Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Business
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Board of Accountancy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$84,190 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Virginia Board of Accountancy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $84,190, Certified Public Accountants in Virginia earn 3% above the national median of $81,680. Virginia ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$84,190Hourly estimate
$40.483% above national median
Difference: +$2,510
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#11 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $101,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $101,340 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $96,580 |
| #4 | California | $96,360 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $84,190 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $84,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $74,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $72,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $75,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $80,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Virginia Board of Accountancy
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 402, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043678505
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $97,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,990 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $96,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $77,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Virginia?
Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.
What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Virginia is $84,190. Salaries range from $57,150 (10th percentile) to $145,750 (90th percentile).
How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Certified Public Accountants in Virginia earn 3% above the national median of $81,680, with a state median of $84,190.
How many Certified Public Accountants work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 50,220 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Certified Public Accountants in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at https://boa.virginia.gov/.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.