CPE credits are a must for accountants, CPAs, and other professionals looking to keep their skills sharp and stay compliant with industry standards.
And with over 670,000 CPAs in the U.S., that’s a lot of CPE credits that need to be earned every year.
But let’s face it: figuring out how to get CPE credits can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
As a former CPA who’s been through the CPE process myself, I’m here to help.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to earn CPE credits, explore course options, and help you find the best approach for not only fulfilling your CPE requirements but using those required hours to build a better career.
Key Takeaways
- Know Your Requirements: Each profession and state has different CPE credit requirements. Check with your state board or certification body to confirm what you need.
- Explore Free Options: Plenty of free CPE credit options exist, including courses from professional associations, sponsored programs, and employer-provided resources.
- Track Your Progress: Keep certificates of completion and use a spreadsheet or tracking app to log your CPE hours as you go to stay organized.
- Choose Learning Formats That Fit: Whether it’s self-study, webinars, or in-person workshops, pick CPE formats that match your learning style and schedule.
- Use CPE to Grow Your Skills: Beyond fulfilling requirements, use CPE as an opportunity to stay current, build new skills, and advance your career.
Why CPE Credits Matter
CPE credits are essential for CPAs and other professionals to maintain licenses, meet regulatory requirements, and stay updated with the latest trends and regulations. Most state boards of accountancy require a certain number of CPE hours each year, so if you’re in a profession that needs them, staying up-to-date is non-negotiable.
Long story short: get your CPE credits or risk fines, difficulties working in the industry, and even the suspension or total loss of your license. Yeah—it’s that big of a deal!
But there’s good news: There are plenty of ways to earn CPE credits, regardless of your budget, schedule, or learning style. Let’s take a look at your choices.
How to Get CPE Credits: A Step-by-Step Guide
| Complete | Steps to Earn CPE Credits |
|---|---|
| 1. Know your requirements: depending on profession, state, and certification | |
| 2. Select program: subscription, self-study, online, webinar, or in-person | |
| 3. Use free credits: associations, websites, sponsors, or employers | |
| 4. Track credits: compliance tracker, certificates, software, or spreadsheet | |
| 5. Try flexible options: podcasts, games, on-demand videos, or short modules | |
| 6. Consider certificates: specialized programs like Excel and fraud accounting |
1. Understand Your CPE Requirements
The first step to earning CPE credits is knowing exactly how many you need. Requirements vary depending on:
- Your profession: Accountants, financial planners, and others in finance usually need specific CPE credits.
- Your state: Each state board has different rules. Always check with your local state board of accountancy.
- Your certification body: The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) has its own standards for CPE credits, especially for CPAs.
Knowing your exact requirements will help you plan out the best ways to fulfill them. Here is the NASBA CPE requirements list by state.
2. Choose the Right CPE Program for You
Once you know how many credits you need, consider which CPE programs suit your learning style. Some popular options include:
- Subscriptions: Subscriptions are a great way to get all of the credits you need, often with unlimited credit consumption for year-long subscriptions. CPE providers like Becker offer 1,000+ live webinars annually and 700+ on-demand courses.
- Self-Study Courses: Great for anyone who likes to go at their own pace. Self-study courses offer flexibility and can cover specific topics relevant to your field. Sometimes, they’re provided via downloads or PDF files. This is one of my favorite courses!
- Online Courses: If you like a more structured format, online courses can be a good fit. They’re accessible from anywhere and often provide immediate access to materials. These are typically presented via video lectures.
- Live Webinars: Ideal for those who enjoy live interaction but prefer to avoid travel. Webinars usually have set times and feature live Q&As. And don’t worry—the best CPE subscriptions often have webinar options with lunchtime, night, and weekend availability to fit into your busy schedule.
- In-Person Training and Conferences: In-person training and conferences allow for hands-on experience and networking. These sessions can be longer, giving you a chance to earn multiple credits in one go. Plus, they’re a great way to get relevant information for your specific location.
3. Take Advantage of Free CPE Credits
Free options are widely available and can save you a lot of money. Here’s where to find them:
- Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and NASBA often offer free CPE credits to members.
