ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO CPA
NOVA is a great affordable option for students who need to complete accounting coursework to sit for the CPA exam. This page is designed for students who already have an undergraduate business degree with a concentration other than accounting. There is also information below if you need the 24 credits in business.
Note: If you do not have an undergraduate degree, then you will want to complete the AS-Business Administration degree at NOVA which will transfer to a four-year undergraduate business school.
Here are some steps to follow to help you get started!
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Review CPA Exam Education Requirements from the Virginia Board of Accountancy: If you already have a bachelor's degree, you should review the Virginia Board of Accountancy’s site to review the education requirements. boa.virginia.gov/cpa-exam/ If you received your bachelor’s degree from outside of the United States or received your bachelor's degree from a non-accredited institution, first, you will need to have your transcript evaluated by an Education Evaluation Firm.
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Send your transcript to NOVA for evaluation: Assuming you have already applied to NOVA for admission, you will need to have your previous transcript evaluated. (nvcc.edu/about/offices/college-records-office/transfer-credit-evaluation.html)This is an important step. Most of the upper-division accounting classes require ACC 211 and ACC 212 (Principles of Accounting I and II) as pre-requisites. You will not be able to enroll in the upper division classes until your NOVA student record indicates that you have completed those courses (exceptions: ACC 220, 261-262).
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Review the Career Studies Certificate - Accounting: This certificate is designed to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Virginia.
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Consider 24 credits in Business: If you did not earn an undergraduate degree in business, you will need 24 credits in business to sit for the CPA exam. Or, if you are a few credits short, consider some of NOVA’s BUS, ECO, FIN, or ITE credits. See this guide for more information.
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Meet with your faculty advisor: Your advisor can help you select courses and offer you advice about preparing for the CPA exam and careers in accounting.
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Review CPA Exam Review Courses: Although the classes at NOVA will help you prepare for the exam, students generally need to take a review course in the months leading up to their sitting for the exam. There are many review courses from which to choose. I've provided links to three programs on the Accounting Careers page.
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Get involved: Because you may not be a traditional accounting student graduating from a four-year institution, you will not have the benefit of accounting firms recruiting you. As such, I highly recommend getting involved in professional organizations. The organizations listed on the Accounting Careers below are very supportive of non-traditional accounting students. I have had students obtain positions within the Big 4 by getting involved in these organizations.​​
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Other Paths in Accounting
CPA is just ONE path you can take with your accounting credits in hand. Here are some other certifications to consider:
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Certified Internal Auditor (Institute of Internal Auditors)
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Certified Management Accountant (Institute of Management Accountants)
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Certified Government Financial Manager (Association of Government Accountants)
Gleim has a helpful handbook that describes various certifications: https://www.gleim.com/resources/career-guide/