Virginia Lawmakers Pass Legislation Introduced at the Request of the VSCPA to Support More Pathways to Become a CPA
February 17, 2025
For Immediate Release
Emily Walker, VSCPA
(804) 612-9428
[email protected]
Richmond (Feb. 17, 2025) — The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) applauds the Virginia House and Senate for passing VSCPA-backed legislation to address a crucial barrier preventing accountants from becoming CPAs — a requirement to obtain 150 hours of secondary education before becoming licensed.
HB 2042 and SB 1042, introduced at the request of the VSCPA, create an additional pathway beginning Jan. 1, 2026, to licensure for prospective CPAs: a baccalaureate degree with completion of required accounting coursework, two years of experience, and passage of the CPA Exam. Prospective CPAs can still follow the older pathway (150 hours of education plus one year of experience and passing the Exam), but the new path allows accountants to opt for more real-world experience rather than take an additional 30 hours of education.
“Increasing the options accountants have to become licensed has been a major focus of the VSCPA and the profession nationwide,” said VSCPA President and CEO Stephanie R. Peters, CAE. “With declining college enrollments and new majors like data analytics, the competition to attract students to the accounting profession is strong. Corporations can’t run without finance teams, and businesses rely on their CPAs for valuable tax planning and strategic advice. It’s crucial we develop new ways to get accountants licensed as CPAs to become the trusted business advisors that help keep our economy running.”
The VSCPA worked with bill patrons Del. Holly M. Seibold (D-Fairfax) and Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Fairfax) with support from VSCPA member and CPA Del. Joe McNamara (R-Roanoke). In conversations between VSCPA members, staff, and legislative counsel and elected officials, lawmakers understood the importance of supporting workforce development initiatives. Both bills passed the full General Assembly unanimously.
In addition to the new CPA pathway, the legislation ensures practice mobility for out-of-state CPAs. To qualify to practice in Virginia, an out-of-state CPA must have a license in good standing from another jurisdiction and have passed the CPA Exam. While this provision does not directly affect Virginia CPAs, it supports Virginia businesses — ensuring their CPAs who may be licensed elsewhere are able to continue their work in the Commonwealth without hindrance.
Virginia becomes just the second state behind Ohio to pass legislation with a new CPA license pathway. As a champion of initiatives to support strengthening the CPA pipeline, the VSCPA is thrilled to see Virginia legislators supporting measures to strengthen the workforce.
The VSCPA does not currently see any barriers to Gov. Glenn Youngkin signing the legislation.
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ABOUT THE VSCPA
The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is the leading professional association in the Commonwealth dedicated to empowering the CPA profession to thrive. Founded in 1909, the VSCPA has nearly 12,000 members who work in public accounting, corporate finance, government and education. For more information about the VSCPA, visit vscpa.com, email [email protected] or call (804) 612-9428. Connect with us on Facebook: Facebook.com/VSCPA; X: @VSCPANews; and Instagram: @VSCPA.