See answers to frequently asked questions about our graduate-level Accounting Certificate program.
- How fast can I complete the program?
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This 24-credit graduate accounting certificate can be completed in as little as 15 months by enrolling in two courses per term. However, we recommend that students with a full-time work schedule take only one course per semester, at least until the intermediate level is completed.
It is also recommended that students not enroll in Intermediate Accounting I and II during the same semester.
Typically students begin with one course per semester and then begin taking two courses each semester after the intermediate level.
- How many courses per semester may I take?
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We do not have any limits on the number of courses that a student may take each semester. However, we recommend that students with a full-time work schedule take only one course per semester, at least until the intermediate level is completed.
It is also recommended that students not enroll in Intermediate Accounting I and II during the same semester.
- Are all of the courses in the certificate in accounting offered online?
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Yes.
- Can I enroll in just a few courses? I'm not interested in applying to and earning the certificate.
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Yes.
- Can I take courses before applying for admission to the program?
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A maximum of two courses may be taken as a Visiting Student prior to admission to the program and count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate. Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate.
- Can I transfer credit into this program from another institution?
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Individuals can transfer up to one graduate-level course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. Transfer courses must have been taken within the last three years. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better.
Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Transcripts should be sent to:
- Email (Preferred): Official digital transcripts may be sent by your institution or its clearinghouse to centralscpsadmission@virginia.edu
- US Postal Service Delivery:
University of Virginia
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Central Admissions
PO Box 401105
Charlottesville, VA 22904 - Courier Service Delivery:
Central Admissions Office
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
1001 North Emmet Street
Room 209B, Carruthers Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Do I need a degree to apply for admission to the certificate in accounting?
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A bachelor’s degree is required to apply for admission to the graduate-level Certificate in Accounting. As of November 2, 2025, we are no longer accepting applications for the post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting.
- What grades must I earn to be awarded the certificate?
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Students in the graduate accounting program must earn a B- or better in all courses for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a B- in any of the five required core courses, the student has the option of retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate. Should a grade fall below a B- in an elective course, the student has the option of either 1) retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate, or 2) taking a different elective and earning a B-.
Note: Many jurisdictions will accept a C or better for CPA candidacy. Students should check with their jurisdiction.
- By completing this program, will I be qualified to sit for the CPA exam?
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The certificate program is designed to satisfy advanced accounting course requirements for CPA candidacy. Additional requirements must be met in all jurisdictions, such as for business courses, bachelor’s degree, etc. Students should review the CPA Examination qualifications in their jurisdiction.
For more information on CPA Examination qualifications visit AICPA’s State & Territory Directory or NASBA’s State Board directory.
- I'm not interested in being a CPA, but I want to learn accounting to help me in my job. Is your program for me?
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Yes, the program will be beneficial to anyone wishing to become an accountant or become more knowledgeable in accounting.
- What are the job prospects for accountants?
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The Bureau of Labor provides a handbook of career information. You can see the information they've provided about Accountant and Auditing roles. You can also search the handbook for other roles.
- I’m unsure whether I have taken ACCT 3010 or an equivalent. What should I do?
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Go ahead and get your application started. Once you’ve applied, we can review your education history and evaluate whether you fulfill the prerequisite the graduate level Accounting Certificate program. If you don’t, we can walk you through options to fulfill the requirement and get started in the program.
You can also reach out to us and we can provide additional information.
- If I need to take a class to fulfill the prerequisite, what are my options?
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If, after evaluating your education history, we determine you need to take a course to fulfill the prerequisite, you have a few options, which we can walk you through:
- Enroll in and complete ACCT 3010 with UVA SCPS as a visiting student prior to your term of admission.
- If you are located within Virgina, enroll in ACC 211 within the Virginia Community College system.
- Enroll in and complete an equivalent course at a regionally accredited college or university. We can work with you to ensure the course satisfies the prerequisite requirement.
- How do I request my transcript?
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The registrar’s office of your former institutions maintain your transcript. Please see your individual institution’s website for steps on how to request a transcript.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application. Once admitted, students will need to provide official transcripts.
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions listed on your application. Transcripts received from students will not be considered official.
Transcripts should be sent to:
- Email (Preferred): Official digital transcripts may be sent by your institution or its clearinghouse to centralscpsadmission@virginia.edu
- US Postal Service Delivery:
University of Virginia
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Central Admissions
PO Box 401105
Charlottesville, VA 22904 - Courier Service Delivery:
Central Admissions Office
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
1001 North Emmet Street
Room 209B, Carruthers Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
- What is the difference between earning a certificate and gaining certification?
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Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.
- What exactly does it mean to earn a certificate?
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Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.
- Will the credits from a certificate program transfer to another college or university?
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Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.
- What is the advantage to earning a certificate vs. a degree?
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Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.
- I did not major in business as an undergraduate. How can I complete the business credit requirements as part of this certificate program so that I can sit for the CPA exam?
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You can take 2 additional accounting courses (in addition to the 8 courses currently) to apply towards the 24-hour business credits.
If in Virginia, you can use the Virginia Board of Accountancy’s Education Handbook to understand business courses needed to qualify for the CPA exam.
Outside of the accounting certificate, SCPS offers a robust portfolio of business-related certificates and courses.