7 Popular Accounting Certifications

Accountants are responsible for analyzing financial documents for individuals and businesses. As an accountant, you examine financial records for taxes and budgeting purposes to eliminate the risk of potential fraud and ensure the business runs efficiently. 

If a career in accounting interests you, the prospects for job growth may be intriguing. The need for accountants will likely be consistent because individuals and businesses must file their taxes yearly. Between 2023 and 2033, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts accountant and auditor jobs will increase by 6 percent, with approximately 130,800 projected job openings available each year on average [1]. 

Research the following popular accounting certifications to determine which would best elevate your career as an accountant.

7 popular accounting certifications

According to Zippia, roughly 71 percent of accountants hold a bachelor’s degree, 12 percent hold a master’s degree, and another 12 percent have an associate degree [2]. However, some employers may value the experience gained through shadowing and internships or certain skills for an entry-level position at an accounting firm. 

Certifications enable accountants to recruit more clients to their firm, gain industry knowledge, and focus on more niche skills for different types of accounting.

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The most popular accounting certification is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. This certification shows employers that you are knowledgeable about accounting and have met certain state standards. 

• Exam cost (US): The cost of the CPA certification exam varies from state to state, but each part costs approximately $200 to $400, plus an application fee of $100 to $150. As of 2025, the approximate total cost of the exam and the application fee range from $1,500 to $2,000. 

• Requirements: At least 120 semester hours to qualify with a certain amount in accounting. Additional prerequisites may vary by state. The CPA exam is a 16-hour, four-section test used by all 55 US jurisdictions. After exam completion, state boards typically require 2,000 service hours as an accountant to earn the CPA license/ certification.

CPA certifications vs. CPA licensure: What's the difference?

A CPA certification differs from a CPA license; in some states, there is also a distinction in how you earn each credential.

Here’s how it works: In “one-tier” states, which make up most of the US, the CPA certification and license are awarded simultaneously. You must pass the Uniform CPA exam, administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), before meeting all relevant work experience and other requirements. Once those are complete, your state board may award you your CPA certification and license. 

However, there are seven “two-tier” states where you must earn your certification before earning your license. In the following states, you earn your CPA certifications by sitting for and passing the CPA exam [3]:

• Alabama

• Connecticut

• Hawaii

• Illinois

• Kansas

• Nebraska

• Oklahoma

Once you pass all other state requirements, such as work experience and ethics exams, you may earn your full license. It’s important to note that there are limitations to holding only the CPA certification in these states versus possessing your CPA license. 

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (IMCA) offer this certification for accountants who wish to pursue management roles within finance. A CMA must develop skills related to financial planning and making financial decisions for an accounting firm at a management level. 

• Exam cost (US): Each exam part costs $495 for professional IMA members and $370 for students and academic members. The CMA entrance fee for professional members is $300 and $225 for student members.

The exam is split into two parts covering 12 competencies, and you may choose to take either part first. You have up to three years to complete both parts of the exam, but you may also choose to complete them at the same time. 

• IMA membership costs: $295 for professional members and $49/$160 for student/academic members

Therefore, the total cost of the CMA for professional IMA members is roughly $1,600 and slightly above $1,000 for students and academic members.

• Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and two continuous years of experience in management accounting or financial management before or within seven years of the exam. You must also be a member of the IMA. 

3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Accountants focused on finance and financial planning should pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam offered by the CFA Institute. Completing this certification will equip you with the skills to deal with investment analysis and economics.

The exam has three parts; you must pass each level before moving on to the next. After passing the exams, you then need to join the CFA Institute as a regular member and complete 4,000 hours of professional work experience in investment decision-making (over 36 months) to get your CFA charter.

• Exam cost (US): There is a one-time enrollment fee of $350. The Level I and Level II exams cost $1,250, while Level III is $1,390. Discounts may be available for early enrollment. 

• Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, be in the process of obtaining one, or have accumulated 4,000 hours of experience in higher education and the finance industry (over at least three years).

4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Internal auditors work to reduce the risk of fraud and other financial damage to a company or organization. The Certified Internal Auditor exam offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is for those who want to perform internal auditing for large companies and have knowledge of information technology and risk management.

