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Are you looking to enhance your accounting career in Tennessee? If yes, earning a CPA designation is the perfect match for you.  

Herein, we will focus on Tennessee CPA License Requirements. 

TN CPA CPE Requirements

Tennessee CPA Governing Body

The Tennessee - Board of Accountancy provides assurance to the public that CPA (Tennessee) operates at the highest level of professional competence through verification of education and experience credentials.

TN CPA Requirements For CPE Credits

TN CPA CPE Requirements

80 hours every 2 years (20 CPE credits must be taken every year) 

Tennessee CPA CPE Reporting Date

For even license number - 12/31 of even years

For odd-numbered licenses - 12/31 of odd years

Tennessee CPA license renewal

For even 1/1 to 12/31 biennially, ending on even-numbered years for even license numbers and odd-numbered years for odd license numbers

Tennessee CPA CPE Ethics requirement

2 hours of Board-approved state-specific ethics earned during every two-year licensing period.

Subject Areas of CPA CPEs

A maximum of 16 CPE Credits can be completed in non-technical subjects.

Subjects such as Self-realization, Personal health, Spirituality, fitness, Sports and recreation, Foreign languages or cultures that do not contribute directly to the licensee's professional competence are not allowed for CPE.

Approval Required For CPE Course

NASBA & Tennessee State Board


TN CPE Reporting Cycle

Tennessee CPAs must complete their CPE requirement by December 31st every 2 years. Deadlines will fall in odd years for CPAs with odd-numbered licenses, and in even years for those with even-numbered licenses.

Tennessee CPA Subject Areas

No more than 40 hours (50%) in non-technical subject areas. Subjects such as spirituality, personal health and/or fitness, sports and recreations, foreign language, and production which will not directly contribute are not allowed.

Tennessee CPA Ethics CPE

Tennessee CPAs must earn 2 hours of ethics Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to maintain their license. This ensures adherence to professional standards and ethical conduct in the accounting profession.

What are the Tennessee CPA CPE Requirements for non-residents?

A non-resident licensee seeking renewal can meet Tennessee CPE requirements. In order to renew a license, you must meet the CPE requirements for the state where the licensee's principal office is located. When renewing in Tennessee, a statement certifying that the principal jurisdiction's CPE requirements are met must be signed.

If the state where the licensee's principal office is located does not require CPE for license renewal, then the non-resident licensee cannot renew. Non-resident licensees must meet Tennessee's CPE requirements for renewal if they are not Tennessee residents.

Factors to Consider TN CPA CPE Requirements

It is important to fulfill the TN CPA CPE Requirements for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Tennessee, as it helps them maintain and enhance their professional competence. CPE through attending TN CPA CPE courses ensures that they stay updated with the latest industry standards, regulations, and practices. Here are a few importance of continuing education for CPAs:

1. License Renewal

For CPAs to maintain their license, most states require them to obtain further education. There is a number of CPE hours required each year, which is outlined on a state-by-state basis.

Getting an idea of how many continuing education hours you need to complete each year can be found in your state's CPA licensure requirements. There may be expectations about which courses you will take. Accounting and auditing courses require a minimum of eight hours.

2. Fulfilling CPE Credits

The need for CPE credits goes beyond state boards. Most accounting firms require you to maintain your AICPA membership. Maintaining your membership requires you to complete TN CPA CPE Requirements, i.e. 120 CPE course hours every 36 months.

According to the AICPA, CPE hours can be earned through formal education programs or self-study programs. Many CPAs now use online learning and self-study programs to meet their CPE requirements. Any CPA who is already working full-time in an accounting firm will also benefit from online CPE courses.

3. Continuing Education Can Increase Earning Potential

Continuing education makes a CPA's career more secure and increases their earnings potential. When you become an AICPA member, you become more trustworthy as a new employee. If you were not a member of the AICPA, you might have had trouble getting your foot in the door.

4. CPA Continuing Education Helps You Work Better

By taking CPA continuing education courses online, you can further improve your skills as a professional. Having access to everything under the sun means you can build your resume endlessly. 

You can tailor your learning to fit the technical specifications of a prospective employer by scoping out an opening at a reputable firm. Additionally, keeping up with tax issues, laws, and loopholes will make you a more efficient CPA.

How can Tennessee CPAs earn CPE?

