Accounting plays a vital role in all types of organizations. Accountants record and analyze financial data. They also help people and businesses make informed decisions and improve financial efficiency.
Aspiring accounting professionals can enroll in introductory certificate programs, like the ones listed below.
Top Accounting Certificate Programs
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School
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At a Glance
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By the Numbers
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1. New River Community College | Dublin, VA
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- Accounting certificate program
- 35 credits
- 3 semesters
- Mathematics and English placement tests
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- Tuition: $154/credit (in state); $331/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 42%
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2. Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL
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- Accounting technology CCC
- 27 credits
- 1-2 years
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- Tuition: $101/credit (in state); $363/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 42%
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3. Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM
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- Accounting, certificate of completion
- 42 credits
- 3 terms
- ACT (19 in math, 18 in reading, 16 in English), SAT (400-440 in quantitative/math, 330 in evidence-based reading and writing, 540 in writing and critical reading), or other placement tests
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- Tuition: $63/credit (in state); $318/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 27.4%
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4. Virginia Highlands Community College | Abingdon, VA
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- Accounting and information systems technology certificate
- 34 credits
- 1 year
- Test scores not required
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- Tuition: $158/credit (in state); $357/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 41%
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5. North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA
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- Accounting certificate
- 15
- ACT/SAT or Accuplacer, ALEKS, and/or NIACC writing assessment
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- Tuition: $179/credit (in state); $269/credit (out of state)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 52%
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Graduates can pursue jobs as accounting clerks or bookkeepers. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $47,440 as of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level accounting roles can serve as stepping stones to higher-paying positions.
An accounting certificate offers a practical pathway to a career in accounting. This page covers what to expect from accounting certificate programs, including common courses, career paths, and top schools for accounting certificates.
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How to Get an Accounting Certificate
Accounting certificate programs provide students with a broad overview of accounting. Some also target specific accounting areas, such as income tax preparation or small-business accounting.
Accounting certificates generally require no more than 30 credits and take less than two years to complete. Depending on the school, learners may earn accounting certificates online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.
Certificate programs typically start with introductory courses in business and accounting. Students learn to use accounting tools and software, like Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks. Later coursework covers more complex and specific accounting subjects. These may include payroll accounting, tax preparation, financial statement analysis, and business ethics.
The cost of accounting certificates varies by school. On average, students can expect to pay about $300-$500 per credit. Some colleges and universities allow certificate-holders to transfer earned credits toward an associate or bachelor's degree.
Admissions Process
Applicants usually need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate to qualify for an accounting certificate program. Some schools only accept students over age 18.
Prospective accounting certificate students must fill out an online application, including information about where they live. The application may also ask students about their interests and instruct them to list any previous college experience. Some schools charge an application fee of about $30-$50, though amounts vary. Others do not charge for the application.
Applying for a certificate in accounting usually demands fewer materials than an associate or bachelor's degree. These higher-level programs may ask for a minimum GPA plus SAT or ACT scores, essays, and recommendation letters.
Students who enroll in an online accounting certificate program need certain technology to complete their studies. Requirements may include internet access and a computer that can run the software their program teaches.
Popular Accounting Certificate Courses
Accounting certificate programs provide a basic understanding of key accounting topics. Coursework introduces the major principles of accounting, business operations, and taxation. Learners build skills in accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel. The curriculum also develops skills in general areas like research and communication.
Many accounting certificate programs include some variation of the following classes.
Introduction to Business
This course builds a knowledge base for further study. It introduces key business topics such as management, marketing, finance, accounting, and investments. This course may also cover common business technology tools.
Introduction to Accounting
This course teaches the central principles and practices of accounting. These include double-entry bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, journalizing, and payroll.
Managerial Accounting
This course explores how accounting shapes management and decision-making strategies. Common course topics include cost concepts, capital budgeting, responsibility accounting, and variance analysis.
Computer Accounting Applications
Software tools play a major role in accounting practice. These applications help accountants maintain, organize, and access financial data. This course typically introduces accounting software like QuickBooks.
Income Tax
This course explores the basic principles of income tax returns, often for individuals and sole proprietorships. It may also cover more complex tax returns for partnerships and corporations.
How Much Do Accounting Certificate Programs Cost?
Students interested in accounting certificates often pay about $4,750-$9,500, depending on the number of required credits. However, accounting certificate programs vary in cost.
