Which CPE Providers Offer Free CPE Courses for Accountants?

Need free CPE for accountants that delivers quality content? We get it - you shouldn't have to empty your wallet to keep your professional credentials current.

Great news - quality free CPE courses are more accessible to more people than ever. Some platforms offer over 15,000 hours of content while others cover 500+ subject areas. On top of that, many services have approval from 25+ regulatory bodies, so your credits count toward your requirements.

Our CPA background helped us find the best free CPE credits for accountants and CPAs. This piece covers everything from specialized accounting CPE courses to programs that let you earn up to 100+ CPE/CPD credits without spending money. We've assessed providers from MYCPE ONE to the Illumeo and everything in between.

Let's take a closer look at the top 5 providers that offer legitimate, high-quality free CPE courses. These programs will help you stay current with your credentials and keep your professional knowledge sharp.

MYCPE ONE

MYCPE ONE has emerged as a solid platform that gives accounting professionals access to quality CPA CPE credits. This provider's mission focuses on delivering detailed continuing education, and it's become quite popular among accountants looking for both free and paid CPE options.

MYCPE ONE Features

MYCPE ONE's library has more than 15,000 hours of CPE-approved content that covers 500+ subject areas. You'll find everything from accounting and taxation to finance, HR, and technology topics here. The platform also has 50+ state-specific ethics courses, so you're covered whatever your location.

Here's what makes MYCPE ONE stand out:

• Live webinars where you can interact with instructors
• On-demand videos you can watch at your own pace
• Audio podcasts perfect for busy professionals
• E-books if you like to read
• Virtual conferences that take deep dives into topics

The platform makes compliance management a breeze with several useful tools. You can store all your CPE certificates in one place with their Certificate Vault, even ones you earned elsewhere. Their Compliance Tracker keeps tabs on your progress toward state requirements, and the mobile app lets you learn wherever you are.

The team works with over 700 expert instructors to create high-quality educational content. The results speak for themselves - 80% of their courses get ratings of 4.5 or higher out of 5, suggesting users really love what they're getting.

MYCPE ONE Free CPE Courses

While it's mainly a subscription service, MYCPE ONE lets accountants try several free CPA CPE courses to test the waters. These NASBA-approved free courses are available through special registration links.

Their most popular free courses include:

• Navigating the Ever-changing Internal Audit World (1 credit, 4.6 rating)
• Analysis of IRS Transcripts (1 credit, 4.6 rating)
• Predictive Accounting: Driver-Based Budgeting and Rolling Financial Forecasts (1 credit, 4.5 rating)
• Big Data Analytics in Enhancing Financial Statement Analysis (1 credit, 4.5 rating)

The free trial gives you access to hundreds of webinars and on-demand sessions. You'll just need a paid subscription to download certificates.

MYCPE ONE Pricing

The pricing structure is simple with two main options:

• Silver Plan: USD 199.00/year - Full access to their 15,000+ course library, compliance tools, and mobile app
• Gold Plan: USD 299.00/year - Everything in Silver plus premium content

Each plan starts with a 7-day free trial. MYCPE ONE offers great value compared to others in the market - the yearly subscription costs nowhere near what Surgent (USD 899.00/year), Illumeo (USD 399.00/year), or Becker (USD 799.00/year) charge.

The pricing looks even better since you get unlimited access to all courses without extra fees. Users can save up to 80% compared to traditional pay-per-course options.

Also read: How to Earn CPA CPE Credits While Working Full-Time

Illumeo

Illumeo stands out as the best option for accountants who just need both free and premium CPE solutions. This 10-year-old provider's extensive library and intuitive platform make it a trusted resource for accounting professionals who want to keep their credentials up to date.

Illumeo Features

The platform has an impressive collection of over 3,000 self-study courses and live webinars that cover all NASBA-recommended study areas. You'll find content in significant domains like audit, tax, risk management, advisory services, ethics, Excel skills, and data analysis.

The platform's greatest strength lies in its instructor quality. More than 200 active instructors, all senior practitioners in their fields, create and deliver content. Their expertise shows in the course quality - the average course has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 200,000 reviews.

The platform goes beyond standard courses with several unique features:

• Professional certification support for CPA, CMA, CIA, CRMA, CTP, FP&A, CISA, and many other designations
• Detailed CPE tracking tools that monitor credits from Illumeo and external providers
• Self-assessment tools that spot knowledge gaps and suggest relevant courses
• Micro certification programs in specialized areas like Data Analytics, SOX, Revenue Recognition, and Blockchain Applications

Organizations benefit from strong LMS capabilities that include user hierarchy management, company-wide CPE compliance tracking, and powerful reporting modules. The platform works well for both individual professionals and accounting firms that want simplified CPE management.

Illumeo Free CPE Courses

You can access free CPE content through several channels:

The platform offers a "Free CPE Course of the Month" that changes regularly, letting accountants sample their premium content. They also run many free CPE webinars throughout the year, including ethics-specific sessions that help meet specialized requirements.

