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What is CPE Credit? A Complete Guide for CPAs and Professionals

Imtiaz Munshi, CPA

Published on: May 09, 2024
Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025
1704

Summary

It is generated by AI

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits are vital for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to maintain their licenses and stay abreast of changes in accounting, tax, and finance. The credits, measured in hours, can be earned through various activities like online/in-person courses, webinars, workshops, and self-study programs. It's crucial to plan CPE requirements strategically as non-compliance can lead to license suspension. Different professional designations have specific CPE requirements set by bodies like AICPA, NASBA, and others, aligned with state's licensing rules. The chosen CPE provider should be NASBA-approved and accepted in the respective state.

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.

What is CPE?

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.

What is CPE Credits?

CPE is measured in “credits” or “hours.” Each credit represents a certain amount of study or instruction time.

1 CPE credit = 50 minutes of learning
Some courses allow half credits (25 minutes)
There are minimum and maximum limits on the types of CPE activities you can use

Example: A 2-hour webinar gives you 2.4 CPE credits (120 minutes ÷ 50 = 2.4)

How to Earn CPE Credits?

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:

Online or in-person courses
Webinars
Self-study programs
Workshops and seminars
Teaching or publishing in accounting topics

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

How Many CPE Credits Do CPAs Need?

CPE credits hours requirement depend on your state board’s licensing rules. Most common requirements include:

40 credits per year
80 credits every 2 years
120 credits every 3 years

Some states also clearly state some requirements:

A minimum number of ethics credits (usually 2–4 hours per cycle)
Topic-specific requirements in Accounting & Auditing, Regulatory, or Tax

Important: Check your state’s exact CPE requirements here

Failing to meet the compliance requirements can lead to license suspension or penalties — so it’s important to plan ahead.

CPE for CPAs and Other Designations

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) both provide recommendations for state CPE requirements and also determine which CPE courses meet their stringent requirements. Most states will not accept CPE credits that aren’t accredited through the AICPA or NASBA.

CPE for CPAs

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

CPE for CMAs

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

CPE for EAs

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

CPE for CFAs

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

CPE for Government Auditors

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

What Types of CPE Are Accepted?

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:

Live Webinars & Virtual Conferences: Interactive sessions on current topics in accounting, tax, finance, and related fields.

Self-Study Courses: Flexible, on-demand courses that CPAs can complete at their own pace.

Conferences and Seminars: In-person or virtual events that offer in-depth learning and networking opportunities.

Certification Programs: Specialized programs that provide advanced skills and knowledge in specific areas of accounting.

Workshops & In-person Events: A well-crafted session held in a physical setting for interactive learning.

Nano-learning (short, focused lessons): A short module of 10-15 minuets that covers a small single topic for quick ideation.

Teaching or Authoring Accounting Materials: CPAs can earn CPE by contributing and sharing their knowledge. This could be in the form of courses or professional writing materials like books, articles, or guides.

Make sure the CPE provider is NASBA-approved, and your state accepts the course format.

Where to Find the Best CPE Courses for CPAs?

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:

Ethics courses (state-specific)
Audit, Tax, Accounting, and Technology updates
Unlimited subscription options
Certificate tracking for compliance

Always check that the provider is recognized by NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) and accepted in your state.

What Are the Most Popular CPE Course Topics?

Today’s CPAs are branching out beyond traditional accounting. Here are some of the most in-demand CPE topic areas:

Most Popular Topics

Accounting & Financial Reporting (View more)
Audit & Assurance (View more)
Tax (View more)
Management Accounting & Finance (View more)
Data Analytics & Visual Reporting (View more)
IT Auditing & Cybersecurity (View more)

Importance of CPA CPE (Continuing Professional Education)

Continuing education for CPAs is vital for several reasons:

Maintaining Licensure: State boards require CPAs to earn a certain number of CPE credits within a specified period to keep their licenses active.

Staying Current: The accounting field is constantly evolving with new regulations, standards, and technologies. CPE ensures CPAs stay current with these changes.

Career Advancement: Earning CPE credits can enhance a CPA's skills and knowledge, opening doors to new career opportunities and specializations.

Professional Credibility: Ongoing education demonstrates a commitment to the profession, enhancing a CPA's credibility with clients and employers.

Looking for the best platforms to earn CPE credits? Check out our guide on the best online CPE platforms for CPAs for top recommendations.

How to Plan Your CPE Journey Effectively?

Planning your CPE strategically saves time, avoids last-minute stress, and helps you grow in the right direction.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Tracking Your CPE

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.

Technical vs Non-Technical

CPE credits are generally categorized into technical and non-technical areas:

Right CPE Provider

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.

Non-Technical CPE

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.

Choosing the Right CPE Provider

Selecting a reputable CPE provider is crucial to ensure the quality and relevance of the education you receive. Here’s why our platform is the top choice for CPAs:

Comprehensive Course Offerings

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.

No Sponsored Content

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.

State-Specific Packages

At MYCPE ONE, we have created the FastTrack Packages specifically to meet your exact requirements as per NASBA and state body regulations. These tailored packages are designed to save you time and simplify your certification process. Each package includes a curated selection of courses that align with the latest standards, ensuring you meet all necessary CPE requirements with ease. With MYCPE ONE state-specific CPE packages, you can efficiently manage your certification and stay compliant without the hassle. Focus on advancing your career while we take care of your CPE needs.

Advanced Certification Programs

Enhance your skills with our 100+ advanced certification programs. These programs are included in our subscription, providing excellent value and comprehensive education.

Inbuilt CPE Tracker

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.

Affordable and Accessible

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.

Experience the Difference

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.

Conclusion

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 for CPAs.

FAQs

CPA Exam prep is the learning you do before becoming a CPA. CPE is the learning required after you’re licensed to keep your skills up to date.

Each state has its own rules.

👉 Check your state’s requirements here

Yes, most states accept online CPE if the provider is NASBA-approved.

Many states require Ethics CPE every year or every renewal cycle.

You may face late fees, license suspension, or additional hours. Some states allow a grace period, but not all.

About the Author

Imtiaz Munshi, CPA

CFO, AZSTEC LLC

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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