Best CPE Providers to Find the Right Fit for Your CPA Needs

Finding the right CPE providers for your accounting career might seem daunting. The market has roughly 2,050 continuing education options as of March 2023. Becker stands out by offering more than 700 on-demand courses and 1,000 live webcasts yearly. Users spend over 12,000+ hours learning from 500+ subject areas. The perfect fit requires careful thought.

The search for the best CPE courses for CPAs goes beyond content variety. Quality and economical solutions matter most in CPA CPE options. Traditional events like the AICPA National Conference charge $1,725 for 26.5 credits. Online alternatives give you more credits at lower prices. On top of that, the best CPE for CPAs lets you learn at your own pace without compromising on quality.

This detailed comparison looks at top providers like MYCPE ONE and Becker. You'll learn to direct your professional development path without spending extra on travel or dealing with in-person event schedules.

Why Online CPE is the Preferred Choice for CPAs

Digital learning's rise has made online CPE the top choice for accounting professionals who need to maintain their credentials. Let's get into three key advantages that make virtual CPE solutions better than traditional in-person options.

Cost Efficiency: $199 vs $1,725 Conference Fees

Online CPE brings substantial financial benefits. The numbers tell a clear story: AICPA's 2021 National Conference charges $1,725 for 26.5 CPE credits, while VTR Learning's similar online course provides 28.5 CPE credits at just $229. Traditional conferences add extra costs like transportation, accommodation, and meals that push the total expense up by a lot.

MYCPE ONE delivers even better value by offering unlimited access to 15,000+ hours of CPE content at $199 per year. This price sits nowhere near what most competitors charge. CPAs can save thousands of dollars yearly by choosing online options while achieving their professional requirements.

Time Savings: 20 Hours Online vs 72 Hours In-Person

Money isn't the only saving - online CPE cuts down time investment drastically. Students typically need about 20 hours to earn 20 CPE credits online, but in-person learning requires roughly 72 hours for the same credits when you add travel and logistics.

Commuting costs add up to $1,360 yearly in extra expenses, not counting lost hours in transit. MYCPE ONE's platform helps professionals eliminate these inefficiencies. Students can focus on learning instead of dealing with logistics.

Flexibility: Learn Anytime, Anywhere

Online CPE's biggest advantage comes from its amazing flexibility. Traditional in-person schedules are rigid, but virtual options let CPAs complete requirements during lunch breaks, early mornings, or weekends.

MYCPE ONE boosts this flexibility with mobile access. Professionals can learn while commuting or traveling. Students can pause, rewind, and review tough concepts until they fully understand them, without feeling pressured to keep up with a classroom. Online CPE adapts to your lifestyle instead of forcing your schedule to fit around educational needs.

Top CPE Providers Compared: Features, Ratings, and Access

Let's get into the top CPE providers and compare them based on their content libraries, learning formats, and value for money.

MYCPE ONE: 15,000+ Hours, Mobile App, 24/7 Support

MYCPE ONE leads among CPE providers with its impressive library of 15,000+ hours of NASBA-approved content in 500+ subject areas. The platform's multiple learning formats give you access to live webinars, self-study courses, podcasts, and virtual conferences. You can learn on the go with their iOS and Android mobile apps. The yearly subscription costs $199 and gives you 4x more content at just one-third of what competitors charge.

Becker: Tiered Subscriptions with Live Webcasts

Becker's three subscription tiers give you access to over 1,700 courses through on-demand and livestream formats. The platform has 700+ on-demand courses, 1,000+ live webcasts, and specialized content in 19 different study fields. You'll also get a handy compliance tracker to monitor your progress.

VTR Learning: Narrative-Based Learning with Free Trial

VTR Learning takes a unique approach with scenario-based learning in business environments. Their 100+ courses range from 1 to 32.5 credit hours. The narrative-based instruction uses video content, interactive elements, and character engagement. You can try their platform with free CPE courses before committing.

Lorman: 225+ Courses with Unlimited Access Plan

Lorman gives CPAs access to nearly 225 on-demand options and live webinars. The All-Access Pass costs $699 per year for unlimited access to thousands of courses and resources. You'll get state-specific CPE credit tracking and tailored course recommendations.

MasterCPE: $149 Annual Plan with Individual Course Option

MasterCPE's 12-month subscription costs $179 and delivers quick, convenient online CPE. You can access hundreds of courses worth thousands of CPE credit hours, though you'll need to buy ethics courses separately. The platform grades instantly and generates certificates right after completion.

AICPA CPExpress: 1-2 Credit Courses, $315–$525 Subscription

AICPA CPExpress packs hundreds of CPE hours into 1-2 credit chunks. This complete learning resource costs between $315-$525 based on your membership status. The platform keeps track of your CPE certificates and lets you print or save your training documentation.

CPEthink: 660+ Courses, 6 Subscription Tiers

CPEthink's six subscription options give you access to over 660 online courses. Plans range from the Limited 20 at $69.95 to the 2-Year Unlimited at $299.95. Every subscription comes with unlimited access to courses, ethics content, and unlimited exam attempts.

