Choosing the right CPE courses can save you time and help you build valuable skills, not just check a box. Since most providers require you to complete the course and score at least 70% on the final assessment to earn CPE credits, it’s worth choosing courses that align with your career goals.
I reviewed the top options to help you maximize your continuing education requirements and get more value from every credit hour.
Best Online CPE Course Breakdown
- Becker – Best Overall: Becker stands out with its extensive course catalog, flexible learning formats, and premium-quality content, making it an excellent choice for most CPAs.
- Surgent – Best for Efficiency: Surgent combines adaptive technology with up-to-date topics to help busy professionals earn CPE credits in less time.
- Illumeo – Best for Specialization: Illumeo shines with its niche topics and micro-certifications, making it ideal for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in specific areas.
- Lambers – Best for Budget-Conscious Professionals: Lambers offers straightforward, affordable CPE courses with a simple learning experience, making it a solid option for those who want quality training without a premium price tag.
- My-CPE – Best for Simplicity: My-CPE offers a user-friendly platform and straightforward course structure, making it a great choice for CPAs who want an easy, no-frills way to earn their CPE credits.
1. Becker CPE Review: Top Subscription for CPAs
Becker CPE Review stands out as one of the best CPE courses for CPAs, offering an extensive library of learning opportunities tailored to fit various professional needs.
After reviewing Becker’s platform, I came away impressed by just how comprehensive everything feels. Between the 700+ on-demand courses, more than 1,000 live webcasts, podcasts for CPE credit, and personalized compliance tracker, it’s clear that Becker is designed for professionals who want a premium experience. I especially liked that the platform offers multiple subscription lengths, making it easier to choose something that fits your schedule and budget.
What really stood out to me was the quality and variety of the content. Becker doesn’t just cover the basics, it includes state-specific ethics courses, industry-focused topics, and current events courses that help you stay relevant. While it’s one of the more expensive options, I found that the depth and polish justify the price, especially if you plan on using CPE to genuinely grow your knowledge instead of simply checking a box.
Content Features
- 700+ on-demand courses
- 1,000+ live webcasts with Q&A and partial credit
- 110+ newly added course hours annually
- 50+ state-approved ethics courses
- 25+ industry-specific course categories
- Podcasts for CPE credit
- Current events and hot-topic courses
- Personalized CPE compliance tracker
Pros
- Comprehensive Learning: Becker’s extensive course catalog covers a wide range of topics, from fundamental accounting principles to advanced CPE topics like artificial intelligence and virtual currencies.
- Flexibility: Becker offers both self-study courses and live webinars, giving you the freedom to choose the CPE prep learning format that best fits your schedule and learning preferences.
- Accreditation: All Becker courses are NASBA-approved, ensuring that the CPE credits you earn are fully recognized by your state board.
- Engaging Video Format: Many CPAs appreciate Becker’s video-based learning format, which provides an engaging alternative to text-heavy courses
- Regular Content Updates: Becker frequently refreshes its course library with new topics and regulatory changes, helping CPAs stay current with evolving standards and industry trends.
Cons
- Time Commitment: Becker’s extensive and in-depth course offerings require a bit more time and dedication to fully engage with the material.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a CPE provider that truly delivers, Becker is the top choice. Its resources are comprehensive, engaging, and tailored to meet the needs of CPAs. With Becker, you’re not just fulfilling your continuing education requirements—you’re investing in your career growth. The depth and quality of their courses, combined with the flexibility to learn on your terms, make Becker a standout option for any CPA serious about advancing in the profession.
2. Surgent CPE: Innovative Courses for Earning CPE Credits
With over 30 years of experience, Surgent CPE is a good choice for accounting professionals seeking innovative continuing professional education. Surgent offers lots of courses that help you earn your CPE credits easily. You can learn by watching webinars or doing self-study courses, so it’s convenient and high-quality.
When I reviewed Surgent, I quickly realized why it has been a trusted name in accounting education for decades. With up to 10,000 available credits and thousands of live events, the platform offers tremendous flexibility. Whether you prefer webinars, self-study downloads, or on-demand webcasts, there’s no shortage of options. I also appreciated how quickly certificates are issued after course completion, which makes tracking credits much easier.
What I liked most about Surgent was its balance between convenience and depth. Some providers focus heavily on one learning format, but Surgent does a good job of giving professionals multiple ways to complete their requirements. The catalog can feel overwhelming at first, but if you’re someone who likes having choices and wants an efficient way to earn credits, Surgent delivers a lot of value.
