Best CPE Courses for CPAs

Just like other licensed professions, being a CPA means you have to keep up with those daunting, state-mandated continuing professional education (CPE) requirements.

With endless prep providers out there, it’s not always easy to know which CPE course is worth the time and money. Every CPA brings a unique set of goals, schedules, and learning preferences to the table, so choosing the right course matters much more than you think.

To make that decision easier, I’ve ranked the top CPE options available. If you’re looking for maximum value, efficient formats, specialized content, or anything else, there’s something here for you.

Which CPE Course is for You

• 🥇 If you want the most complete and current CPE resource, then Becker is a great pick, with 700+ on-demand courses and 1,000+ live webinars on trending/core topics.
• ⭐ If niche specialization is your goal, then Illumeo stands out. Micro-certifications, live instruction, and review-based rewards make it ideal for focused learning.
• 📚 If you prefer structured, test-style formats, then Lambers works best. Unlimited access to 1,800+ videos, PDFs, and webinars supports exam-focused study.
• 🧑‍💻 If efficiency and personalization are priorities, then Surgent is a good pick. Adaptive tech adjusts to your performance for faster, smarter CPE.
• 🫰 If value and flexibility matter most to you, then Gleim fits. Customizable multi-hour packages help save money while fitting the schedules of modern students.

1. Becker: Best CPE Course for CPAs

Becker CPE offers a variety of subscription options made to meet the diverse and extensive needs of accounting and finance professionals.

However, the All-Access Pass (PRIME), priced at $799, provides a full year of access to over 1,700 courses, including all critical update courses, webcasts with live Q&A, and more than 110 new course hours annually. This subscription also includes the use of a personalized CPE Compliance Tracker, making sure you stay on top of your education without the stress. 

When reviewing Becker, I was impressed by how intuitive their Compliance Tracker is—it’s one of the few tools that genuinely makes multi-state license tracking feel manageable, especially for busy CPAs juggling deadlines.

Pros

Live Content: Like Surgent, Becker CPE holds live accountancy conferences/webinars.
Proven Track Record of Success: Becker is proud of their 94% success rate.
Pricing Options: Becker’s subscription prices are based primarily on the format and access period of content you’re interested in. That means that pricing is based on whether or not you want webcasts or self-study courses. 
Up-to-Date on Trends: Becker CPE courses are continuously updated to reflect the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices. 
Adjustable Study Formats: A major focus for Becker has been creating a system that allows you to customize your study materials. Both their webcasts and their self study courses are paced in a way that allows for you to consume them in bite sized chunks throughout your day. 

Cons

Limited Refunds: Unfortunately, Becker has a limited return policy that can only be used within the first day of purchasing. However, this is made up for by the great pricing system and quality of their on-demand content. 

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2. Illumeo CPE Training

Referred to by some as the “least stressful online CPE program,” Illumeo CPE is designed to nurture the educational needs of finance professionals, from CPAs to people pursuing other professional certifications. The platform’s offerings are categorized into several types of subscriptions, one of the most popular being their ‘On-Demand CPE Subscription’. 

Illumeo’s On-Demand Subscription is perfect for professionals who have busy lives. It gives access to various CPE courses in accounting, finance, and more. Learners can choose what and when to study, allowing them to focus on areas that support their career growth, making it a convenient option for continuing education. It includes over 1,600 CPE courses, features a compliance tracker, and is accessible for a full year.

During my review, what stood out about Illumeo was how responsive the platform is to user feedback—every course rating helps shape future content, and I even saw how fast they update or retire underperforming material.

Pros: 

Live Instruction: Illumeo offers some of the best continuing education study materials for public accountants that are comparable to premium CPA prep programs.
Illumeo Hears You: Any student who leaves a course review on this platform (positive or negative) will receive full access to reuse any of their materials!
Live Instruction That Measures Up: Illumeo’s live instruction mirrors the quality of premium certification programs, offering real-time engagement and expert-led sessions that rival top-tier CPA review courses.
High Standards: You might assume that Illumeo’s large catalog of CPA CE courses and webinars would be for the sake of quantity at the expense of quality. However, they manage to provide both by constantly evaluating the student ratings for each course on their platform. 

Cons

Tough To Stay Focused: Again, Illumeo has a substantial catalog of supplementary CPE and microcerts. It can be distracting. 