Community colleges tend to charge the lowest rates for in-state students. Out-of-state learners may pay higher rates at community colleges. Four-year public colleges often charge higher tuition rates than two-year schools.
Accounting certificate programs usually include fewer credits than associate and bachelor's programs in accounting. Therefore, certificates are often less expensive and faster to earn than traditional degrees. Certificate-holders can enter their field quickly and pursue an associate or a bachelor's at a later date.
Some certificate-seekers may qualify for financial aid. Aid options include scholarships, grants, and federal loans.
Selecting the Right Certificate in Accounting
When researching potential accounting certificate programs, students should consider the following factors.
- Accreditation: Always make sure a school holds valid accreditation. Unaccredited schools cannot guarantee credit transfer or strong professional preparation.
- School Size: Larger schools may provide more resources but less individual support for students. Smaller schools may offer fewer available courses and less flexible enrollment options.
- Cost/Financial Aid: Cost is a top concern for most degree-seekers. In general, two-year schools charge lower tuition than four-year schools. In-state enrollees at public colleges often pay less than out-of-state learners or students at private colleges.
- Transfer Pathways: Accounting certificate programs can lead to full degree programs at other schools, including many four-year colleges. Students should research transfer options if they plan to earn an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree.
- Program Length: Some schools offer accelerated certificates that take only weeks or months to complete. Other schools cater to working students, offering part-time programs that allow students to complete the work at their own pace.
- University Resources/Career Services: Many schools offer strong resources for accounting students. These may include career counseling and connections to internships and job opportunities.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
The Top Accounting Certificate Programs
Start your research with the following ranked list of our top five accounting certificate programs.
To learn more about our unique ranking methodology, follow this link:
#2 Best Accounting Certificates
Palm Beach State College
- Lake Worth, FL
- 4 years
- Campus
Lake Worth, Florida-based Palm Beach State College (PBSC) is the Sunshine State's oldest public community college. Founded in 1933, the school now educates more than 40,000 learners.
Accounting Technology College Credit Certificate (CCC)
Palm Beach State College's accounting technology CCC offers a balanced introduction to accounting and financial technology tools. Accounting courses cover bookkeeping, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation. Technology classes focus on common accounting software products.
The technology focus is notable. Employment experts such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics note that accounting professionals increasingly rely on specialized software. Graduates can pursue entry-level employment in supporting roles, or continue their education with PBSC's associate degree in accounting.
Applying to PBSC
Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED and submit an online application for admission to PBSC.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $101/credit (in state); $363/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 27
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Accounting Certificates
Virginia Highlands Community College
- Abingdon, VA
- 2 years
- Campus
Situated on a scenic 100-acre campus in the uplands of Abingdon, Virginia, Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) enrolls about 3,000 learners. VHCC reports that its tuition costs about one-third as much as the average Virginia public college.
Accounting and Information Systems Technology Certificate
Virginia Highlands Community College's accounting and information systems technology certificate combines accounting, business, and technology courses. Structured over two semesters, classes cover business mathematics, core accounting principles, and business law. Learners also take courses in information literacy, accounting software, and public speaking.
VHCC boasts a student-to-instructor ratio of 17:1. All students receive access to academic mentors and to the school's job placement and career services office. Learners planning to build on their certificates benefit from guaranteed transfer agreements with more than 30 regional institutions.
Applying to VHCC
Candidates begin by filling out a free online application. School representatives then contact students with instructions on next steps. VHCC does not require SAT/ACT scores.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $158/credit (in state); $357/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 34
- Program Length: 1 year
- Delivery Format: On campus or hybrid
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Questions About Undergrad Accounting Certificates
How do I start a career in accounting?
Most students start working toward an accounting career by pursuing a degree or certificate in accounting.
Is an accounting certificate equivalent to an associate degree?
Associate degrees usually take more time and money than certificate programs. However, associate degree programs typically provide better preparation for bachelor’s degree programs.
How long does it take to get an accounting certificate?
Certificate programs vary in length. Undergraduate certificates in accounting can take six months to two years to complete.
What can I do with an accounting certificate?
Undergraduate accounting certificate programs prepare students for further education and jobs such as bookkeeper, clerk, and accounting assistant.
Can you become an accountant with an accounting certificate?
To become full accountants, professionals typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.
