Cert in Accounting and Related Services

The Accounting Certificate serves people who already hold an undergraduate degree and want to retool so they can become eligible for the CPA exam. It suits applicants planning a career in accounting after studying another subject. The Virginia Board of Accountancy expects exam candidates to have a bachelor's degree with a set total of semester hours, including specified amounts of accounting and business study. Completing the certificate helps meet those coursework expectations, although further requirements apply and other states may differ. Accountants can work in public accounting, industry, government, nonprofits, banking and insurance. Applicants apply as non-degree students, and questions go to the registrar. The certificate is not a degree, so it fits students who mainly need the coursework rather than a second diploma.