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3. Lambers CPE Credits Courses

Lambers’ has a long-standing reputation for excellence in exam preparation (since 1966), but its recent consolidation of the classic IRS CE and NASBA CPE libraries into a single product has raised some concerns. If you’ve read some recent reviews, you’ve likely noticed. This merger, intended to “streamline” their offerings, may actually limit the diversity and specificity of CPE courses available to those who have already passed the CPA exam. 

Despite that, Lambers still has thousands of dedicated students. One of their top course options is the 1-Year All Access Continuing Education for $499.95. This plan includes unlimited 24/7 access to Lambers’ full library of over 1,800 video lessons, PDF materials, and webinars—covering a wide range of engaging, easy-to-follow topics—so you can earn credits anytime, anywhere, with no hidden fees and one flat rate.

While reviewing Lambers, I noticed their video library had a relaxed, approachable vibe that I think would work really well for professionals who want straightforward lessons without a lot of corporate polish—but the trade-off is that some of the videos feel a bit dated or less dynamic compared to competitors.

Pros

Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by well-known Lambers instructors, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their teaching.
Flexible Learning Schedule: With 24/7 access to video-on-demand courses, CPAs can earn CPE credits at their convenience, making it easier to fit continuing education into their bustling schedules.
Long-Term Value w/Extended Access: Unlike many CPE providers that offer only short-term subscriptions, Lambers extends a rare 2-year all-access

Cons

Absence on Trust Pilot: A downside is the lack of presence on TrustPilot, a platform widely regarded for its user reviews and ratings. This absence deprives potential users of the opportunity to gauge existing customers’ experiences and satisfaction levels.
Lack of Interactive Learning: The emphasis on video-on-demand courses may not cater to learners who prefer interactive or live learning environments, potentially affecting engagement for some users. 

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4. Surgent CPE Webinars and Courses

With over 30 years of experience, Surgent has established itself as a leader in CPE for CPAs and financial professionals. Known for its innovativeness, Surgent offers a variety of online webinars, self-study courses, and live seminars. What sets them apart is their focus on convenience, making learning both non headache-inducing and easily accessible for busy professionals.

Surgent’s premium offering, Unlimited Plus, provides the most extensive learning experience with access to over 8,000 course credits for 12 months. Besides live webinars, subscribers can access On-Demand Videos and Premium courses, making it the ultimate package for learners looking for in-depth knowledge.

As I tested Surgent’s platform, the standout for me was how seamlessly their live webinars integrate breaking tax law updates—perfect for tax pros who need to stay current without chasing down news from multiple sources.

Pros

Expansive Resources: Surgent’s biggest selling point is the massive stack of study materials they have on offer. This is because they offer more than ten thousand CPE hours through their courses. 
Firm Partnerships: Surgent also puts emphasis on developing work relationships with various accounting firms. This is done by partnering with firms to provide CPE course content at lowered bulk costs or by developing specialized content.
Great for Tax Professionals: One of the standout features is their excellent tax coverage, especially on new or pending legislation, ensuring you’re always up-to-date with the latest developments. 

Cons

Pricing: Surgent is, unfortunately, one of the most expensive options on this list. Any content beyond live webinars is locked behind its Unlimited Plus option. This isn’t a huge deal breaker, though.
Platform Learning Curve: Surgent’s adaptive learning technology is impressive, but it may take some getting used to. For example, when I tested the platform through the Unlimited Plus plan, I found the initial setup process a bit confusing—the system asked a series of diagnostic questions and then auto-populated a learning path. 
Limited Customization in Course Bundles: While Surgent offers a large catalog of CPE courses, customizing bundles to match specific roles or industries can be a challenge. 

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5. Gleim CPE Courses

Gleim’s online CPE program stands out for using a variety of teaching methods that make learning more approachable and flexible. It includes audiovisual presentations, detailed video lectures, well-organized outlines, interactive quizzes, and full assessments. This mix is designed to match different learning styles, helping professionals like you stay focused and absorb difficult-to-understand material in a way that actually works.

Gleim’s multi-hour package system simplifies the process of meeting CPE requirements by allowing you to choose the exact number of course hours you need, followed by a generous period to select and complete the courses. Because of this, Gleim CPE packages offer significant savings, with costs as low as $6/hour, depending on the package chosen.

