Like other professionals, CPAs must take up continuing education to maintain their license. Accounting norms and taxing laws/regulations change every year, and accountants are expected to keep up with these developments, which is why Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses are so important. In this post, we will talk about CPE for accounts and other things that matter.
Understand your state requirements
Continuing Professional Education requirements vary by state. For example, Wisconsin CPAs don’t need any CPE. In most other states, accountants are expected to cover at least 20 hours of continuing education per calendar year, with an average of 40 hours. Now, the license renewal term can also vary by state. In case the license renewal period is 3 years, you will need to complete 120 CPE hours. Before anything else, you need to know the requirements for your state, as mentioned by regulatory authorities. If you have any confusion, you can check websites like Cpethink.com for information or talk to fellow colleagues and CPAs.
Start early
You can complete CPE requirements by attending live seminars and traditional classes, but most working accountants don’t have the time for such kind of learning. CPAs usually prefer online courses, which are easy to access and can be completed at one’s own convenience. There are reputed websites that even offer free CPE courses, which can come quite handy, especially for accountants who want to learn for professional growth and career expansion. To complete your credits on time, it is best to start early. You need to find time for regular learning, instead of waiting for the last minute. All you need is a few hours each week, which can be weekends or any other suitable time. Don’t take CE requirements lightly. Missing credits can mean suspension or even revocation of your license.
What else to know?
CPE is ideal for long-term career growth. You can gain specialized knowledge on skills that actually matter for you. If you are looking for online courses to improve your career as a CGFM® or CMA, it is best to review the right sites. Check with fellow CPAs to know their preferred portals, or else, you can access these portals directly to compare the inclusions and courses offered. To find out more about your state requirements, follow your state CPA society. Also, do note that you need to report CPE information annually in some states, but there can be random audits, and it is best to be prepared.
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