Key takeaways
Certifications enable accountants to recruit more clients to their firm, gain industry knowledge, and focus on more niche skills.
-
Popular accounting certifications include the CPA, CMA, CFA, CIA, CFE, CISA, and CITP.
-
Accounting certifications can be worth it for you if you want to specialize further in the finance and accounting field, demonstrate your expertise to employers, earn a higher salary, and learn more deeply about the subject.
-
You can decide if an accounting certification is right for you by considering your experience level, preferred career path, certification subject matter, and cost.
Explore the following popular accounting certifications to determine which would best elevate your career as an accountant. To start preparing for an accounting role, enroll in the Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization. You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience with key accounting tasks like analyzing financial statements, using analytical tools to inform financial decision-making, budget management, and more in as little as eight weeks. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.
Accounting career overview
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 you’re interested in a career in accounting, you’ll be glad to know the need for accountants will likely be consistent because individuals and businesses must file their taxes yearly. Between 2024 and 2034, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts accountant and auditor jobs will increase by 5 percent, with approximately 124,200 projected job openings available each year on average [1].
Read more:Accountant Salary: Average, Range, and Influencing Factors
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)
One of the most popular accounting certifications is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. The CPA certification shows employers you’re knowledgeable about accounting and have met certain state standards.
-
Exam cost (US): While the cost of the CPA certification exam varies from state to state, each part typically costs approximately $200 to $400, plus an application fee of $100 to $150. As of 2026, the approximate total cost of the exam and the application fee ranges 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:The CPA certification and license are awarded simultaneously in “one-tier” states, which comprise most of the US. 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 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 financial planning and decision-making skills for an accounting firm at a management level.
The exam has two parts covering 12 competencies, and you can take them in any order. You have up to three years to complete both parts or take them simultaneously.
-
Exam cost (US):Each exam part costs $545 for professional IMA members and $407 for students and academic members. The CMA entrance fee for professional members is $300 and $225 for student members [4].
-
IMA membership costs:$295 for professional members and $49/$160 for student/academic members [5]
This brings the total cost of the CMA to roughly over $1,600 for professional IMA members 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 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 could 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, and passing each level before moving on to the next is required. After passing the exams, you must become a regular member of the CFA Institute and complete 4,000 hours of professional work experience in investment decision-making (over 36 months) to get your CFA charter.
-
Exam cost (US):The Level I and Level II exams cost $1,490, while Level III costs $1,590. Discounts may be available for early enrollment [6].
-
Requirements:A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, enrollment in a degree program, or at least 4,000 hours of experience in higher education and the finance industry (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 in total for all three parts and the application fee for IIA members. The cost increases to $1,515 for nonmembers [7].
-
Requirements: You can qualify to take the exam in various 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:
-
Active Internal Audit Practitioner:Five years of internal auditing experience
-
Bachelor’s degree holder: Two years of internal auditing experience
-
Master’s degree holder:One year of internal auditing experience
Professional experience that qualifies as internal audit experience includes quality assurance, 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 three sections, costs approximately $450 [8].
-
Requirements: You must have 50 points in the eligibility system (which can be obtained through completing higher learning and certifications), be an ACFE member, 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 could 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 exam for non-members costs $760, and $575 for members of ISACA [9].
-
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 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 [10]. 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 can help you gain 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 preferred 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.
Build in-demand skills with structured resources
Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn for industry insights, skill-building tips, and networking opportunities. Then, explore our free resources for building accounting and business skills:
-
Get expert insights:Business Professionals + GenAI: Saving Time and Increasing Performance
-
Take the quiz:Which Accounting Course Should You Take?
-
Watch on YouTube:What Is Bookkeeping? A Simple Guide to Getting Started
Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.
Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus
Start 7-day free trial
Start 7-day free trial
Article sources
1.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Accountants and Auditors, Job Outlook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-6.” Accessed April 21, 2026.
Keep reading
- What Is a Staff Accountant? And How to Become One
December 2, 2024 - Public Accounting: Careers, Skills, and How to Become a CPA
April 24, 2024 - Your Guide to Small Business Accounting
March 25, 2024 - Will AI Replace Accountants?
June 2, 2026 - How to Prepare a Balance Sheet for Smarter Financial Decisions
January 16, 2026 - How to Analyze a Balance Sheet for Financial Insights
November 24, 2025
Updated on Apr 28, 2026
Written by:
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact…
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