Their premium package, Gleim CPE 100 Hours, includes 100 hours of on-demand CPE courses, allowing you to choose from Gleim’s extensive CPE catalog. With its pricing, it’s the best deal if you’re looking to maximize your learning opportunities and CPE credits.

Reviewing Gleim revealed a quietly impressive feature: their pilot program lets users test new courses for free in exchange for feedback, which shows real commitment to quality and user involvement—but the platform’s interface feels noticeably outdated, which could be a turn-off for users used to more modern tools.

Pros

Bulk Pricing: Gleim’s pricing depends on how many hours you purchase. Rates start around $12 per hour, but larger packages can lower the cost to as little as $6 per hour.
Custom Course Selection: Courses are modular and based on hours, letting you choose content across 35+ topics to build a personalized CPE plan.
Free Access Options: Gleim offers two free course trials and a Pilot Test program. CPAs can apply to test new courses and earn free CPE hours in the process.

Cons

Extra Cost for AFSP Course: Unfortunately, if your position requires hours from the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), you will have to pay extra. This can mean that you might find yourself spending more than expected.
Too Many Options: One drawback of Gleim CPE is the complexity of its multi-hour package options. Although I see it as a positive in some ways, it can be confusing for users trying to determine the appropriate amount of study time and content required to meet their specific needs. 
Outdated Interface: While the content is good, the user interface feels outdated compared to other modern CPE platforms. Navigating courses and tracking progress may not be as intuitive, which could slow you down or lead to frustration during busier times.

Bottom Line

While not as strong a choice as Surgent or Becker, Gleim is still well worth your time. Essentially, this is a great service for someone who knows exactly what topics they’re interested in and how many hours of online CPE they need.

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Credit Clash: Who Earns the Win?

Not all CPE courses are built the same. Some offer deep catalogs but clunky tech. Others bring innovation but lack structure. In this credit-for-credit showdown, we compare Becker—our top pick—against each major competitor to see who really earns the win in key areas like value, content quality, user experience, and long-term benefit.

Becker vs. Lambers: Structure vs. Simplicity

Lambers offers a relaxed, video-heavy format that’s ideal for learners who want straightforward delivery without corporate gloss. But Becker wins by a mile in structure and support. From its compliance tracker to its massive course library, it’s the better pick for CPAs who want more than just check-the-box credits—they want tools that actually support their license and long-term growth.

Illumeo vs. Gleim: Niche Power vs. Budget Flexibility

Gleim is undeniably cost-effective with customizable hour packs, but its interface feels stuck in the early 2000s. Illumeo, on the other hand, takes the edge here thanks to its micro-certifications and feedback-based course updates. If you’re a self-starter looking for depth in specific areas (without sacrificing modern UX), Illumeo wins this round.

Surgent vs. Gleim: Tech Muscle vs. Old-School Method

Gleim tries to be flexible with à la carte bundles, but Surgent’s adaptive learning tools and firm-level partnerships push it ahead. For tax professionals and those who love real-time learning, Surgent’s webinars and updated legislation coverage are hard to beat. This clash goes to Surgent—especially if you’re focused on staying ahead of policy changes.

Becker vs. Surgent: The Marathoner vs. The Sprinter

Surgent’s platform is smart and agile, but it has a learning curve and a higher price tag. Becker, while not as techy, delivers rock-solid consistency and ease of use, with more support for CPAs managing multi-state licenses. If you want a steady, long-term solution rather than bursts of intensity, Becker wins this endurance race.

Lambers vs. Illumeo: Classic Feel vs. Fresh Functionality

Both offer a relaxed learning experience, but Illumeo’s platform is more interactive, more current, and more responsive to user feedback. Lambers leans heavily on video-only formats and older design choices, which can feel dated. Illumeo snags this one for professionals who value engagement alongside convenience.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right CPE provider isn’t just about meeting a requirement—it’s about finding a platform that works for your brain, your schedule, and your goals as a CPA. After reviewing dozens of providers, I can confidently say that Becker offers the most complete and reliable experience overall, thanks to its robust content library and built-in compliance tools. But if your priorities are different—like keeping costs low, diving deep into a niche, or learning on your own terms—options like Illumeo, Lambers, Surgent, and Gleim each bring something valuable to the table.

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all CPE course. But the good news is, there’s a best-fit option for just about every kind of learner. Use this guide to zero in on what matters most to you, and you’ll walk away not just with credits but with skills that actually stick.

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