These free webinars are valuable because:

• Expert instructors who create premium content teach them
• You can ask questions directly to instructors
• They cover core professional areas like Finance, Accounting, Internal Audit, and HR
• The content focuses purely on education without sales pitches

These free offerings showcase Illumeo's teaching quality and platform capabilities. While free trial courses don't give CPE certificates, a subscription lets you revisit these courses and get credits after completing assessments.

llumeo Pricing

The platform offers four subscription tiers to fit different CPE needs:

Premium+ Subscription: $399/year

• Access to 3,000+ CPE courses including premium content
• Over 120 live CPE webinars (80+ premium)
• Exclusive Premium+ webinars with in-depth topic discussions
• Unlimited CPE credits
• Compliance tracking for all 50 states

Premium Subscription: $299/year

• Access to 2,000+ CPE courses including 50+ premium resources
• 80+ hours of premium webinars
• Coverage across all NASBA study areas including Ethics
• Detailed compliance tracking

Illumeo often runs promotional discounts. Their "illum15" coupon code gives you 15% off subscription prices.

The platform's unlimited credit model can save you money compared to per-credit purchases from other providers. This makes it a great choice for professionals who need many CPE hours each year.

You can try Illumeo's free CPE webinars before committing to a subscription. These webinars give you a good feel for what the platform offers without spending money.

Also read: 5 Top-Rated Online CPE Platforms CPAs Actually Use in 2025

Surgent

Surgent has been a trusted provider of CPE for accountants and financial professionals since 1985. Their extensive library offers courses with various formats and expert instruction.

Surgent Features

Surgent ranks among the most complete CPE providers with an impressive catalog of 10,000+ credit hours. Their library has more than 1,500 CPE webinars, and they add at least 15 new courses monthly. Finding relevant content becomes straightforward, whatever your specialization.

Surgent's dedication to currency sets them apart. They lead the market with updated content as tax laws change or new legislation affects the industry. This means you'll learn the latest information rather than outdated concepts.

The platform adapts to different learning priorities with multiple formats:

• Live webinars with Q&A chances
• On-demand webcasts for flexibility
• Self-study PDF courses for independent learners

More than 50 industry-expert instructors make up Surgent's faculty, and they consistently earn high ratings. Their instructors achieve 4.6+ star ratings regularly, and many receive perfect 5-star reviews. Better learning experiences result directly from this quality instruction.

Surgent's accessibility adds another benefit. They schedule daily events in all time zones, including Saturdays. This helps busy professionals fit CPE into their packed schedules.

Surgent Free CPE Courses

Surgent offers select free CPE to introduce accountants to their platform. New customers receive a complimentary 2-hour CE course. Tax preparers and Enrolled Agents can start their continuing education requirements without spending money.

The special demo package includes three popular CE courses:

• Tax Practitioner Regulations, Penalties, and Security
• Responding to the IRS
• Employment Taxes

Professionals can pick the course that matches their interests and earn IRS-approved continuing education credit. This represents a real chance to earn qualifying CPE, not just preview the platform.

New users value these free courses because they maintain Surgent's premium quality standards. Each course reflects current regulations and suits busy professionals who want practical knowledge.

Surgent Pricing

Three primary subscription tiers make up Surgent's pricing structure:

Unlimited PLUS - $899/year

• Access to 10,000+ credits across all formats
• 8,500+ credits from 2,100+ live webinars
• 1,300+ credits from on-demand webcasts
• 1,000+ credits from self-study downloads
• Exclusive access to premium and gamified courses

Unlimited Webinars - $749/year

• Access to 8,000+ credits
• 2,000+ live webinars annually
• Downloadable course content

Surgent's subscriptions offer more than their competitors. Each package has key courses like tax updates, general and state-specific ethics, plus advanced and specialized topics.

Professional associations often provide discounts. Some state CPA society members can get the Unlimited Plus package for $675—a 25% savings off retail pricing.

Every subscription comes with "Easy Renew" that automatically extends your access yearly at the same price, though you can opt out anytime. Your CPE course access stays uninterrupted throughout your career.

Accounting firms can choose specialized firm packages with flexible access options starting at 100 CPE hours. This makes Surgent scalable for practices of any size.

AICPA

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) stands as the nation's leading professional organization for CPAs. Members receive substantial continuing education benefits while the organization champions their interests and sets industry standards.

AICPA Features

AICPA's educational platform excels through its expert knowledge base and regulatory influence. The organization created multiple learning formats that meet diverse professional needs:

• CPExpress - A detailed online learning resource with hundreds of hours of CPE in bite-sized 1-2 credit courses that help build targeted knowledge
• Webcast Pass subscription - Members get access to hundreds of interactive webcasts on current topics from industry leaders and regulators
• Certificate programs - Specialized credentials in emerging areas like cybersecurity, blockchain, data analytics, and personal finance planning

AICPA Free CPE Courses

Members now get an impressive 30 hours of complimentary CPE. This benefit brings great value when compared to typical per-credit pricing in the industry.

