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Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation

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Build accounting certification exam readiness

If you’re ready to pursue the next step in your accounting career by taking the Certified Public Accountant1 or Certified Management Accountant exam, our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation was designed for you.

Here at DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, our program prepares you to pursue CPA or CMA licensing1 with industry-leading exam prep materials and test simulations, courses on essential accounting topics, and our expert faculty to guide you through the whole process:

  • Get CPA exam-ready and prepare to pursue licensure as a Certified Public Accountant with Becker Professional Education’s exam prep built into your curriculum.

  • Fine-tune your finance knowledge with our CMA exam prep courses designed to get you ready for the Institute of Management Accountants’ CMA exam.

  • Pick from many specialized classes to boost your exam preparedness, work toward credit-hour requirements, and build knowledge in your field.

  • Strengthen your skills with AI tools and data analytics programs such as Microsoft Power BI, Excel, and Tableau Prep.

Classes start every 8 weeks

Add accounting skills to your ledger today.

Request info
Call 866.338.7934
  • 01 Curriculum
  • 02 Specializations
  • 03 Accreditation
  • 04 Ways to save
  • 05 Careers
  • 06 FAQs

What you’ll learn in our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation program

Our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation program was specifically crafted to prepare you for the CMA or CPA exam,1 depending on the specialization you choose.

Exam prep and strategy

Prepare to pursue CPA or CMA licensure with coursework designed to get you exam-ready through hands-on learning, practice exams, and more. 

Finance and accounting review

Refresh your knowledge of key topics, such as auditing, tax compliance, business analysis, corporate finance, risk management, legalities, and data analysis.

Accounting software practice

Sharpen your skills with data-crunching software, AI tools, and analytics programs like Tableau Prep, Excel, Power Query, and Power BI.

Budgeting and forecasting

Refine your knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to help organizations make informed business decisions, plan their financial future, and ensure stability.

Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation classes and credits:

Classes

6-7

Credits

18

Semesters

3-52

Prepare to pursue accounting certification in courses like:
ACCT573
Accounting Fraud, Criminology and Ethics
ACCT559
Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues
FIN575
Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
ACCT560
Advanced Studies in Federal Taxes and Management Decisions
ACCT569
Analytics and AI for Accountants
ACCT5553
External Auditing
FIN565
International Finance
MGMT520
Legal, Political and Ethical Dimensions of Business
With our CPA Exam Preparation Specialization, get exam-ready in these CPA prep courses:1
ACCT591C
CPA Exam Core Preparation: Auditing and Attestation
ACCT593C
CPA Exam Core Preparation: Financial Accounting and Reporting
ACCT594C
CPA Exam Core Preparation: Taxation and Regulation
With our CMA Exam Preparation Specialization, prepare for the exam in these CMA classes:
ACCT563
Advanced Managerial Accounting
ACCT595
CMA Exam Preparation I
ACCT596
CMA Exam Preparation II
Your program perks

Hands-on CMA exam prep: Get CMA exam-ready with courses designed to build and test your advanced accounting skills.
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Industry-leading CPA exam prep: Prepare for your CPA accounting certification1 with coursework, resources, videos, and exam simulations from Becker Professional Education, a trusted exam prep provider for more than 60 years.

Flexible online learning: Earn your graduate certificate 100% online — and access 24/7 virtual tutoring resources, course materials, our e-library, and more.

Explore Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation specializations

Customize your learning experience with the exam prep specialization that fits your future plans.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam Preparation

Boost your accounting knowledge and prepare for the Certified Management Accountant exam with a thorough review of accounting principles, financial planning, and strategic financial management — with curriculum aligned to the Institute of Management Accountants’ exam requirements:

  • Benefit from CMA prep courses that prepare you for the certification exam.

  • Sharpen your skills in financial forecasting, budgeting, risk management, corporate finance, and capital budgeting techniques.

  • Develop new accounting strategies and strengthen your knowledge of industry-standard software and emerging AI technologies that simplify accounting methods.

Request info Program guide

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Preparation

Get ready for the CPA exam1 with a suite of study tools, section-specific course materials, and exam simulations from Becker Professional Education. You’ll also fine-tune your skills in several core accounting areas, such as auditing, financial reporting, business analysis, and more:

  • Experience Becker-infused CPA prep courses that simulate the CPA exam format, along with practice questions and answers to help you perform your best.

  • Hone your knowledge of financial statements, foreign currency transactions, and governmental accounting documents.

  • Strengthen your proficiency with corporate and individual tax issues, accounting regulations, tax preparation, and industry standards of taxation.

  • Gain credit hours to help you meet your state’s requirements for CPA licensure.1

Request info Program guide

Accreditation matters

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. Our accreditations and recognitions include:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): Our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation is accredited by ACBSP, acbsp.org, demonstrating it has met standards of business education that promote teaching excellence.4 Learn more about program outcomes and student achievement.

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Institutionally, DeVry University is accredited by HLC, www.hlcommission.org. Our Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. 

Learn more about our
accreditations
ACBSP

Accounting careers you can pursue

Many organizations depend on skilled professionals in a wide variety of accounting careers to support their growth and business goals, and the need is increasing. Although actual local growth may vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 124,200 job openings for accountants and auditors each year across the nation, from 2024 to 2034.

