California Society of CPAs (CalCPA)
Members can access 28+ hours of complimentary CPE annually, including Ethics4Free and on-demand self-study modules.
Free CPE Courses(opens in a new tab, external site)CPA Continuing Education Resources
Free CPE Resources for CPAs – Professional Development Made Accessible
For CPAs looking for continuing education resources in accounting, auditing, tax, finance, and technology, Pacific Executive Search has curated 16+ free CPE sources from professional societies, government programs, educational platforms, leading firms, and specialty providers. Earn credits in ethics, tax, audit, FP&A, and tech without cost barriers.
Last Updated: November 21, 2024
Professional Societies & Official Bodies
Discover professional societies and official bodies providing free CPE resources. Access ethics courses, webinars, and self-study modules to stay updated and earn credits efficiently.
These resources help members stay current with professional standards, enhance technical knowledge, and earn continuing education credits efficiently while networking and accessing exclusive member tools and content.
AICPA
Periodic free webinars, self-study courses and the 'Digital Mindset Pack'—filter their CPE & Learning page by 'Free.'
AICPA CPE & Learning(opens in a new tab, external site)Government Programs
Explore government-sponsored CPE programs for tax professionals and accountants. Access webinars, outreach programs, and seminars offering approved continuing education credits.
These programs provide practical guidance on regulatory compliance, tax updates, audit standards, and public policy changes. They help professionals maintain licensure, improve competency, and stay informed on changes in laws and accounting standards.
IRS-Sponsored Continuing Education
Free webinars, Nationwide Tax Forum seminars and outreach programs offering CE credits for tax practitioners (some NASBA-approved).
IRS CPE Programs(opens in a new tab, external site)Educational & Webinar Platforms
Access top educational platforms offering free and accredited courses for CPAs. Improve skills in tax, audit, FP&A, Excel modeling, and professional development at no cost.
These platforms provide flexible learning options, including live webinars and on-demand self-study modules, making it easy to earn credits while balancing work. They help professionals learn new technologies, methodologies, and practical skills applicable across industries.
CPA Academy
Free daily live webinars & on-demand NASBA-accredited sessions on tax, audit, ethics, tech and practice management.
CPA Academy(opens in a new tab, external site)
Vena Academy
100+ NASBA-accredited self-paced courses for FP&A, Excel modeling, budgeting & forecasting.
Vena Academy(opens in a new tab, external site)
CFI (Corporate Finance Institute)
Free introductory modules on Excel, financial analysis and foundational FP&A topics.
CFI Free Courses(opens in a new tab, external site)
Becker
New customers qualify for one free CPE course selected from on-demand and webcast options.
Becker Free CPE(opens in a new tab, external site)Leading Accounting Firms
Leading accounting firms offer on-demand and live CPE sessions. Stay updated on reporting, tax, audit, and regulatory developments with accredited resources.
These sessions help professionals stay compliant, deepen technical expertise, and gain insights from industry leaders. Often NASBA-accredited, they are useful for career development and professional growth.
PwC Webcasts
On-demand & live CPE sessions on reporting, tax, audit and regulatory updates.
PwC Webcasts(opens in a new tab, external site)
Deloitte Dbriefs
NASBA-accredited webcasts—live attendees receive immediate CPE certificates.
Deloitte Dbriefs(opens in a new tab, external site)Aggregators & Specialty Providers
Find specialty providers and CPE aggregators offering curated, free self-study courses, webinars, and resources for niche topics and professional skill development.
These platforms cover topics like M&A, government contracts, technology, and soft skills. They help professionals quickly access diverse learning resources, earn credits efficiently, and strengthen specific skill sets.
Woodard Webinars
Monthly webinars on practice management, tech, security with on-demand archives.
Woodard Webinars(opens in a new tab, external site)
CPE Think
Rotating free self-study on M&A, government contracts and soft skills like stress management.
CPE Think(opens in a new tab, external site)Frequently Asked Questions About CPE for CPAs
What are CPE credits and why do CPAs need them?
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits are required for CPAs to maintain their professional license. Most states require CPAs to complete 40-80 hours of CPE annually or 80-120 hours over a two-year period, including mandatory ethics credits. CPE ensures professionals stay current with accounting standards, tax laws, audit procedures, and emerging technologies.
Are these CPE resources NASBA-approved?
Many of the resources listed are NASBA-approved or provide credits accepted by state boards of accountancy. Professional societies like CalCPA and AICPA, government programs like IRS webinars, and platforms like CPA Academy offer NASBA-accredited courses. Always verify credit approval with your state board before completing a course.
How can I earn free CPE credits?
CPAs can earn free CPE credits through: (1) Professional society memberships that include complimentary credits, (2) Government-sponsored webinars from the IRS and state agencies, (3) Free webinars from educational platforms like CPA Academy, (4) Firm-sponsored courses from Big 4 and major accounting firms, and (5) Specialty provider programs in areas like tax, audit, FP&A, and technology.
What subjects are covered by these free CPE resources?
Free CPE resources cover a comprehensive range of topics including: Ethics (required in most states), Tax updates and planning, Audit standards and procedures, Financial reporting and GAAP updates, FP&A and forecasting, Excel and data analytics, Cybersecurity and IT controls, Practice management, Regulatory compliance, and Industry-specific accounting (healthcare, government, nonprofit, real estate, etc.).
Looking for Your Next Career Move?
Pacific Executive Search specializes in placing CPAs and accounting professionals in top roles across finance, audit, tax, and FP&A. Browse our current openings or schedule a consultation.