Members can access these free CPE offerings:

• Town Hall Series - Earn up to 24 free CPE credits yearly through expert-led events on current industry topics
• Transformative Skills Pack - Get 6 free CPE credits while developing in-demand technical competencies
• Ethics courses - Two free self-study courses in behavioral ethics available to everyone, offering 2 CPE credits each

AICPA Pricing

The organization bases its pricing on membership and conference participation:

Each membership tier includes 30 hours of free CPE. This offers significant savings compared to standard continuing education costs.

AICPA ENGAGE conferences come with several pricing options:

• All-Access Pass: $1,845 (members)/$2,345 (non-members) - Earn up to 42 CPE credits through on-site and virtual access
• Virtual Pass: $1,575 (members)/$2,075 (non-members) - Earn up to 38.5 CPE credits
• Main Conference Ticket: $1,645 (members)/$2,145 (non-members) - Get up to 38.5 CPE credits
• Online Only 6-Pack: $895 (members)/$1,345 (non-members) - Earn up to 23.5 CPE credits

CPAs can meet their basic requirements affordably with the included 30 free CPE hours and Town Hall series. Those needing specialized knowledge can add targeted conference attendance or extra learning options.

Also Read: Guide To CPE Credits For CPAs And Accountants

Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)

Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) stands out from traditional CPE providers by delivering specialized training that focuses on financial modeling and analysis skills for accounting professionals.

CFI Features

CFI delivers a detailed program that provides 254.5 hours of CPE credits through NASBA-accredited courses that meet state board requirements. Their content emphasizes practical applications with courses that cover Excel skills, financial modeling, valuation, and business strategy.

CFI's platform stands out because of its practical approach to skill development. The courses help professionals handle daily on-the-job challenges instead of just theoretical concepts. The learning structure builds progressively through modules that let users develop expertise at their own pace.

The platform's assessment system will give learners true mastery of the content before certification. Students who complete evaluations successfully receive certificates that boost their professional credibility. CFI certifications never expire, which provides lasting validation of expertise.

CFI Free CPE Courses

Accountants looking for free CPE credits can access several no-cost options from CFI:

• Free previews of their entire course catalog that let users watch selected videos from each course
• One complete free course called "Careers in Finance" that covers various aspects of the finance industry
• A library of free articles, templates, and tutorials available without subscription
• A complimentary best practices guide for financial ratio analysis

CFI used to offer 28 free courses with certificates and CPE credits, but they switched to the preview model on September 3, 2024.

CFI Pricing

CFI uses an all-access annual membership model without monthly options. Their subscription gives you access to the entire training library—including all programs, courses, templates, case studies, and models—for one price per year.

The basic membership starts at $347, and promotional codes often offer discounts up to 30% off.

Key Takeaways

Accountants can access substantial free CPE opportunities without compromising quality, with providers offering thousands of hours of NASBA-approved content across diverse specializations.

• MYCPE ONE offers 15,000+ hours across 500+ subjects with free trials and sample courses, making it ideal for comprehensive CPE needs at competitive pricing.
• Big Four firms provide cutting-edge insights for free through weekly webinars led by partners actively shaping accounting standards and regulatory practices.
• AICPA membership now includes 30 free CPE hours annually plus additional Town Hall series credits, delivering exceptional value for professional organization members.
• Strategic provider mixing maximizes free CPE potential - combining offerings from multiple sources can fulfill most annual requirements without significant expense.
• Quality has dramatically improved in free CPE offerings as providers invest in professional content to showcase their platforms and attract subscribers.

The landscape of free CPE has evolved significantly, with today's providers offering professionally produced, current content that rivals paid alternatives. By strategically utilizing multiple free resources and sampling different teaching styles, accounting professionals can maintain their credentials cost-effectively while accessing specialized knowledge across various domains.

Conclusion

Quality free CPE for accountants is easy to find. We looked at eight great providers that give you valuable continuing education without costing much. These platforms each bring something special, so you can mix and match resources based on what you need professionally.

MYCPE ONE leads the pack with over 15,000 hours of content in more than 500 subject areas. Illumeo's expert-led courses have earned an impressive 4.6-star rating. Surgent quickly updates its content whenever tax laws change. The AICPA gives its members 30 free CPE hours, which adds great value to their expertise.

Take courses from different providers to find teaching styles and platforms that match your priorities. This way, you can learn specialized knowledge in different areas without spending too much.

Note that free course availability might change sometimes, but most providers stay dedicated to offering free CPE year-round. Smart use of multiple sources means you can complete most—or all—of your yearly CPE requirements without spending much.

Keeping your credentials current shouldn't cost too much. These eight quality providers help you stay up-to-date, meet regulatory requirements, and improve your expertise while managing costs effectively.