Best CPE Providers for CPAs: An Expert's Honest Review

CPAs spend over 40 hours a year searching for CPE courses that fit their career goals. A 2024 AICPA survey found that 78% of accountants struggle to choose the right programs.

With more than 2,000 providers in the market, the search for the best CPE platform can feel overwhelming. Traditional conferences can run $1,500–$2,500, while online providers cost $4–$20 per credit hour. The right provider should balance course variety, pricing, and compliance support.

Here’s a detailed look at the top 8 CPE providers for CPAs in 2024.

1. MYCPE ONE – Best for Course Variety

• NASBA-approved with 15,000+ hours of content
• Covers 500+ subject areas
• 50+ state-specific ethics courses
• 250+ pre-built compliance packages
• 100+ advanced certifications & AICPA eligibility courses
• Real-time compliance tracker & certificate vault
• Access via mobile app, e-books, conferences, podcasts, webinars

Why choose it? A complete solution for CPAs needing variety, compliance tracking, and convenience.

2. Becker CPE

• 700+ on-demand courses
• 1,000+ live webcasts annually
• Compliance tracker, CPE-eligible podcasts
• Premium users get access to 18 specialty areas

Best for structured learning with strong support tools.

3. Illumeo

• 1,600+ self-paced online video CPE courses
• Courses broken into 5–15 minute lessons
• Lifetime access to completed courses

Best for busy CPAs who prefer bite-sized, on-demand learning.

4. Surgent

• 1,200+ live webinars annually
• Events held weekdays and Saturdays in all time zones
• No exams required for live credits

Great for CPAs who prefer interactive, live learning.

5. Gleim

• Sells courses in hourly bundles starting at $6/hour
• One year to pick, another year to complete
• Ideal for CPAs needing limited credits

Best budget-friendly pay-per-course option.

6. Lambers

• Over 50 years in accounting education
• Expert-led video lectures updated regularly

Strong for CPAs who value clear instruction and legacy trust.

7. Lorman

• Unlimited subscription: 3,000+ online courses
• 100+ new titles monthly
• Covers accounting, HR, Excel, sales, management

Best for CPAs working across multiple disciplines.

8. VTR Learning

• Story-driven, interactive courses
• Set in a fictional company, making learning engaging
• Shorter assessments for easier recertification

Unique, practical approach to CPE.

What to Compare in a CPE Provider

Course formats

Live webinars = interaction with instructors. On-demand = flexibility. Podcasts & PDFs = learning on the go.

Compliance tools

MYCPE ONE: certificate vault for all providers. Becker: smart dashboard tracking state requirements.

Mobile access

MYCPE ONE and Earmark CPE offer robust mobile learning.

Instructor quality

Look for providers with industry-experienced instructors and responsive support.

Pricing Models & Subscription Options

Unlimited vs. pay-per-course

Annual subscriptions: $90 (CPE Central Gold) to $799 (Becker). Gleim sells per-hour bundles for flexible needs.

Free trials & discounts

MYCPE ONE: 7-day free trial ($199/year). Wisdify: 14-day trial. Many providers offer volume discounts.

Cost per credit hour

UltimateCPE: $3.60/hour. OSCPA: ~$24.84/hour. Kaplan: $79 monthly option.

Best for budget CPAs

CPE Central ($90/year), CPE365, MasterCPE ($179), MYCPE ONE ($199/year).

Expert Verdict

• Best for firms: Surgent (bulk rates, team compliance)
• Best for individuals: MYCPE ONE, MasterCPE
• Best for flexible schedules: Becker (on-demand), Surgent (live daily webinars)
• Best for specialized certifications: AICPA certificates, Illumeo micro-certifications

Final Recommendation

MYCPE ONE stands out for its balance of variety, compliance tools, and affordability. If you want a platform that adapts to your learning style and career path, it’s the top pick.

Bottom line: Make continuing education work for you by choosing a provider that supports your goals—not just your requirements.