WESTERN CPE BLOG
Providing the latest tax news, information, and updates for tax and finance professionals
Navigating Virginia CPE Requirements for Accountants and Financial Professionals
Introduction
Staying compliant with Virginia’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements is crucial for maintaining your CPA license and ensuring professional credibility. With a CPE reporting period running from January 1 to December 31, it’s time to review your progress and plan ahead to meet the state’s expectations. This guide breaks down the key requirements, addresses common challenges, and highlights actionable steps to stay compliant.
Overview of Virginia Accounting CPE Requirements
Virginia’s CPE requirements are designed to ensure CPAs maintain the skills and knowledge needed for professional excellence. Below is a summary of the key components:
Total CPE Credit Hours
- 120 hours over a three-year rolling period.
- CPE Reporting Period from January 1 to December 31
Minimum Annual CPE Hours
- At least 20 hours per calendar year.
Ethics CPE Requirement
- 2 hours of Virginia-specific ethics annually.
- Ethics courses must be approved by the Virginia Board of Accountancy or provided by registered CPE providers.
Subject Area Requirements
- CPAs involved in attest or compilation servicesmust complete at least 8 continuing education hours annually in these areas.
CPE Credit Limitations
- Exams: Maximum of 60 hours per three-year period. Credits apply to the year the exam was passed and certification received.
- Instruction: Maximum of 30 hours per three-year period.
- Authored Published Material: Maximum of 30 hours per three-year period.
Other Policies
- Programs from NASBA sponsors are accepted.
- Non-residents may meet Virginia’s requirements by fulfilling the CPE rules of their principal place of business (including ethics).
- Grace Period: CPE for the previous year may be completed by January 31.
Common Challenges
Navigating VA CPE requirements can be complex, and professionals in Virginia often face these challenges:
- Understanding CPE Credit Categories: Differentiating between ethics, technical, and other credit types can be confusing. Choose an education provider with a large CPE library.
- Finding Virginia-Approved Ethics Courses: The requirement for Board-registered or approved ethics CPE courses adds another layer of complexity. [check if we have one]
- Tracking Rolling Period Hours: Keeping track of credits over a three-year period requires diligent record-keeping.
- Specialized Subject Area Requirements: CPAs handling attest or compilation services need to ensure they fulfill the additional annual requirement of 8 hours.
- Credit Limitations: Over-relying on certain credit types, such as exams or instructional hours, can result in non-compliance if limits are exceeded. For live CPE credits, join us in Las Vegas. Or, review our Webcast and Self-Study catalogs.
Recommended Courses
These courses have been particularly popular with professionals in Virginia and are tailored to meet your needs:
America’s #1 Federal Tax Update is a comprehensive collection focused on individual and business taxation that covers all of the latest developments the IRS, legislative, and judicial folks can and will throw your way. It’s bigger, better, and more trusted than the knock-offs out there, so accept no substitutes.
Take control of your continuing education with Western’s Credit Packages: flexible CPE that fits your exact requirements. Get access to our entire digital course library, including webcasts, self-study, and self-study video courses. It’s like an unlimited CPE subscription, but better—you only pay for what you need.
Review Virginia-specific ethics guidelines and AICPA code analysis. Explore practical case studies and core value applications in this Virginia ethics guide.
Introduction to international Accounting Standards. Overview of current IAS and IFRS standards and special standards which have had recent updates.
Comprehensive program for Accounts Receivable Management and Credit Strategy. Transform billing processes and collection methods while implementing robust credit evaluation techniques.
Strategic guide for Divorce Tax Planning and Asset Division. Master complex tax implications of marital dissolution while structuring effective solutions for property transfers and support arrangements.
Conclusion
The Virginia CPE deadline and other VA CPA CPE requirements are designed to ensure accountants and financial professionals maintain the skills necessary to excel in their careers. By staying proactive and fulfilling the annual and rolling credit requirements, you’ll not only ensure compliance but also position yourself for continued success.
Ready to meet Virginia’s requirements with confidence?
Join thousands of professionals who trust us to help them meet their CPE requirements. Browse our catalog today and discover courses designed to fit your goals and deadlines.
FAQ
Q: What happens if I miss the January 31 grace period?
A: Missing the grace period may result in penalties or license renewal delays. Ensure you complete your credits by the end of the reporting period to avoid issues.
Q: Can I carry over extra CPE credits to the next reporting period?
A: No, Virginia does not allow the carryover of excess credits to the next reporting period.
Q: Do I need to submit proof of my CPE credits?
A: You are responsible for maintaining records of your CPE activities, but you may need to provide documentation if audited by the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA).
Q: Are online courses accepted for CPE credit in Virginia?
A: Yes, as long as the provider is recognized by the VBOA, online courses are accepted.
-
Self-StudyFixed Asset Accounting
$351.00 – $391.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
-
Self-StudyEthics for Accountants
$116.00 – $136.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
EthicsEthics for Maryland
$116.00 – $136.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Self-StudyPassive Losses
$290.00 – $320.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Self-StudyMaking The Best of Bad Situations
$364.00 – $404.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
-
