CPA Licensure Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting* degree programs are designed to lead to licensure as a Certified Public Accountant.  Each state’s education, experience, and exam requirements are outlined on each state’s Board of Accountancy website or on the website for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

Students should be aware of the following before enrolling in one of Liberty University’s accounting programs:

• State regulations regarding the type and number of academic courses required to meet the minimum education requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam and become licensed.
• State regulations regarding the type and number of experience hours required to meet the minimum experience requirement to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.
• State regulations and requirements for online accounting programs.
• State regulations restricting licensure opportunities if an applicant has had a previous felony or misdemeanor conviction.

Prospective students should be aware that each state has different professional licensure and certification requirements governing various occupations.

Liberty University works to confirm if its educational programs meet the educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification outside the Commonwealth of Virginia and updates this information each year. Students who plan to pursue licensure outside the Commonwealth of Virginia should be aware that state licensure requirements are subject to changes. Students are ultimately responsible for verifying their individual eligibility for state licensure and satisfying any requirements imposed thereby.

While a program may originally meet the educational requirements for licensure, changes in requirements could impact the program’s ability to meet any new educational requirements.  Students are strongly encouraged to check with their state licensure board to confirm licensure requirements and obtain additional guidance as needed from the respective licensure board.

View State Licensure Requirements

Location Change

At any time you may notify us of a location change that could affect your licensure disclosure information. We require that you provide us official notification by completing the Location Change form. Any address changes done through your MyLU portal will not be considered an official address change and will not generate an updated disclosure.

*The MS: Accounting degree does not by itself lead to licensure. While states require a minimum of 150 collegiate hours for actual certification, and the MS: Accounting aids students in achieving this goal, the CPA exam content is based upon the content found in our undergraduate programs, some of which are not covered within the MS: Accounting degree.