2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the Virginia data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

Virginia's path to certified public accountant (cpa) licensure runs through board-approved instruction, 1 year of supervised work experience, and a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Virginia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

Budget $232 to get started, plus $192 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 80 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$232
Renewal Fee
$192
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia?
Virginia's requirements cover, the Uniform CPA Examination exam, and an initial fee of $232. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia?
To become a licensed certified public accountant (cpa) in Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Virginia from another state?
Reciprocity for certified public accountant (cpa)s nationally works like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Virginia. Verify the specifics with the Virginia licensing board.
Does Virginia require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing?
Background screening is part of the certified public accountant (cpa) licensing process in Virginia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia?
Licensed certified public accountant (cpa)s in Virginia must complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $192.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites