Last reviewed 2026-07-16. