Congratulations on your license
Earning your CPA license, EA credential, or CFP® certification is a major milestone. Now the ongoing responsibility of continuing education begins. Here’s how to start on the right foot.
Understand your cycle
Your state assigns a renewal cycle — annual, biennial, or triennial — and a deadline that may be a fixed date, your birth month, or your license anniversary. Many first cycles are prorated (fewer hours) or even exempt if you were licensed partway through. Check your board’s rules and our requirement calculator.
Know your numbers
Typical requirements run 40 CPE per year or 80 per biennium, often including a professional ethics component. EAs earn 72 hours per three-year cycle (16-hour annual minimum), and CFP® professionals 30 hours per two-year cycle. Confirm the exact figures for your state and license type before you plan.
Build good habits now
- Spread your hours across the cycle instead of cramming at the end.
- Save every certificate and keep organized records from day one.
- Use the free Compliance Manager to track progress and get reminders.
- Pick courses relevant to your practice — our catalog covers the major NASBA Fields of Study.
Start your first cycle the easy way — set up your free tracker.
This information is general guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with your state licensing board.