Content Features
- 12-month subscriptions
- Up to 10,000 available credits
- 8,500+ webinar credits from 2,300+ live events
- 1,300+ on-demand webcast credits
- 1,000+ self-study download credits
- Premium courses available
- NASBA-approved content accepted nationwide
Pros
- Immediate Certification: After completing any online course, professionals receive their CPE certificates instantly via email, making it easy to track CPE progress and meet deadlines.
- Nationwide Recognition: Surgent’s courses are widely accepted across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring that your credits are recognized no matter where you practice.
- Large Selection of Live Webinars: Surgent offers thousands of live and on-demand webinars, making it easy to earn credits in the format that works best for your schedule.
- State Board Compliance Made Easy: Surgent’s courses are accepted in all 50 states, helping professionals confidently meet their licensing requirements.
Cons
- Extensive Course Catalog: While having numerous options is beneficial, some professionals might find the volume overwhelming.
- Intensive Learning: Surgent’s content is comprehensive and in-depth, which may require a significant commitment.
Bottom Line
Surgent CPE has the breadth and history to make it a dependable option, but bigger isn’t always better. The sheer size of the catalog can leave you sifting through more than you’ll ever use, and the long, sometimes clunky format doesn’t always fit the rhythm of a busy professional’s life. It gets the job done, but often without the polish, ease, or support you’ll find with providers like Becker or Gleim.
3. Illumeo CPE: Best Self-Study Courses
Illumeo really stood out to me because of its focus on professional development and specialized content. With more than 3,000 courses and over 120 webinars, the platform offers far more than standard accounting updates. I particularly liked its micro-certification programs and AI-powered course recommendations, which help tailor the experience to your interests and career goals.
Another thing I appreciated was the breadth of certifications supported. Illumeo isn’t just for CPAs, it also serves CMAs, ACCAs, CIAs, and many other professionals. If you’re looking to deepen your expertise in areas like revenue recognition, SOX, or bookkeeping, I think Illumeo offers one of the strongest specialized libraries available. It’s a great option for professionals who want continuing education to contribute to long-term career growth.
Content Features
- Up to 3,000+ CPE courses
- 120+ live webinars
- Premium and Premium+ content
- Unlimited CPE credits
- Compliance tracking for all 50 states and multiple certifications
- AI-powered course recommendations
- Nano CPE courses
Pros
- Specialized Micro-Certification Programs: Illumeo offers unique certification programs that allow CPAs to specialize in niche areas, enhancing their professional value.
- Comprehensive Compliance Tracking: Illumeo’s compliance tracker covers 50 states and multiple certifications, making it a crucial tool for managing CPE requirements.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Illumeo provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing professionals to explore their offerings risk-free.
Cons
- Limited Premium Access: Lower-tier subscriptions, like On-Demand, lack access to premium and advanced webinars, which might be limiting for professionals looking for the latest CPE content.
- No Downloadable PDFs in Premium+: The Premium+ subscription doesn’t offer downloadable PDFs, which could be a drawback for those who prefer offline access to course materials.
Bottom Line
Illumeo offers a wide range of CPE courses, making it an excellent choice for CPAs seeking specialized learning opportunities. While the platform excels in providing tailored education and comprehensive compliance tracking, some limitations in lower-tier subscriptions might be a consideration for those looking for the most advanced CPE courses. Nonetheless, Illumeo remains a top contender for accounting professionals committed to continuous learning and professional development.
4. Lambers CPE Review: Best Budget-Friendly Option
Lambers CPE is a solid choice for CPAs who want straightforward continuing education without paying premium prices. The platform focuses on practical, self-study courses and makes it easy to earn credits without unnecessary bells and whistles. While it doesn’t have the massive catalog or advanced features of Becker or Surgent, it delivers dependable value for professionals who simply want quality CPE at an affordable price.
Instead of overwhelming users with flashy features, it focuses on engaging video instruction and unlimited access at a straightforward price. I liked that the courses are taught by instructors and designed to make complicated topics easier to understand. The platform is available 24/7, and there are no hidden fees or complicated subscription tiers to navigate.
What impressed me most was the value. While Lambers doesn’t have the massive catalog or advanced tracking tools offered by Becker or Surgent, it does a good job of delivering quality content without breaking the bank. I think it’s particularly appealing for professionals who want a no-frills solution and prefer video-based learning over reading lengthy PDFs or attending live seminars.
Content Features
- Unlimited access with one price
- Video-based courses with live instructors
- 24/7 online access
- Wide range of accounting and tax topics
- NASBA and IRS-approved content
- No hidden fees
- Self-paced learning from anywhere
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: Lambers offers competitively priced courses, making it one of the more economical ways to satisfy CPE requirements.