Sequoia CPE: $149/Year, Ethics Courses Sold Separately

Sequoia CPE keeps it simple with a $149 yearly subscription that unlocks over 900 hours of CPE content. Course lengths vary from 1 to 24 CPE hours. You'll need to purchase state-specific ethics courses separately as they're not part of the subscription.

Pricing and Subscription Models: Which Offers the Best Value?

The right CPE pricing structure depends on your annual credit requirements. A balanced approach between cost and content access impacts your professional development budget significantly.

Flat Rate vs Pay-Per-Credit: Which Saves More?

Subscription-based CPE gives you unlimited access to course libraries at a fixed annual fee between $149 and $899. Pay-per-credit options cost $25-$50 for each credit hour. CPAs who need 40 credits yearly might spend $518 on individual courses compared to $199.95 for unlimited access. Flat-rate subscriptions deliver better value if you need more than 15-20 credits each year.

MYCPE ONE vs Becker vs Illumeo: Annual Cost Breakdown

MYCPE ONE's Silver plan leads the market at $199/year with access to 15,000+ hours of content. Becker's pricing tiers range from $329 (Essentials) to $799 (Prime). Illumeo provides unlimited access to 1,800+ courses at $299 annually. Budget-conscious professionals can opt for Sequoia CPE or MasterCPE at $149/year.

Free Course Options: VTR Learning and CPEthink

Several providers help reduce costs through free courses. VTR Learning delivers complimentary courses without extra charges. CPEthink gives you three free courses worth one credit each. Major accounting firms like PwC and Deloitte also offer free webcasts.

Hidden Fees: Ethics Courses, Memberships, and Add-ons

Many subscriptions exclude vital elements despite their "unlimited" claims. Ethics courses often come with separate charges. Lower-tier packages limit access to premium content. Your evaluation should include state-specific ethics requirements coverage and the true meaning of "unlimited" access.

Support, Usability, and Learning Experience

The right balance between convenience and educational quality makes a real difference for busy accounting professionals. A deep dive into the user experience of top cpe providers shows some surprising differences in how accessible and supportive they are.

Mobile Access: MYCPE ONE vs Others

Modern CPAs can't work without mobile access. MYCPE ONE stands out with iOS and Android apps that give full access to their 15,000+ hours of CPE-approved content. Users can finish courses, keep track of compliance, and get their certificates right from their phones.

Becker also has a mobile platform for learning on the go, but users say MYCPE ONE's easy-to-use interface works better. Platforms like Surgent and WebCE offer mobile-friendly websites instead of dedicated apps, which might limit what you can do offline.

Live Chat and Customer Support Availability

Each platform handles support differently. MYCPE ONE gives you 24/7 email help, live chat, and dedicated account managers if you're part of a larger firm. CPEthink responds within 3 minutes during their 12-hour daily support window.

Surgent runs on a tighter schedule: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm EST, Friday 8:30am-6:00pm EST, and Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm EST. This timing can be a significant issue for professionals who work outside regular business hours and need help with technical problems or compliance questions.

Course Formats: Self-Study vs Live Webcasts

CPAs looking for the best cpe for cpas have different priorities. Self-study options let you work at your own pace with instant access to materials, but you need more discipline. Live webinars give you structured learning and teacher interaction, though scheduling can be tricky.

MYCPE ONE shines by giving you choices: live webinars where you can talk to instructors, on-demand videos, podcasts for your commute, and downloadable e-books. This mix lets professionals pick the right format based on how complex the topic is and how they learn best.

User Ratings: Google and Trustpilot Scores Compared

Real user feedback tells you a lot about platform quality. MYCPE ONE holds a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot, and users love its affordable pricing and quick support. Illumeo matches this with 4.8/5 ratings on both Google and Trustpilot.

Becker scores 3.8/5 on Trustpilot, while Sequoia CPE users often praise their easy-to-understand materials and helpful assessment questions. These ratings are a great way to get insights when choosing the right cpa cpe online courses for your growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MYCPE ONE offers unmatched value for CPAs with its vast library, competitive pricing, and convenient mobile apps. By opting for a flat-rate subscription, professionals can access extensive content and flexible support, making it an ideal choice for those seeking efficient, cost-effective CPE. When considering your CPE options, MYCPE ONE stands out as the top provider for professionals looking to maximize their time, budget, and ongoing development.

FAQs

Q1. What are the benefits of online CPE for CPAs?

Online CPE offers cost savings, time efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Q2. How do CPE pricing models differ?

Pricing varies from flat-rate subscriptions to pay-per-credit options, with some providers offering free courses or trials.

Q3. Which CPE provider has the most content?

MYCPE ONE offers over 15,000 hours of NASBA-approved content across 500+ subjects, surpassing most competitors.

Q4. Is mobile access important for CPE courses?

Yes, mobile access is essential for busy professionals. MYCPE ONE offers dedicated apps, while other providers may only have mobile-friendly websites.

Q5. What should CPAs look for in a CPE provider?

CPAs should consider content variety, pricing, learning formats, mobile access, customer support, and state-specific requirements.