Professional Certifications & Licenses in Virginia
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths in VA
Healthcare Careers in Virginia
| Career | License Required | Median Salary | Time to Complete | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Yes | $38,790 | 4-12 weeks | — |
| Dental Assistant | No | $46,910 | Varies | — |
| EMT | Yes | $45,060 | Varies (EMT program typically 150+ hours) | — |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Yes | $62,310 | 1-2 years | — |
| Medical Assistant | No | $42,310 | 9-24 months for programs; certification exam preparation may add additional time. | — |
| Medical Coder | No | $51,780 | 3-12 months for certification preparation programs | — |
| Paramedic | Yes | $45,060 | 1-2 years | — |
| Pharmacy Technician | Yes | $42,490 | 3-12 months | — |
| Phlebotomist | No | $45,720 | 4 months to 1 year (program dependent) | — |
| Radiology Technologist | Yes | $79,670 | Varies (application processing time is typically 2-3 months) | — |
| Respiratory Therapist | Yes | $79,600 | 6-8 weeks for application processing | — |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $63,460 | 9-24 months | — |
| Dental Hygienist | Yes | $98,880 | 2-4 years | — |
Trades Careers in Virginia
| Career | License Required | Median Salary | Time to Complete | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Yes | $54,500 | 3-8 weeks (for training, permit, and testing) | — |
| Electrician | Yes | $61,610 | 4 years | — |
| HVAC Technician | Yes | $60,630 | 2-10 years | — |
| Plumber | Yes | $59,560 | 4+ years | $300 |
| Welder | No | $57,350 | 6-12 months for a certificate program; 2 years for an associate's degree | — |
| Barber | Yes | $44,760 | Varies (typically 8-12 months for 1100-hour program, but 1500 hours is current requirement) | — |
| Cosmetologist | Yes | $37,850 | Varies (typically 9-12 months for school, longer for apprenticeship) | — |
| Massage Therapist | Yes | $56,850 | 6-12 months | — |
Professional Careers in Virginia
| Career | License Required | Median Salary | Time to Complete | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Yes | $84,190 | Varies (CPA Exam must be passed within 30 months of passing the first section) | $1,175 |
| Notary Public | Yes | — | Approximately 3 weeks for application processing, plus up to 60 days to take the oath of office. | $45 |
| Paralegal | No | $61,200 | Varies depending on education and experience pathway | — |
| Personal Trainer | No | $38,660 | — | — |
| Insurance Agent | Yes | $59,570 | 15-20 business days (longer for background check issues) | — |
| Real Estate Agent | Yes | $61,790 | 1.5 weeks - 4 months | — |
Virginia Certifications Ranked by Salary
| # | Career | Category | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $98,880 |
| 2 | CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Professional | $84,190 |
| 3 | Radiology Technologist | Healthcare | $79,670 |
| 4 | Respiratory Therapist | Healthcare | $79,600 |
| 5 | Surgical Technologist | Healthcare | $63,460 |
| 6 | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Healthcare | $62,310 |
| 7 | Real Estate Agent | Professional | $61,790 |
| 8 | Electrician | Trades | $61,610 |
| 9 | Paralegal | Professional | $61,200 |
| 10 | HVAC Technician | Trades | $60,630 |
| 11 | Insurance Agent | Professional | $59,570 |
| 12 | Plumber | Trades | $59,560 |
| 13 | Welder | Trades | $57,350 |
| 14 | Massage Therapist | Trades | $56,850 |
| 15 | CDL Truck Driver | Trades | $54,500 |
| 16 | Medical Coder | Healthcare | $51,780 |
| 17 | Dental Assistant | Healthcare | $46,910 |
| 18 | Phlebotomist | Healthcare | $45,720 |
| 19 | EMT | Healthcare | $45,060 |
| 20 | Paramedic | Healthcare | $45,060 |
| 21 | Barber | Trades | $44,760 |
| 22 | Pharmacy Technician | Healthcare | $42,490 |
| 23 | Medical Assistant | Healthcare | $42,310 |
| 24 | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Healthcare | $38,790 |
| 25 | Personal Trainer | Professional | $38,660 |
| 26 | Cosmetologist | Trades | $37,850 |