What is CPE (Continuing Professional Education) for CPAs?

Still logging your hours, or actually growing your career?

That’s the real question behind the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirement for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

If you’re a CPA juggling deadlines, client demands, and industry changes, staying current is more than just a box to check—it’s survival. And that's exactly where CPE steps in.

In this blog, you’ll discover what CPE is, why it matters, how to earn CPE credits, and where to get the best CPE for accountants. Plus, we'll show you where to find reliable, affordable courses to simplify your journey.

Let’s break it down.

What Is CPE?

CPE—short for Continuing Professional Education—is an ongoing learning requirement for professionals like CPAs, auditors, and accountants. It ensures they maintain competence, keep up with regulatory changes, and grow their expertise in a fast-evolving industry.

Think of it like a career tune-up. Just as a car needs regular maintenance, CPAs need regular learning to stay roadworthy.

Why CPE Matters for CPAs

• Stay compliant with state boards and AICPA guidelines

• Gain new skills in areas like forensic accounting, AI in finance, or ESG reporting

• Maintain client trust by showing up informed and confident

• Avoid penalties and possible license suspension

In short, CPE keeps you sharp, credible, and compliant.

CPE Credits for CPAs: How It Works

CPE is measured in credits or hours. Typically, one hour of instruction = one CPE credit. The number of hours required varies depending on your state board or licensing body.

Here’s a quick overview:

Requirement	Typical Range
Annual CPE Hours	20–40 hours
Reporting Cycle	1–3 years
Ethics Requirement	2–4 hours (per cycle)
Formats Accepted	Live webinars, self-study, conferences, nano learning

To make sure you're meeting your requirements, always check with your State Board of Accountancy.

Common CPE Categories:

• Accounting and Auditing

• Ethics and Regulatory

• Taxes (Federal, State)

• Business Management & Organization

• Information Technology

Where to Get CPE Credits (Without the Hassle)

You have options, but not all are equal. Some are expensive. Others are outdated. And some are just... plain boring.

Here’s what modern CPAs prefer:

✅ Self-paced online CPE for flexibility
✅ Live webinars for interactive learning and real-time credit
✅ CPE subscriptions to save money and access a wide catalog
✅ Mobile learning so you can earn credits during commutes or travel

Real-World Example: How CPE Helped a CPA Level Up

Meet Jessica, a CPA from Ohio with 10 years of experience. She was stuck in routine tax prep work and wanted to pivot into fraud examination and forensic accounting.

Through a series of targeted CPE courses in fraud detection and data analytics, she earned her CFE credential, expanded her services, and doubled her client base in under 18 months.

Her secret? She used an all-in-one CPE platform that:

• Recommended courses based on her goals

• Tracked her state requirements automatically

• Delivered content on-demand so she could learn on weekends

CPE isn't just about compliance—it’s a career upgrade.

Choosing the Right CPE for Accountants

Not every CPE course is created equal. As an accountant, you need courses that are:

• Relevant to your practice

• Approved by NASBA or your state board

• Taught by experienced instructors

• Easy to access on any device

Checklist to Evaluate a CPE Provider:

• ? Is it NASBA-approved?

• ? Does it offer self-paced + live options?

• ? Can I track my credits automatically?

• ? Is the content updated for current laws/regulations?

• ? Does it offer value for money?

Platforms like MYCPE ONE check all these boxes and more—plus they offer packages designed specifically for CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Tax Professionals.

Future Trends in CPE: What's Coming Next?

As the accounting world evolves, so does CPE. Here’s what’s trending:

• AI & Automation Training: CPAs need to understand the tools changing their industry

• ESG Reporting: Environmental, Social, and Governance knowledge is in demand

• Cybersecurity & Risk Management: Especially for auditors and consultants

• Microlearning (Nano CPE): 10-minute learning bites that count as credits

The future of CPE is on-demand, hyper-relevant, and tech-driven.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Get CPE—Get Ahead

You now know what is CPE, why it’s essential, and how it can power your CPA career forward. Whether you're trying to meet a deadline or develop new skills, the right CPE provider makes all the difference.

Don't just earn credits—gain confidence, capability, and a competitive edge.