Need to score 75 in each section to pass |
| Work Experience | 1 year of working experience in accounting |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | AICPA Ethics Exam |
| International CPA Examination Program | Participant |
To sit for the CPA Exam, you must have an undergraduate degree (120 hours) from a regionally accredited college or university with a concentration in accounting or any other equivalent:
- 24 semester hours of accounting courses above the foundational level, with courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial/cost accounting.
- 24 semester hours of business courses with no more than six semester hours of accounting courses.
To apply for a VA CPA license, an individual must have 150 semester hours of coursework with a concentration in accounting, including an undergraduate degree.
Work Experience Requirements
To meet the CPA license requirements of Virginia, one must complete one year of full-time employment, equivalent to 2,080 hours as determined by the VBOA, in an academic, private, or government industry. You must have substantial experience in finance, accounting, and taxation. The board will determine the requirement for additional skills on a case-by-case basis. Self-employment does not qualify as experience.
Ethical Exam Requirements
Successful CPA candidates must pass the CPA Ethical Examination by taking an eight-hour course and passing the exam with a minimum score of 90%.
Virginia CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
The initial CPA Exam fee is $120 in Virginia, and each section fee is $254.80. The application fee is paid to the state board, and the exam section fee is paid to the NASBA.
| Virginia CPA Exam Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $120 | |
| Exam Section Fees | $1,019.20 | |
| Total: | $1,139.20 | |
*Pass the three core sections - AUD, FAR, and REG, and one discipline section - BAR/ISC/TCP
After passing the CPA Exam, you may apply for licensure by meeting the Virginia CPA license requirements, with an initial fee of $75.
License Renewal Requirements
Every year, by June 30, all Virginia CPAs with active or inactive licenses must renew their licenses. You may renew your license starting March 1, with a renewal fee of $80. Additionally, you must meet and produce the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements when instructed by the VBOA. If you do not renew, your license status will automatically expire.
Continuing Education Requirements
To renew your CPA license, complete your three-year CPE requirement. Candidates must complete 120 CPE hours, with at least 20 hours per year and 40 hours in the first year after passing the CPA Exam.
Virginia CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
After fulfilling the Virginia CPA Exam requirements, candidates can apply for the exam from the state. Candidates must check the target exam dates, score release dates, and the application process before applying. Below is a concise overview of the application process and the critical dates to remember.
Exam Dates and Score Release
Candidates can apply for the CPA Exam based on their preference as per the target CPA Exam and score release dates on the AICPA website. It's worth noting that the 2024 CPA Exam will not follow the continuous testing process to account for standard-setting analyses and activities.
Scheduling the CPA Examination
Each state has a slightly different application process. Hence, here's a quick guide to applying for and scheduling the Virginia CPA Exam.
Once you’ve met all the requirements for the CPA Exam, you can create and submit your application through the VBOA and pay the non-refundable $120 application fee. If you’re an international candidate or completed your education outside of the United States, you can apply for the CPA Exam from Virginia under the International CPA Examination Program.
As a participant in the International CPA Examination Program, international candidates or those who’ve completed their education outside the United States can apply for the Virginia CPA Exam.
Once you’ve met all the requirements for the CPA Exam, you can create and submit your application through the VBOA and pay the non-refundable $120 application fee. If you’re an international candidate or completed your education outside of the United States, you can apply for the CPA Exam from Virginia under the International CPA Examination Program.
As a participant in the International CPA Examination Program, international candidates or those who’ve completed their education outside the United States can apply for the Virginia CPA Exam.