• Exam cost (US): The exam costs $990 for all three parts and the application fee for members of the IIA. The cost increases to $1,515 for nonmembers and decreases to $740 for students.

• Requirements: You can qualify to take the exam in a variety of ways. If you meet one of the following requirements, you can take the exam:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher

  • Active Internal Audit Practitioner

  • Five years of internal audit experience

  • Active student in your final year of college

  • Active student at an approved Internal Audit Education Partnership school 

After passing the three CIA exams, you must also fulfill one of the following requirements to complete your certification:

• Master’s degree holder: One year of internal auditing experience

• Bachelor’s degree holder: Two years of internal auditing experience

• Active Internal Audit Practitioner: Five years of internal auditing experience

• Five years of internal audit experience

Professional experience that qualifies as internal audit experience includes quality assurance, internal audit, audit/assessment/disciplines, risk management, compliance, internal control, and external audit. Two of the five required years must be within the past three years.

5. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

If you’re an accountant or auditor interested in preventing and examining fraud, the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) can help you enhance your knowledge and become well-equipped to investigate such matters. Anyone with a CFE certification has access to training and resources through the ACFE to enhance and update their skills.

• Exam cost (US): The exam, which consists of four sections, costs approximately $450. 

• Requirements: You must have 50 points in the eligibility system (which can be obtained through completing higher learning and certifications), have two years of professional experience working in fraud or fraud detection, take and pass the exam, and abide by the ACFE code of ethics.

6. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Accountants and auditors with a background in security management, fraud, and information systems should consider the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam awarded by ISACA to improve their skills and knowledge of security and control within information systems.

• Exam cost (US): The price of the exam for non-members is $760 and drops to $575 for members of ISACA.

• Requirements: The certification does not have official prerequisites for taking the exam. To become certified, you must pass the exam and have five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. You must also accumulate 120 continuing professional development hours and abide by the ISACA code of professional ethics and the information systems auditing standards.

7. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

CPAs interested in finance and technology can consider earning the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification. This distinction shows employers that you have expertise in risk management and security operations such as cybersecurity, business intelligence, and data analytics.

• Exam cost (US): The exam costs $400 for AICPA members and $500 for non-members. Purchasing the CITP Exam includes one free retake.

• Requirements: The AICPA offers this exam and requires membership, which means fulfilling 120 hours of continuing professional education to retain an active membership and certification. You must also have a state-issued CPA license, permit, or certificate. Other prerequisites for the credential include at least 1,000 hours of information technology experience completed within five years of applying to take the exam or being a full-time professor who has taught four accredited courses that include material related to the CITP. 

Is an accounting certification worth it?

Accounting certifications allow accountants and auditors to specialize further in their field and gain official credentials, demonstrating their skills and expertise to future employers and clients.

Certifications can also lead to a higher salary. Completing the pre-certification qualifications, continuing education, and passing the exam will give you more experience with the subject.

How to choose an accounting certification

When choosing an accounting certification, it’s important that you do your research to figure out which one is right for you. 

Experience level: Many accounting certifications require a specific amount of schooling or professional experience before you can take the exam. Consider your experience level before choosing an accounting certification, and create a timeline for when you’d likely be able to complete the exam if you’ve yet to meet some qualifications. 

Subject matter: While some accounting certifications are more popular and sought after, such as the CPA, others are more specific and apply to certain areas of interest, such as information technology, fraud detection, and business. Depending on your desired career path and area of focus, it’s important to research which certification is the best fit for you.

Cost: The cost of each certification exam differs based on factors such as industry and whether or not you’re a member of the organization that grants it.

Learning more about accounting with Coursera

Many certifications can affirm your experience in accounting or take your career to the next level. You can opt for general certifications such as CPA or CMA or pursue industry-specific credentials such as CISA.

On the path to pursuing an accounting certification, consider taking a course that allows you to expand your knowledge of accounting and business. The University of Illinois’ Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization offers a great starting point for an entry-level career in accounting and a foundation of knowledge for an accounting certification. It takes two months to complete and provides five courses on understanding financial accounting.