What is CPE Credit? A Complete Guide for CPAs and Professionals
What is CPE Credit? It refers to the continuing education CPAs must complete to stay licensed, relevant, and informed in areas like accounting, tax, audit, ethics, and financial standards. CPAs earn these credits through various learning formats such as webinars, self-study, live events, and teaching, with one credit equating to 50 minutes of instruction. In 2025, understanding CPE credit is more essential than ever as regulatory updates, AI integration, and evolving licensure requirements raise the bar for professional competency.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is essential for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to maintain their licenses, enhance their knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of accounting, tax, and finance. Understanding the importance and benefits of CPE credits for CPAs is crucial for career advancement and professional growth.
In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about CPE credits for CPAs. So, let’s explore how accountants can earn CPE credits that meet state and designation requirements while advancing their careers.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is an ongoing learning activity that CPAs must complete after earning their license. To keep CPAs updated and relevant in their profession, the state board of accountancy set continuing education requirements.
CPE is measured in “credits” or “hours.” Each credit represents a certain amount of study or instruction time.
Example: A 2-hour webinar gives you 2.4 CPE credits (120 minutes ÷ 50 = 2.4)
There are multiple paths to fulfilling your CPE requirements, allowing you to choose the format that best aligns with your schedule and learning preferences.
These learning activities can include:
CPE helps CPAs not only maintain competence but learn new skills. It is to adapt the changes in regulations, inclusion of technologies, and financial standards.
So, how can you complete your CPE requirement. MYCPE ONE can help you in complete your CPE compliance with greater ease.
Important: Check your state’s exact CPE requirements here
CPE credits hours requirement depend on your state board’s licensing rules. Most common requirements include:
Some states also clearly state some requirements:
Failing to meet the compliance requirements can lead to license suspension or penalties, so it’s important to plan ahead.
AICPA and NASBA set the standard for state CPE requirements and determine which courses meet their criteria. In most states, CPE credits must be accredited by AICPA or NASBA to be accepted.
The AICPA requires CPAs to complete 120 hours of CPE every 3 years to maintain their license, but state boards may have additional requirements.
Explore further: CPA CPE Requirements
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) requires CMAs to fulfill at least 30 hours of CPE with at least two hours of ethics annually.
Explore further: CMA CPE Requirements
Enrolled agents need to complete 72 hours of CPE every 36 months with a minimum of 16 hours per year, including two hours of ethics annually.
Explore further: EA CPE Requirements
The CFA Institute recommends members complete at least 20 hours of CPE annually, including at least two hours of Standards, Ethics, and Regulations (SER).
Explore further: CFA CPE Requirements
Those who audit government programs need 80 hours of CPE every two years, with 24 hours designated as government CPE.
Explore further: CGAP CPE Requirements
Moving beyond the basics of 'What is CPE Credit?’, now it’s time to consider the different types of CPE learning formats available. You can choose the ones that best suit your learning style, schedule, and professional goals:
Make sure the CPE provider is NASBA-approved, and your state accepts the course format.
Looking for quality, trusted CPE courses? Here are some of the top platforms where you can find them:
Explore top CPE providers for CPAs on MYCPE ONE
These platforms offer:
Always check that the provider is recognized by NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) and accepted in your state.
Today’s CPAs are expanding their skill beyond just accounting. Here are some of the most in-demand trending CPE topic areas:
Most Popular Topics
Looking for the best platforms to earn CPE credits? Check out our guide on the best online CPE platforms for CPAs for top recommendations.
Planning your CPE strategically saves time, avoids last-minute stress, and helps you grow in the right direction.
Here’s a quick checklist:
During your license renewal cycle, you will need to report your CPE credits to your state’s Board of Accountancy. Using a CPE tracker helps you keep up with your continuing education hours and credits, ensuring you meet both annual and long-term requirements.
CPE credits are generally categorized into technical and non-technical areas:
These credits focus on areas directly related to accounting, such as auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. Technical CPE is crucial for maintaining the core competencies required for CPA practice.
These credits cover broader skills that support a CPA's professional development, such as communication, leadership, and ethics. Non-technical CPE helps CPAs enhance their overall effectiveness in their roles.
Selecting a reputable CPE provider is crucial to ensure the quality and relevance of the education you receive.
Our platform offers over 15,000 NASBA and State Board approved courses, covering a wide range of topics and specializations. Whether you need to fulfill specific state requirements or want to explore new areas of interest, we have you covered.
All our courses are designed with your learning in mind, free from external influence. We prioritize providing high-quality, unbiased education that benefits your professional development.
At MYCPE ONE, we’ve built FastTrack Packages to match your exact CPE requirements based on NASBA and your state board’s rules. These packages are designed to save you time and make certification easier. Each one includes handpicked courses that meet the latest standards so that you can complete your CPE with confidence. With our state-specific CPE packages, you can manage your credits efficiently and stay fully compliant, without the stress.
Enhance your skills with our 100+ advanced certification programs. These programs are included in our subscription, providing excellent value and comprehensive education.
Manage your CPE credits effortlessly with our inbuilt CPE tracker. This tool simplifies the process of maintaining and reporting your CPE activities, giving you peace of mind.
We are committed to making continuing education affordable and accessible for all CPAs. Our platform offers high-quality CPE content at an incredible value, ensuring you can meet your educational requirements without breaking the bank.
Join thousands of professionals who trust us for their continuing education needs. Explore our comprehensive range of CPE courses and see why we are the #1 choice for CPAs seeking high-quality, affordable continuing education.
CPE isn’t just a checkbox — it’s your path to staying sharp, relevant, and successful in your accounting career.
Whether you’re looking to stay licensed, grow in your firm, or branch into advisory or leadership roles, CPE keeps you moving forward.
So, start early, choose wisely, and embrace learning as a lifelong part of being a CPA.
If you're looking for reliable platforms to start with, explore the best places to get free CPE credits.
Licensed professionals like CPAs, EAs, CMAs, CFPs, and others typically need CPE credits to maintain their active certification. Requirements vary by state board and professional organization.
Not always. CPE is required for all licensed CPAs and CMAs, but if you're a non-public accountant, it's typically not mandatory. That said, we strongly recommend taking CPE to stay sharp and on top of the latest industry trends.
There’s some flexibility, but yes requirements vary by state. If you’re a government auditor, you’ll also need to meet Yellow Book standards. Still, there is plenty of flexibility just make sure your state approves your provider.
Don’t wait until the deadline’s breathing down your neck. A smart move is to take a course every few months. It helps you stay on track and retain more.
Absolutely. Online CPE can be just as engaging and informative. If you like real-time interaction, opt for live webinars where you can ask questions and connect with instructors in real time.
It varies, but most states land around 40 hours of CPE per year. Always double-check your state board's exact rules to stay compliant.
The author Imtiaz Munshi is a Certified Public Accountant and CFO at Azstec, LLC. He is Business Strategist, Tax Planner, Entrepreneur and Advisor to "HNEs" (High Net Worth Entrepreneurs).
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