As a certified CMA, you could consider pursuing careers like: 

  • Accounting manager

  • Budget analyst

  • Financial manager

As a licensed CPA, you could consider positions like:

 

  • Accountant

  • Manager of financial reporting 

  • Public accountant

Find out how our Career Services team can help you during school and long after graduation.

Ways to save

Explore ways to maximize your education by minimizing tuition costs.  

Scholarships and grants

Save money with a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities.5

Browse scholarships

Prior learning credit

Real-world experience counts — see how you can get credit for previous work, volunteer, or training hours.

Get an assessment

Employer reimbursement

Find out if your employer offers tuition savings or reimbursement.

Find your employer

Military and veteran benefits

Learn about savings for veterans, active-duty U.S. military members, and their spouses.

View benefits

Give your career a positive balance

Take the next step in your career journey. Request info to get started.

Frequently asked questions

What is an accounting certification?

An accounting certification is a professional credential that demonstrates specialized knowledge in an area such as auditing, compliance, financial management, or taxation. Certifications like the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can help demonstrate your expertise and boost professional credibility.

What is a CMA accounting certification?

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is a professional credential awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CMA signifies expertise in financial management and business analysis, with a special focus on budgeting, cost management, financial decision-making, and adhering to a code of professional ethics. 

Earning the CMA certification requires passing an exam, which our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Preparation program will help you prepare for, with CMA classes featuring specialized coursework aligned to the standards of the IMA.

What is a CPA certification?

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is an important accounting credential awarded only to those with a high level of competence in accounting, auditing, taxation, and regulatory compliance. To earn your CPA license, you’ll need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination and AICPA Ethics Exam, plus meet work experience and credit hour requirements, which vary depending on your state.

What is the best accounting certification?

The best accounting certification depends on your career goals and education level. For example, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an industry-known credential, and it’s also a requirement for certain careers in public accounting, auditing, and tax preparation.

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is a good fit for those who want to pursue specialized accounting roles in corporate finance or investment analysis.

What is the easiest accounting certification to get?

The easiest accounting certification to get depends on your skills and experience. For example, some people find the Certified Bookkeeper or Fundamental Payroll Certification to be readily achievable, but these may limit your choice of accounting careers to a few areas. The CPA and CMA are advanced and well-known accounting certifications that you can prepare to pursue here at Keller. 

Which accounting certification is best for beginners?

The best accounting certification for beginners depends on your interests, experience, and career goals. For example, if you have a Bachelor’s in Accounting, our Graduate Certificate in Accounting Certification Preparation program can help you prepare for exams like the CPA with coursework in financial accounting, taxation, and more.

What is the difference between a CMA and a CPA?

The main difference between a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) lies in their focus and career paths:

• A CPA specializes in financial reporting, auditing, and tax compliance. This certification is often required for careers in public accounting firms, corporate finance, and government agencies.
• A CMA focuses on internal business functions like budgeting, cost management, financial planning, and strategic planning — typically for corporate accounting careers, nonprofit organizations, and management consulting firms.

How long does it take to get an accounting certification?

The time it takes to earn an accounting certification depends on the credential and your individual progress. Most certifications require a combination of education, industry experience, and passing one or more exams. For example, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) includes a multi-part exam and professional experience requirements, while Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification requirements can vary by state.

Is an accounting certification worth it for career advancement?

Yes, an accounting certification is worth it if you’re looking to advance your career options because it can strengthen your accounting knowledge, enhance professional credibility, and help you stand out in the job market.

How do I apply to Keller?

Applying is quick and easy:

1. Talk to an admissions representative: Fill out a brief form, and we’ll reach out to walk you through the process.
2. Submit your application: We’ll take you through the application over the phone. If you prefer, you can apply online. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
3. Enroll in your first courses: Once you have applied and are accepted, we’ll help you build your schedule.

Learn more about admissions.

1Credits and degrees earned from DeVry, including Keller, do not automatically qualify the holder to sit for professional licensing exams to practice certain professions. For *example, the educational requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure and/or certification vary by state (and U.S. territory). The differences in the number of accounting course hours and the specific accounting course topics required may impact a student's ability to sit for the Uniform CPA exam and apply for licensure in different jurisdictions. Students interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state regulatory agency for licensing requirements in their field of interest and Students are responsible for contacting the state board of accountancy for the jurisdiction in which they are applying to confirm whether they have completed the appropriate credit hours and coursework to qualify to take the CPA exam. DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management are not able to advise on or determine if or when any student may be eligible to sit for the CPA exam or otherwise satisfy licensing criteria in any state. Visit https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-consumer-info.html#cpa for additional information.

2Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 9 credit hours a semester per 12-month period. Normal schedule does not include breaks and assumes 5 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 6 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.

3Students selecting the Certified Public Accountant Exam Preparation option must take ACCT555 to satisfy prerequisite requirements.

4Conferral and assessment data is available for all DeVry and Keller's ACBSP-accredited programs. For a full list of our ACBSP-accredited programs, visit our Accreditation page.

5Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Click here for more information, including any requirements or restrictions. Students may participate in only one DeVry University-based scholarship, grant, or group tuition benefit program at a time. Those who qualify for more than one program will be presumed to accept the program with the highest reduction per session cost, unless the student confirms their desire to participate in a different program in writing prior to starting classes at DeVry. Scholarship and grant terms and eligibility conditions are subject to change.