Guide To CPE Credits For CPAs And Accountants
Everything You Need to Know to Stay Compliant, Competitive, and CPE-Certified
Whether you're a seasoned CPA or a newly licensed accountant, you know one thing for sure — your professional journey doesn't stop with the license. In fact, staying certified and relevant means one thing: earning your CPE credits consistently.
But let’s be honest — figuring out how to earn, track, and make the most of your CPE for CPAs can be confusing, time-consuming, and downright frustrating. So, we’ve created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about CPE credits for CPAs, including practical steps to earn them efficiently and affordably.
Let’s get started.
Why Are CPE Credits Important for CPAs?
CPE, or Continuing Professional Education, is more than just a regulatory requirement. It’s your opportunity to stay ahead of financial, tax, and accounting trends that are constantly evolving.
Here's what CPE does for you:
- Keeps your CPA license active
Most state boards require 40 hours of CPE annually (or 80 hours biennially) — fall behind, and you could risk license suspension.
- Improves your credibility
Clients and employers value professionals who stay current with industry updates.
- Gives you a competitive edge
From AI in accounting to ESG reporting, staying educated means staying relevant.
What Exactly Are CPE Credits for CPAs?
Think of CPE credits as your professional development points. Each hour you spend learning about approved topics earns you one credit. For example:
- 1 hour of a live webinar = 1 CPE credit
- 2 hours of a self-study course = 2 CPE credits
- 4-hour virtual conference = 4 CPE credits
You’ll need to track these carefully, as each state board has its own CPE credit requirements.
Types of CPE Courses You Can Take
You’re not limited to dry textbooks or in-person seminars. In 2025, CPE for CPAs is flexible and digital.
Choose from:
- Live Webinars – Great for interaction and real-time Q&A
- On-Demand Courses – Learn at your own pace, anytime
- Virtual Conferences – Dive deep into trending topics
- Podcasts with CPE Credit – Learn on the go
- Nano Learning – Quick lessons with instant impact
Common Topics Covered in CPA Continuing Education
The world of accounting is ever-changing. Your CPE credits ensure you're up to speed.
Popular course categories include:
- Ethics & Professional Conduct (Mandatory in most states)
- Taxation & IRS Updates
- Financial Reporting & GAAP
- Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
- Technology in Accounting (e.g., AI, Blockchain)
- Fraud Prevention & Forensic Accounting
Pro tip: Don’t wait until the end of your reporting cycle. Pace your learning and plan your schedule in advance.
Top Platforms to Earn Your CPA CPE Credits
There are dozens of platforms, but not all offer the same experience. For reliability, affordability, and course variety, here are the best:
- MYCPE ONE – Offers over 15,000+ hours of CPE content, across every category and state requirement.
- Surgent CPE – Focused on tax and audit CPE.
- Becker – Premium platform with a strong reputation.
- Illumeo – Popular with finance teams and internal auditors.
- Gleim – Best for exam prep with some CPE offerings.
Conclusion
Earning your CPE credits for CPAs doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right platform, a bit of planning, and engaging content, you can turn continuing education into an opportunity — not a chore.
Whether you’re brushing up on new tax laws, diving into blockchain accounting, or just checking off your ethics requirement, one platform makes it easy.
About the Creator
Parth Shah, CPA
Finance expert with 10+ years of experience in accounting and taxation. Helping individuals and businesses navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity, precision, and strategic insight.