- Websites Offering Free Courses: Many websites, such as Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, have free CPE courses or trial periods where you can earn credits without paying. However, these may not all be eligible for credit fulfillment, depending on your state.
- CPE Sponsors: Check for CPE sponsors who offer free credits. They’re often approved by NASBA or state boards, so the credits will count toward your requirements.
- Employer-Provided Programs: Some companies offer in-house CPE programs for employees. This is a fantastic way to earn credits without additional expenses.
Keep in mind that free credits are totally fine if you’re just trying to get your credits over and done with. However, if you really want to make the most of the time you spend, paid options offer unique benefits like certificate programs and career-building courses that are worth the additional investment.
4. Track Your CPE Credits
Tracking is essential since jurisdictions need proof of completion to know you actually fulfilled your annual, biennial, or triennial credit requirements. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Buy a CPE Subscription With a Compliance Tracker: Some trackers can be purchased as standalone products, but many only come with subscriptions, like those from Becker and Illumeo.
- Keep Certificates: Every time you complete a course, save the completion certificate in a designated folder on your computer.
- Use Tracking Software: Some apps are designed to help professionals track their CPE hours automatically.
- Create a Spreadsheet: If you prefer to keep it simple, logging each course in a spreadsheet with details like the date, provider, and hours can keep you organized.
5. Explore Flexible Learning Options
Not everyone has time for full-day classes. If your schedule is tight, consider these flexible ways to earn credits:
- Podcasts: Becker recently added podcasts for CPE credits into their repertoire of professional education content, which is perfect for learning on the go.
- Gamified Courses: Surgent has a great option for gamers, with multiple interactive games for earning CPE credits.
- On-Demand Videos: Watch these at your own pace. Many CPE providers offer on-demand content so you can learn whenever it’s convenient.
- Short Modules: Look for courses broken down into short segments. This is great for squeezing in study time on busy days.
- Self-Paced Study: Self-paced courses allow you to study on your own terms. If you’re looking to earn credits while managing a hectic schedule, this is a perfect choice.
6. Consider Certificate Programs for Specialized Learning
If you want to dive deeper into specific topics or skills, certificate programs are ideal. These programs usually offer comprehensive training on a particular subject, like accounting standards, professional ethics, or finance. Completing a certificate program can provide substantial CPE credits while boosting your expertise in a focused area.
Here are some great certificate programs to choose from:
- Becker CPE offers options like their Microsoft Excel Fundamentals + Data Analytics Certificate and even a variety of certifications from The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA®).
- Illumeo CPE offers micro-certifications in areas like Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Audit Training, and even exam prep options like their CFA Level 1 Prep Program.
- Surgent CPE features certifications, including their Not-for-Profit Accounting and Auditing Certificate, Fundamentals of Fraud in Accounting Certificate, and Data Analytics Certifications.
Conclusion: Make CPE Part of Your Career Strategy
Earning CPE credits doesn’t have to be a hassle. By setting clear goals, choosing the right courses, and keeping track of your hours, you can make the process smooth and even enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for free CPE credits, self-study options, or in-person learning, there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed.
Taking CPE seriously is a smart move for anyone in a regulated profession—it’s not just a requirement but an opportunity for continuous professional development. So, why not make it part of your career strategy? Remember, every CPE hour is a step toward staying competitive, competent, and confident in your career.
FAQs
Requirements vary depending on your profession, state, and certification body, but most CPAs need around 40 hours per year. Check with your state board or NASBA for specific requirements.
Professional associations like AICPA, CPE sponsors, and sometimes even your employer may offer CPE credits for free. Several websites also offer free trials or no-cost options.
Yes, many CPE credits can be earned through online courses, webinars, and self-study programs, allowing flexibility to complete them from anywhere.
CPE credits and CPE hours are generally the same—one hour of CPE equals one credit. However, check the provider’s guidelines to ensure the credit hours meet your specific state requirements.
Yes, some states require specific CPE topics like ethics or accounting standards. Review your state board’s requirements to make sure you’re meeting them with the right courses.