- Simple Learning Experience: The platform is easy to navigate and focuses on getting you through your coursework efficiently.
- Strong Self-Study Selection: Lambers provides a wide variety of self-paced courses covering accounting, auditing, taxation, and ethics topics.
Cons
- Limited Interactive Features: Lambers emphasizes self-study and does not offer as many live webinars or advanced tools as some competitors.
- Smaller Course Library: While the selection is solid, it isn’t as extensive as providers like Becker or Surgent.
Bottom Line
Lambers won’t overwhelm you with fancy features, but that’s part of its appeal. If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills way to earn your CPE credits, Lambers delivers reliable content and excellent value, earning it the #4 spot on this list.
5. My-CPE: Best for State-Specific Ethics Courses
myCPE certainly wins when it comes to sheer quantity. With more than 15,000 hours of content, 500+ subject areas, conferences, podcasts, e-books, and mobile learning, there is no shortage of ways to earn CPE credits. I appreciated the flexibility and the fact that the platform includes AI-powered compliance tracking and instant certification, which can make the reporting process easier.
However, after reviewing the platform, I found that more content doesn’t necessarily translate to a better learning experience. The quality and presentation can vary considerably from course to course, and I didn’t find the interface as polished or intuitive as that of competitors like Becker or Surgent. While the extensive catalog may appeal to some professionals, I felt the experience lacked the consistency and premium feel of higher-ranked providers. If variety is your top priority, myCPE can get the job done, but I think most CPAs will find better overall value elsewhere.
Content Features
- 15,000+ hours of content
- 500+ subject areas
- Mandatory ethics courses
- 250+ compliance packages
- 50+ conferences and events
- Audio, video, e-books, and live courses
Pros
- Bite-Sized Learning: My-CPE offers “MyCPE Shorts,” which are quick, focused courses designed to help CPAs earn their credits efficiently.
- Flexible Subscriptions: Whether you’re an individual professional or part of a team, My-CPE provides tailored subscription plans that cater to different needs, allowing for both personal and group professional development.
- Virtual Conferences: My-CPE hosts engaging virtual conferences that bring together industry experts and professionals.
Cons
- Inconsistent Course Quality: While many courses are top-notch, the quality can vary across the platform, leading to an uneven learning experience.
- Customer Service Issues: Users have reported that customer service responsiveness has been a significant concern.
- Auto-Renewal and Refund Concerns: My-CPE’s auto-renewal policy can lead to unexpected charges, and users have encountered challenges when seeking refunds despite a 30-day refund policy.
Bottom Line
My-CPE offers valuable state-specific courses and unique features like “MyCPE Shorts” and virtual conferences. However, potential users should be aware of the platform’s drawbacks, including varying course quality and customer service issues. While My-CPE is a good option for fulfilling state-specific CPE needs, it’s essential to weigh these factors before committing to a subscription.
Final Verdict
Not all CPE providers are created equal, and the best choice ultimately depends on your budget, learning style, and professional goals. After reviewing the top options, each provider brought something different to the table, from specialized training to budget-friendly subscriptions.
Overall, Becker earned the top spot thanks to its strong combination of content quality, flexibility, and course variety. However, any of the providers on this list can be a solid choice depending on what you’re looking for.
FAQs
CPE courses are essential for maintaining your CPA license. They help you stay current with industry changes, enhance your skills, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. These courses cover various topics, like accounting, ethics, and tax updates, which are crucial for delivering accurate and ethical services to clients.
To choose the best CPE courses, consider your career goals, the relevance of course topics taught, and your state’s requirements. Look for accredited providers like Becker that offer a variety of CPE learning formats, including live webinars and self-study courses, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive coverage of essential topics.
Yes, online CPE courses are highly effective and offer flexibility that traditional in-person courses might not. They allow you to learn at your own pace, access a broad range of topics, and earn CPE credits conveniently from anywhere. Interactive features like quizzes and live webinars can enhance the learning experience.
State-specific ethics courses focus on the ethical guidelines and regulations relevant to the state where you’re licensed. These courses are mandatory for CPAs to ensure they understand and comply with local laws and professional standards, which is critical for maintaining their CPA license and avoiding disciplinary actions.
The number of CPE credits required varies by state, typically ranging from 40 to 120 hours every one to three years. It’s essential to check your state’s specific requirements, including any mandatory ethics courses, to stay compliant and keep your CPA license active. Regularly earning CPE credits also helps you stay updated on industry developments.
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