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UniversityGPT: In Defence of Gen-Z in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Every generation is shaped—and judged—by the tools it adopts. From the printing press to the calculator, from the internet to smartphones, technological change has always been met with suspicion. Today, that suspicion has a new name: UniversityGPT. As AI-powered tools become increasingly common in academic spaces, Gen-Z finds itself under fire. Critics argue that students are “outsourcing thinking,” undermining academic integrity, and becoming intellectually dependent. Yet these arguments reveal more about the fear of change than about the realities of modern learning. Defending Gen-Z is not about excusing laziness—it is about recognizing evolution. Understanding Gen-Z: A Generation Born into Complexity Gen-Z, generally defined as those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is the first generation to grow up in a fully digital, globally connected world. Unlike Millennials, who witnessed the rise of the internet, Gen-Z was born into it. But technology is only one part of their story. This generation came of age during: Global financial instability Climate change emergencies Political polarization A worldwide pandemic Rising tuition fees and student debt An unpredictable job market They inherited a world that is faster, harsher, and more demanding than ever before. To expect them to navigate this reality using outdated educational models is unrealistic. Gen-Z is not disengaged. They are overloaded. The Rise of UniversityGPT and Academic Anxiety UniversityGPT has become a lightning rod in debates about AI in education. For many educators and commentators, it represents everything that feels out of control: automation, speed, and the erosion of traditional authority. But history shows us a pattern. When calculators were introduced, students were accused of “forgetting math.” When Google became common, students were accused of “not researching properly.” When spell-checkers appeared, writing was said to be “dead.” None of these fears came true. Instead, expectations shifted. UniversityGPT is not the enemy of learning—it is the next phase of it. AI Does Not Replace Thinking—It Changes Where Thinking Happens One of the most persistent myths about AI tools is that they eliminate critical thinking. In reality, they reposition it. When students use UniversityGPT responsibly, they still must: Frame intelligent questions Assess the accuracy of responses Compare multiple viewpoints Edit, refine, and personalize ideas Apply concepts to real-world contexts AI generates information. Humans generate meaning. In fact, effective AI use requires higher-order thinking skills such as evaluation, synthesis, and judgment—skills that traditional rote learning rarely develops. Knowledge Is No Longer Scarce—Insight Is Previous generations learned in a world where access to information was limited. Libraries, textbooks, and lectures were gatekeepers of knowledge. Gen-Z lives in a different reality. Information is abundant. What is scarce is: Context Interpretation Ethical judgment Creativity UniversityGPT helps students move past mechanical tasks and focus on deeper understanding. This is not intellectual laziness—it is strategic efficiency. In a world driven by speed and complexity, efficiency is not a shortcut. It is survival. Outdated Education Systems Are the Real Crisis Much of the criticism aimed at Gen-Z ignores a fundamental truth: education systems have not evolved at the same pace as the world. Many universities still rely on: Memorization-based exams Rigid curricula One-size-fits-all assessments Minimal mental health support Underpaid and overworked faculty Students are expected to perform at elite levels within systems designed for a pre-digital era. Gen-Z did not create these contradictions—they exposed them. UniversityGPT gained popularity because it fills gaps left by institutional stagnation. Academic Integrity in the Age of AI The conversation around AI often centers on cheating. But cheating is not new—technology did not invent dishonesty. What AI does demand is new definitions of integrity. Instead of banning AI outright, institutions should be teaching: Ethical AI use Citation and transparency Critical evaluation of AI-generated content Responsible collaboration between human and machine Punishment-based approaches ignore reality. Education-based approaches prepare students for the future. Gen-Z understands that AI is not going away. They want guidance, not fear. Gen-Z and the Courage to Question Authority One reason Gen-Z unsettles traditional systems is simple: they ask uncomfortable questions. They question: Why education is increasingly expensive Why unpaid internships are normalized Why productivity is prioritized over wellbeing Why outdated traditions are protected without evidence UniversityGPT empowers this questioning by giving students faster access to knowledge and alternative perspectives. This is not rebellion—it is intellectual independence. Mental Health Awareness Is Not Weakness Another common criticism is that Gen-Z is “too sensitive.” In reality, they are simply more honest. They speak openly about: Anxiety Burnout Depression Emotional exhaustion Previous generations were taught to endure silently. Gen-Z chooses to address problems openly. UniversityGPT can reduce academic stress by: Helping organize thoughts Clarifying complex material Reducing time pressure Supporting non-native English speakers Using AI to manage cognitive load is not weakness—it is self-care. A healthy mind is essential for meaningful learning. Adaptation Is the Highest Form of Intelligence Human history favors those who adapt. Gen-Z is preparing for a future where: AI is embedded in every profession Jobs evolve constantly Lifelong learning is essential Collaboration with machines is normal Learning how to work with AI is not optional—it is foundational. UniversityGPT is not a threat to intelligence. It is a training ground for the future. The Real Question About AI in Education Instead of asking: “Why are students using AI tools like UniversityGPT?” We should be asking: “Why hasn’t education evolved to teach ethical, effective AI collaboration?” Blaming students for adapting faster than institutions is misplaced frustration. Gen-Z is not the problem. They are the preview. In Defence of Gen-Z Gen-Z is not lazy. They are overwhelmed—but resilient. Not entitled—but informed. Not disengaged—but redefining engagement. UniversityGPT does not weaken their minds. It reflects a world where intelligence is distributed, tools are powerful, and adaptability determines success. History is rarely kind to pioneers in the moment. But it is always shaped by them. When the future finally arrives, it will look remarkably like the world Gen-Z is already navigating—and mastering.
By Zahid Hussain2 days ago in Education
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