The VBOA will consider a degree or coursework earned at a non-accredited institution or institution located outside of the United States but a VBOA-approved education evaluation firm must evaluate the degree or coursework first.
Candidates will need to have an official application on file with the VBOA before the chosen evaluation firm sends an education evaluation.
Candidates are responsible for verifying the evaluation they are receiving from a VBOA-approved firm will contain the required information. The evaluation must contain the education requirements the VBOA requires, including upper- and lower-level course distinctions.
If candidates elect to receive the results of the evaluation with the intent of forwarding them to the VBOA once an official application has been completed, the evaluation results must remain sealed until received by the VBOA.
VBOA no longer accepts foreign accounting credentials (ACCA)
As of July 1, 2022, the VBOA will no longer accept credits or credentials issued by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and similar accounting professional organizations. All evaluation of foreign education must be from properly accredited colleges or universities.
Virginia state law requires CPA applicants be graduates of accredited educational institutions or institutions whose accreditation is substantially equivalent to those of American institutions. Educational institutions are usually colleges or universities.
Approved evaluation firms
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.
P.O. Box 6908
Beverly Hills, California 90212
Phone: (800) 234-1597, (310) 275-3530
Email: acei@acei-global.org
International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, California 90231-3665
Phone: (310) 258-9451
Fax: (310) 342-7086
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203-3470
Phone: (414) 289-3400
Fax: (414) 289-3411
Email: eval@ece.org
Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
7101 SW 102 Avenue
Miami, Florida 33173
Phone: (305) 273-1616
Fax: (305) 273-1338
Translations: (305) 273-1984
Email: info@jsilny.org
Foreign Academic Credentials Service, Inc.
105 West Vandalia, Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 656-5291
Fax: (618) 656-5292
Email: hello@facsusa.com
NASBA International Evaluation Services | NASBA
P.O. Box 198727
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: (855) 468-5382, (615) 277-9077
Fax: (615) 324-1268
Email: nies@nasba.org
Become an education evaluation firm
A firm may submit a written request to the VBOA to become an education evaluation firm. The written request for consideration must include background information on the firm and a list of current services provided. A minimum of five business references, preferably from other state boards of accountancy must also be documented.
Send all requested information to:
Virginia Board of Accountancy
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 402
Henrico, Virginia 23233