An MS in Accounting offers a solid academic foundation, but in today’s highly competitive American job market, that alone won’t set you apart. To truly elevate your prospects and land top roles, you’ll need to pair your degree with the right professional certification — your ticket to standing out in the US accounting field. These certifications can provide them with credibility and specialization, better career opportunities, greater earning potential, such as earning sums such as $66,513, which is the average base salary of accountants in the country, global recognition, and a competitive edge.
This blog will discuss the best certificates for accounting for accounting students after completing their master’s and also highlight how these certifications can strengthen their career in 2025 and beyond.
Also Read: How to Land a Tax Compliance Role at a Big 4 Accounting Firm
Top Accounting Certifications to Pursue After an MS in Accounting
Completing an MS in accounting provides students with technical depth; however, recruiters in the USA frequently look for evidence that they will be able to apply their knowledge in specialized and high-stakes settings as well. It is in such situations that professional certifications come in handy, as they offer the kind of validation that boosts candidates’ credibility, career mobility, and salary potential.
| Certification | Exams/Parts | Usual Exam and Study Timeline |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | Four sections. | 12-18 months to pass, but some states allow a maximum of 30 months. |
| Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | Two parts. | 6-12 months – a maximum of three years to pass following registration. |
| Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) | Three parts. | 6-18 months – students must complete the course within 36 months of enrollment. |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | One exam. | Three to six months for preparation – experience requirement of five years at the time of passing. |
| Enrolled Agent (EA) | Three parts. | Three to six months – students must pass all parts within a two-year period. |
1. CPA
CPA is the gold standard for accountants in the USA – the most prominent name among all accounting professional certifications. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) oversee the program administered by individual state boards – having the certificate is proof that the holder is a master of auditing, financial reporting, and tax work, as well as regulation.
2. CMA
The Institute of Management Accountants (CMA) administers the CMA certification, which focuses on strategic planning, performance analytics, and cost management. It comprises two rigorous exams that cover 12 crucial competencies, including budgeting, ethics, and data analytics.
Also Read: Top Niche Accounting Roles You Can Land with an MS in Accounting
3. CIA
For candidates who want to work in risk management, governance, and compliance, the CIA, which the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) grants, is at the top of the list of certificates for accounting. The three parts of the program are Internal Auditing Essentials, Business Knowledge for Internal Auditing, and Practice of Internal Auditing.
4. CISA
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) administers the program that certifies candidates’ expertise in auditing information systems, data privacy compliance, and cybersecurity. To obtain certification, candidates must pass a four-hour exam and have at least five years of relevant work experience. The program also offers waivers to candidates with three years’ work experience.
5. EA
Accounting aspirants who wish to specialize in planning should pursue the EA certification, as it provides a powerful and fast route to a leading specialization. The Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) comprises three parts and covers individual, representation, and business processes.
How Accounting Certifications Strengthen Your Career in 2025
There are many ways in which a graduate certificate in accounting can strengthen one’s career in 2025 and beyond. These certificates can make candidates eligible for promotions and better pay by helping them qualify for senior leadership roles, providing them with better networking and career opportunities, and offering them greater career flexibility.
Apart from that, students can also gain the latest knowledge and improve their expertise in specific areas of accounting from these courses. Most importantly, these certifications can heighten their professional credibility.
Also Read: Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
How Edgewood Helps You Gain Industry-Recognized Certifications
Edgewood University helps its accountancy students gain industry-recognized certifications by aligning the curricula of these programs with industry standards, offering specialized programs that focus on providing them with in-demand skills, and incorporating expert insights. Accreditation bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), have recognized these programs, further validating their relevance and quality.
- Master of Science in Accountancy in Business Analysis and Reporting Online
- Master of Science in Accountancy in Tax Compliance and Strategy Online
- Master of Science in Accountancy in Information Systems and Controls Online
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FAQs on Best Certifications After MS in Accounting
Q: Is a CPA required to work in public accounting?
Ans: Candidates seeking to work in public accounting roles typically require a CPA license, although it is not necessary for private accounting positions.
Q: What’s the difference between CMA and CPA?
Ans: A CPA deals primarily with public accounting, taxation, and auditing, while a CMA focuses on management accounting, strategic decision-making, and financial planning within organizations.
Q: How long does it take to earn an accounting certification?
Ans: It typically takes between one and five years to earn an accounting certification, depending on the student’s circumstances and the specific certification program they are pursuing.
Q: Which certification is best for forensic accounting?
Ans: The most reputable certifications for forensic accounting include the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Forensic Accounting Professional (CFAP), and Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF).
Q: Does Edgewood help prepare for certification exams?
Ans: Yes, the accounting programs of Edgewood University are good enough to assist the students in preparing for the certification and licensure programs they want to study after graduation.
