The Ultimate Guide to Texas CPA Ethics CPE Compliance

To maintain an active CPA license in Texas, professionals must complete a 4-hour Texas CPA ethics course every two years. This course must be approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) and focus on ethical reasoning, professional conduct, and the TSBPA's Rules of Professional Conduct.

Direct Answer Summary: Texas CPAs must complete a 4-hour board-approved ethics CPE course every two years as part of their license renewal. This course must focus on ethical reasoning and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.

Key Requirements:

• Must be a 4-hour standalone ethics course.
• Course must be approved by the TSBPA.
• Ethics course must be taken every two years.
• Cannot be combined with other CPE subjects.

For full details, refer to the official TSBPA page.

Why Texas CPA Ethics Courses Are Critical

CPA professionals are held to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct. Ethics CPE ensures that CPAs maintain their credibility, public trust, and professional reputation.

Benefits of Ethics CPE:

• Prevents ethical violations that may lead to penalties or license suspension.
• Keeps you current with state-specific ethics laws and industry regulations.
• Enhances your professional judgment and decision-making ability.
• Strengthens trust with clients and the general public.

In an age where corporate fraud and unethical practices are under intense scrutiny, completing your Texas CPA CPE ethics course is more than a checkbox—it's a professional necessity.

Choosing the Best Texas CPA Ethics Course

When it comes to choosing the best Texas CPA ethics course, quality matters. Not all courses are created equal, and it's vital to ensure you’re learning from a reputable provider that meets the state’s requirements.

What to Look For:

TSBPA-approved course: Only approved providers count toward your Texas CPE requirements.

• Engaging format: Choose between live webinars, self-paced online modules, or in-person classes.
• Real-world examples: Case studies improve practical understanding.
• Expert instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals who understand the unique challenges Texas CPAs face.

One trusted provider that checks all these boxes is MYCPE ONE, offering a range of compliant and convenient courses for CPAs in Texas.

Why Choose a Texas CPA Ethics Course Online?

An increasing number of CPAs prefer taking their Texas CPA ethics course online due to flexibility and convenience. You can learn at your own pace, revisit challenging sections, and meet your requirements from the comfort of home or office.

Advantages of Online Ethics CPE:

• 24/7 accessibility and self-paced learning
• Immediate certificate delivery upon completion
• Mobile-friendly platforms
• Lower cost compared to in-person classes

Online learning platforms like MYCPE ONE offer on-demand courses that meet Texas Board requirements and come with excellent reviews.

Ethics CPE for CFP Professionals

If you’re a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), ethics training is also mandatory. The CPE for CFP designation includes a 2-hour CFP Board-approved ethics course every two years.

While separate from the CPA requirements, CFP professionals can benefit from platforms that offer both CPA and CFP-compliant ethics content. myCPE provides bundled solutions to help multi-credentialed professionals stay compliant.

Real-World Case: What Happens Without Compliance?

In 2022, a Texas CPA was fined and placed under probation for failing to complete their ethics CPE on time. The TSBPA made an example of the case to reinforce the importance of ethics compliance (source).

This underscores the risks of non-compliance:

• Financial penalties
• License suspension or revocation
• Damage to professional reputation

Don’t risk your career—complete your ethics requirement before the deadline.

How to Track Your Ethics CPE Credits

To stay compliant:

• Use a tracking spreadsheet or app
• Set calendar reminders for renewal dates
• Always double-check TSBPA approval before enrolling in a course

CPE for CFP®s: Is the Texas CPA Ethics Course Applicable?

If you're a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) who also holds a CPA license in Texas, you may be wondering whether your ethics coursework can satisfy requirements for both credentials.

The answer: It depends.

While the Texas CPA ethics course is highly specific to state board rules, some content overlaps with CFP® Board requirements. However, the CFP® Board generally mandates a course focused on fiduciary responsibility and Code of Ethics.

Tips for Dual-License Holders:

• Check with both boards: Requirements can change.
• Look for dual-approved providers: Some courses are cross-listed.
• Track hours separately: Just in case you need to submit documentation for both boards.

For CFP® ethics-specific credits, check your provider’s course listings to ensure compliance.

Final Thoughts

The Texas CPA ethics course is more than just a box to check—it's a tool to help you act with integrity, make better decisions, and protect your license. By choosing a reputable provider like myCPE, you ensure you're meeting all the requirements while also gaining practical insights you can apply to your career.

Texas CPA CPE Ethics Course FAQs

1. How often do I need to take the Texas CPA ethics course?

Every two years as part of your license renewal process.

2. Can I take the course online?

Yes, as long as the provider is approved by the TSBPA.

3. How do I know if a course is TSBPA-approved?

Check the course description or contact the provider directly. Approved courses will clearly state their compliance with Texas regulations.

4. Can the ethics hours count toward my total CPE requirement?

Yes. The 4-hour ethics course counts toward your total 120-hour biennial requirement.