Top 11 Accounting Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for an accounting instructor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the instructor has a high level of expertise and knowledge in their field. They also show that the instructor is committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date on new developments in accounting. Having certifications can give an instructor an edge over other applicants when seeking employment, as employers can be confident that the instructor is qualified to teach their courses. Certifications also provide instructors with a way to stand out from the competition and make them more attractive candidates for positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Accounting Instructors and explains how they can contribute to an accounting instructor's career, providing insight into the value of these credentials and helping them decide which certification best fits their needs.

What are Accounting Instructor Certifications?

Accounting instructor certification is a form of professional credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge, experience and skills in teaching accounting. It is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an approved program of instruction and assessment in accounting education. Having this certification can help individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the field of accounting education and provide them with the necessary credentials to be hired as a qualified instructor at any college or university. Additionally, having this certification can give instructors access to certain resources such as conferences, publications and other professional development opportunities that are specifically designed for certified accounting instructors. This certification can also help instructors advance their career by showing employers that they have the necessary qualifications for teaching accounting courses at higher levels such as graduate-level courses. With this certification, instructors can also gain recognition among colleagues and prospective employers for their expertise and commitment to the profession.

Pro Tip: When considering an accounting instructor certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications of the certifying body. This will help you ensure that the certification is recognized in your industry, and that it is up-to-date with current industry standards.

Related: What does an Accounting Instructor do?

Top 11 Accounting Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Accounting Instructors today.

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that signifies an individual has met the education, experience, and examination requirements set by the state in which they are licensed. CPAs are highly trained professionals who provide financial advice to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. They specialize in areas such as auditing, taxation, financial planning, accounting information systems, and business consulting.

To become a CPA, one must typically complete 150 semester hours of college coursework with a concentration in accounting or related field. This includes at least 30 semester hours of upper-level accounting courses. In addition to coursework requirements, most states also require applicants to pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation; Business Environment & Concepts; Financial Accounting & Reporting; and Regulation.

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on the state where you are seeking licensure. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for application fees alone. Additional costs may include exam fees ($800-$2,000), review course fees ($400-$2,000), licensing fees ($50-$200), and continuing education costs ($100-$600).

Once all requirements have been met and all fees have been paid, it can take up to several months for a state board of accountancy to process an application for licensure. Once approved however, CPAs can practice public accounting without any further restrictions or limitations.

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of management accounting professionals. It provides a comprehensive understanding of financial management, cost management, internal controls, and performance measurement.

The CMA certification requires successful completion of two exams: Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 focuses on financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. Part 2 covers financial statement analysis, corporate finance, decision analysis and risk management, investment decisions, and strategic cost management.

It typically takes about 18 months to complete the CMA program; however this can vary depending on individual study habits and preparation time. To get certified as a CMA you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent academic qualifications; completing two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management; passing both parts of the CMA exam; and agreeing to abide by the IMA Code of Professional Conduct.

The cost for the entire CMA program varies depending on which country you are located in but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD including application fees and exam fees.

3. Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in management accounting, financial management, and strategic business planning.

To obtain the CGMA designation, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university, plus five years of professional experience in the field. The AICPA and CIMA also require that applicants pass an exam that covers topics such as financial reporting, budgeting, cost management, performance measurement and analysis, strategic planning and decision-making.

The process to become a CGMA typically takes about eight weeks from start to finish. First, you must apply for the exam online through the AICPA website. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. After registering for the exam, you will need to study for it using materials provided by the AICPA and CIMA. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will be eligible to receive your CGMA designation.

The cost of obtaining a CGMA designation varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are already an AICPA member. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD depending on these factors.

4. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). It is the most widely recognized certification for internal auditors and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in the practice of internal auditing. The CIA designation is awarded to individuals who have met certain educational, experience, and examination requirements.

To become a Certified Internal Auditor, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
• Have at least two years of professional experience in internal auditing; and
• Pass all three parts of the CIA exam.

