MYCPE ONE
Summary

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.

Certified Public Accountants (CPA) need Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to keep their licenses, improve their skills, and keep pace with changes happening in 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, also known as CPEs, 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 stands for Continuing Professional Education and is a crucial component of maintaining professional competence in the accounting field.

What is CPE Credits?

CPE is measured in “credits” or “hours.” Each credit represents a certain amount of study or instruction time. Here's what you need to know about cpe credit hours:

  • 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 on topics like artificial intelligence in accounting
  • Self-study learning programs 
  • Workshops and seminars on emerging technologies
  • Teaching or publishing in accounting topics
  • Independent study options in areas like data science for finance

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

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How Many CPE Credits Do CPAs Need?

CPE credit hour requirements 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: 

Failing to meet the compliance requirements can lead to license suspension or penalties, so it’s important to plan ahead and understand your cpe credit requirements.

CPE for CPAs and Other Designations 

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 as part of your cpe certification.

CPE for CPAs and Other Designations

CPE for CPAs 

Licensed CPAs need to complete 120 hours of continuing education over three years under AICPA rules. But state boards may have additional requirements. 

Explore further: CPA CPE Requirements 

CPE for CMAs 

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) expects CMAs to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPE each year, including two hours focused on ethics.

 Explore further: CMA CPE Requirements 

CPE for EAs

Enrolled agents must earn 72 hours of CPE credits over 36 months, with at least 16 hours required each 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

Types of CPE 

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 select courses that match your learning preferences, fit into your schedule, and align with your career objectives:  

  • Live Webinars & Virtual Conferences: Join live, online sessions that cover the latest updates in accounting, tax, and finance. 


  • Self-Study Courses: Learn at your own pace with on demand courses. Start and finish whenever it suits your schedule. 


  • Conferences and Seminars: Attend in-depth learning events either in person or online, which also provide opportunities to network with other professionals. 


  • Certification Programs: Gain advanced knowledge and skills in specialized areas of accounting through structured programs designed for professional growth.


  • Workshops & In-person Events: A well-crafted session held in a physical setting for interactive learning on topics like business valuation.


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


  • 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. Many of these options fall under continuing education programs designed specifically for accounting professionals.

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 accredited courses:: 

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 and accepted in your state as an approved cpe provider.

What Are the Most Popular CPE Course Topics

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.

How to Plan Your CPE Journey Effectively? 

A good CPE plan saves you time, reduces stress and keeps you moving in the right direction.

Here’s a simple checklist: 

Tracking Your CPE

State Boards of Accountancy require you to report your CPE credits during license renewal periods. A CPE tracker helps you stay on top of required credit hours and long-term education goals. 

Technical vs Non-Technical

CPE credits fall into two main categories: technical and non-technical.

Right CPE Provider

These credits cover topics tied to accounting like auditing, financial reporting, and taxation. CPAs need technical CPE to keep the main skills essential to their work sharp.

Non-Technical CPE

These focus on skills that improve a CPA’s career growth. Subjects like ethics, communication, and leadership fall in this category. Non-technical CPE helps a CPA perform better in their job.

Choosing the Right CPE Provider

Choosing a trusted provider matters to get quality and useful training in the field. Look for providers that offer a wide range of cpe classes and learning formats to suit your needs.

Comprehensive Course Offerings

Our platform provides more than 15,000 courses approved by the NASBA and State Boards. These courses cover many subjects and areas of expertise. If you need to meet certain state guidelines or wish to explore various topics, we are here to help. 

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’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.

Advanced Certification Programs

You can boost your expertise with our 100+ advanced certification programs. These programs come with your subscription offering both great value and in-depth learning opportunities. 

Inbuilt CPE Tracker

Track your CPE credits with ease using our built-in CPE tracker. This tool makes it simple to keep up with and report your CPE activities, so you can stay worry-free. 

Affordable and Accessible

We work hard to make continuing education both budget-friendly and easy to access for all CPAs. Our platform provides top-notch CPE materials at unbeatable value helping you meet your learning needs without spending too much money. 

Experience the Difference

Join the community of professionals counting on us to meet their continuing education goals. Check out our wide selection of CPE courses and see why CPAs choose us first for affordable and excellent continuing education.  

Conclusion 

CPE is not just something to tick off a list. It helps you stay skilled up-to-date, and achieve success in your accounting career.

You might want to maintain your license, advance within your firm, or step into advisory or leadership positions. CPE supports your progress every step of the way.

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.

FAQs

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.

Imtiaz Munshi, CPA

Imtiaz Munshi, CPA

CFO, AZSTEC LLC

Imtiaz Munshi, CPA (US), is the CFO at Azstec, LLC and a trusted advisor to high-net-worth entrepreneurs. A seasoned tax planner and a business strategist with his 25 years of experience, he helps businesses grow smarter and stronger. Imtiaz specializes in guiding entrepreneurs and enterprises through complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. His passion lies in simplifying strategy, optimizing tax outcomes, and driving sustainable growth. Through his work and thought leadership, Imtiaz continues to empower CPAs and business owners to stay ahead in an evolving financial landscape shaped by AI, ESG, and data-driven change.

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