In Tennessee, CPAs can earn CPE through various methods. The Tennessee State Board of Accountancy has specific requirements and guidelines for CPE compliance. Here are some common ways Tennessee CPAs can earn CPE:

  • Formal Programs: CPAs can attend structured educational programs such as conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars that are designed to enhance their professional knowledge and skills. These programs often offer CPE credits based on the duration of the training.
  • Self-Study Courses: CPAs can complete self-study TN CPA CPE courses, including online courses, textbooks, or interactive software. These courses should be from qualified providers and cover relevant accounting and auditing topics. CPAs must pass an examination or complete a self-assessment to earn CPE credits.
  • University or College Courses: CPAs can enroll in academic courses at universities or colleges that are relevant to their professional practice. Each semester credit hour of coursework generally equates to a specific number of CPE credits.
  • Teaching or Presenting: CPAs can earn CPE credits by teaching or presenting on accounting or business-related topics. The credits earned are typically based on the duration of the teaching or presentation, plus additional preparation time.
  • Authoring Published Materials: CPAs can write articles, books, or other publications related to accounting or finance. The credits earned depend on the material's length and complexity.
  • In-House Training: CPAs employed in public accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies may earn CPE credits for participating in training programs organised by their employer. The training must meet certain criteria set by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy.
  • Tennessee CPAs must keep track of their CPE credits and ensure compliance with the state board's requirements. CPAs must report their CPE activities when renewing their licenses to maintain their active status and continue practising as a CPA in Tennessee.

MY-CPE: The Ultimate Platform To Fulfill Your TN CPA CPE Credit Requirements!

MY-CPE is an online platform that offers a comprehensive catalog of CPE courses for CPAs, allowing them to conveniently earn CPE credits. With a variety of interactive courses covering topics like accounting, auditing, taxation, and ethics, myCPE provides flexibility and convenience. Along with this, we have a complete package for Tennessee CPA CPE. This package contains all Tennessee CPA CPE requirements in one place

MY-CPE serves as a valuable resource for CPAs to fulfill their CPE credit requirements effectively. Once you become MY-CPE member, you will get complete access to 12,000+ hours of courses.

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FAQs

1. Can TN CPAs carry over credits from one cycle to the next?

Yes, Tennessee CPAs can carry over up to 24 hours of CPE into the next reporting cycle. Carry over credit cannot be used to satisfy the minimum hours per year requirement.

2. What minimum hours must a TN CPA complete each year?

Tennessee CPAs must complete at least 20 hours of CPE annually.

3. How many CPE credits do Tennessee CPAs need to complete?

Tennessee CPAs are required to complete 80 CPE credit hours within a two-year reporting period.

4. Are there any specific TN CPA CPE credit requirements for ethics?

Yes, Tennessee CPAs must fulfill 4 hours of ethics CPE credits per reporting period.

5. Can online courses count towards CPE credits?

Yes, online courses can count towards CPE credits as long as they are offered by approved CPE providers and meet the requirements set by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy.

6. Are there any limitations on the types of courses that can be taken for CPE credits?

The Tennessee State Board of Accountancy typically allows CPAs to choose from a wide range of courses related to accounting, auditing, taxation, ethics, and other relevant topics. However, it's important to ensure that the courses taken are approved by the board.

7. How long do CPAs need to keep records of CPE courses?

Records of CPE courses completed by Tennessee CPAs are generally required to be kept for at least five years. In order to conduct an audit, the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy may request these records.

8. Are there specific subject requirements for CPE credits in Tennessee? 

Tennessee does not require specific subject matter for CPE credits. It is important for CPAs to cover a wide range of topics relevant to their profession, such as accounting, auditing, taxation, ethics, business law, and others.

9. Are self-study courses limited for CPAs? 

Self-study courses are allowed in Tennessee up to 40 CPE credits within two years. An approved CPE sponsor must provide courses that are interactive, have examination mechanisms, and provide examinations or testing mechanisms.

10. Can I earn CPE credits for teaching or presenting?

Yes, Tennessee offers CPE credits for teaching and presenting relevant accounting and related topics. A presenter or teacher may claim up to twice the CPE credits awarded.

Allen Smith
Allen Smith
Learning Consultant

The Authors, Allen Smith is a Practicing Certified public accountant and senior vice president at myCPE – Continuing Education Platform for Professionals. He understands the current needs of the education domain and strategies for the presenters to adapt the new changes.

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