The CIA exam consists of three parts: Part 1 – Internal Audit Basics; Part 2 – Practice of Internal Auditing; and Part 3 – Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing. Each part consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam must be completed within 12 months in order to receive the CIA designation.

The cost to become a Certified Internal Auditor depends on your country of residence and may include application fees, exam fees, membership dues, study materials, etc. In the United States, it typically costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for all associated expenses.

5. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional designation given by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the detection and deterrence of fraud. CFEs are trained to identify, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activities in organizations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become a CFE. This includes studying for the exam, completing the required coursework, and passing the exam.

To become a CFE, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old, having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and having two years of full-time professional experience in the field of fraud examination or related areas such as accounting, auditing, criminal justice, or law enforcement. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the exam through ACFE's website.

The cost to become a CFE varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $400 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at the certification exam. Additional attempts at the exam cost an additional fee of $100 USD each.

6. Accredited Business Valuator (ABV)

Accredited Business Valuator (ABV) is a professional designation awarded by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV). The ABV designation is the highest level of professional recognition for business valuators in Canada. It is a mark of excellence and signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise and experience in the field of business valuation.

To become an Accredited Business Valuator, individuals must have at least five years of work experience in business valuation, pass a comprehensive written examination, and complete a rigorous practical assessment. The entire process typically takes six to twelve months to complete.

The cost for obtaining the ABV designation varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. This includes exam fees, membership fees, and other associated costs.

In addition to obtaining the ABV designation itself, individuals may also choose to pursue additional certifications such as Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). These certifications are not required for becoming an Accredited Business Valuator but may help enhance one's credentials and career prospects.

7. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to individuals who have met certain educational, experience and ethical requirements. CFPs are qualified to provide financial planning advice and services to individuals, families and businesses.

It takes approximately two years for an individual to become a CFP. To earn the CFP designation, individuals must complete the following steps:

1. Complete college-level coursework in financial planning from an accredited program.

2. Pass the comprehensive CFP Certification Exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

3. Have three years of full-time financial planning experience or its equivalent in part-time hours; and

4. Agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility established by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., as well as its Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

The cost of becoming a CFP can vary depending on which educational program you choose and whether you take any additional courses or review materials to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 to become a CFP once all fees are taken into account (exam fees, course fees etc.).

8. Enrolled Agent (EA)

Enrolled Agent (EA) is a designation given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to professional tax preparers who have demonstrated expertise in taxation. Enrolled Agents are licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS and are authorized to advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements.

To become an Enrolled Agent, applicants must pass a three-part examination administered by the IRS. The exam consists of two parts: a Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) and an Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). The SEE covers individual and business taxes while the AFSP focuses on ethics and other topics related to professional standards. Applicants must also provide proof of experience in preparing federal tax returns for at least two years within the last five years.

The process of becoming an Enrolled Agent typically takes several months from start to finish. After passing the required exams and providing proof of experience, applicants must submit their application to the IRS for review and approval. Once approved, they will receive their official EA certificate from the IRS.

The cost of becoming an Enrolled Agent varies depending on which study materials you use to prepare for your exams as well as any additional fees associated with submitting your application. Generally speaking, it can cost up to $1,000 or more to become an EA.

9. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA Program is designed to give financial professionals the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the investment industry. It covers topics such as ethical and professional standards, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management and equity investments.

It typically takes about three years to complete the CFA Program. To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must pass all three levels of exams administered by the CFA Institute. Candidates must also have at least four years of qualified work experience in an investment-related field before they can become charterholders.

To get started on the path to becoming a CFA charterholder, candidates must first register with the CFA Institute. After registering, candidates will need to purchase study materials from the institute or other providers and begin studying for their exams. Once they are ready to take their exams, they will need to pay an exam registration fee and schedule their test dates with Pearson VUE.

The cost of becoming a CFA charterholder varies depending on factors such as which level of exams you are taking and where you live. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 per level of exam plus additional fees for registration and study materials.

10. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in government financial management. The CGFM designation is highly sought after and respected by employers, as it demonstrates an individual's mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage public sector finances.

It typically takes 1-2 years to complete the requirements for the CGFM certification. To become certified, applicants must pass three examinations that cover topics such as governmental accounting, financial reporting, budgeting and auditing. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in government financial management or related fields.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on which country you are taking them in, but typically ranges from $200-$400 per exam. In addition to this fee, there is also an annual membership fee for AGA members ($75 for students and $150 for non-students).

Overall, obtaining the CGFM certification can be a lengthy and costly process but can be well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities.

11. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance. It is designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge and skills to audit, control, monitor and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems.

To become CISA certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the CISA exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control or security within the past 10 years or a combination of education and experience that totals four years.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CISA exam depending on your experience level. There are several study materials available online including books, practice tests and online courses. Additionally, there are review seminars offered by ISACA that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming CISA certified varies depending on which study materials you choose to use. The cost of the exam itself is $575 for members of ISACA ($760 for non-members). Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials such as books or online courses.

Do You Really Need a Accounting Instructor Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need an accounting instructor certificate. However, depending on your career aspirations and the type of accounting job you are looking for, having a certificate may give you a competitive edge in the marketplace.

The majority of accounting jobs require a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting or a related field. This means that having an accounting instructor certificate does not necessarily guarantee you employment in the field. However, if you are looking for a job as an accounting instructor or want to demonstrate your commitment to teaching others about the field, then having an accounting instructor certificate can be beneficial.

Having an accounting instructor certificate shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to become certified by a recognized organization such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). It also demonstrates that you have gone above and beyond what is expected from most accountants and have taken additional steps to further your knowledge and expertise in the field.

In addition to showing potential employers that you are committed to learning more about the subject matter, having an accounting instructor certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants who may not have one. Employers will be more likely to hire someone who has demonstrated their dedication to understanding all aspects of their profession by obtaining certification from a reputable source.

Overall, whether or not you need an accounting instructor certificate depends on your career goals and aspirations. If teaching others about the intricacies of accounting is something that interests you, then obtaining certification might be worth considering. On the other hand, if it is not something that interests you or is necessary for your chosen profession, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue this certification.

Related: Accounting Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Accounting Instructor Certifications

Q1. What is an Accounting Instructor Certification?

A1. An Accounting Instructor Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to teach accounting courses at the college or university level. The certification is offered by various organizations and provides recognition of the individual’s expertise in accounting education.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Accounting Instructor?

A2. To become certified as an Accounting Instructor, you must first meet certain educational and experience requirements set by the certifying organization. This typically includes a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting, a master's degree in accounting or related field, and several years of teaching experience in the field of accounting. After meeting these requirements, you can then apply for certification through the certifying organization.

Q3. What are the benefits of obtaining an Accounting Instructor Certification?

A3. Obtaining an Accounting Instructor Certification demonstrates your expertise in teaching accounting courses, which can open up career opportunities such as teaching positions at colleges or universities, consulting roles, and other positions requiring knowledge in both accounting and instruction/teaching skills. It also signifies that you have met rigorous standards for educational excellence in this field, making you more competitive for job opportunities within the industry.

Q4. What topics are covered on the exam required for an Accounting Instructor Certification?

A4. The topics covered on the exam vary depending on which certifying organization you choose to obtain your certification from; however, most exams include questions related to financial statement analysis, taxation, auditing principles and practices, cost management principles and practices, business law and ethics, managerial accounting concepts and practices, financial management issues and decisions, international accounting standards and regulations, information technology applications in accounting systems, data analytics tools used in decision-making processes within organizations, etc..

Q5 How long does it take to receive my Accounting Instructor Certification after passing the exam?

A5 The amount of time it takes to receive your certification depends on which certifying organization you choose to obtain your certification from; however most organizations will issue your certificate within 6-8 weeks after passing the exam successfully