Certifications

    Accounting Certifications in 2027: CPA, CMA, and More

    A degree and a certification do different jobs. Compare the credentials accounting graduates earn, and check which degree rules apply before you pick a program.

    Haley Hankins, BA in Accounting, Portland State University

    Edited by , BA in Accounting · Portland State University

    Last updated

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    Student with a hand on his forehead studying a highlighted exam prep textbook in a library for CPA certification

    Certification-Ready Programs

    153

    Accreditors' official lists, October 2026
    CPA ExamThe CPA exam has four sections, and your state board sets who can sit for it in 2027. Here is how an accounting degree fits in.CMA CertificationThe CMA needs a bachelor's degree, two years of experience, two exam parts and IMA membership. See how it compares in 2027 and where your degree fits.CPA Exam Pass RatesSee the latest CPA exam pass rate for every section, from 2025 and early 2026, and how to plan your 2027 attempts around your state's credit window.Enrolled AgentEnrolled agents earn an IRS credential through a three-part exam, with no degree listed in the steps. See how an accounting degree fits in 2027.CPA Exam CostCPA exam cost adds up from section fees, a state application fee and license fees. See 2026 board examples to plan your 2027 budget.Certified Fraud ExaminerThe Certified Fraud Examiner credential runs on a points system, with a bachelor's degree worth 40 points. See the 2027 steps and degree paths.Certified Internal AuditorCIA certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors takes a degree, audit experience and a three-part exam. See the 2027 steps and paths.

    Credentials

    Accounting Credentials Compared

    Who issues each credential, whether it needs a degree, and how many programs we track that state preparation for it.

    Certifications for accounting graduates
    CredentialIssued ByDegree Rule TodayPrograms Stating Prep
    Certified Public Accountant (CPA)National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)130
    Certified Management Accountant (CMA)Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)Degree required32
    IRS Enrolled Agent (EA)Internal Revenue ServiceNo degree required1
    Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)Degree required17
    Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)6
    Certifying bodies' own pages, retrieved October 6, 2026; program counts from school pages
    Best AACSB Accredited ProgramsThe best AACSB accredited accounting degrees for 2027: bachelor's programs at business schools on AACSB's official list, ranked by Program Score.Best for CPA CandidatesThe best accounting degrees for CPA candidates in 2027: bachelor's programs that prepare you for the CPA exam or public accounting, ranked by score.Best Master's ProgramsCompare the best master's in accounting programs for 2027, from the Master of Accountancy to the MS in Accounting, on cost, pay and accreditation.Best Bachelor's ProgramsFind the right bachelor's degree in accounting for 2027. We scored over 1,000 programs and ranked the 100 best on cost, pay, completion and accreditation.

    Next Step

    Find a Certification-Ready Degree

    See the programs we rank at business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

    See the List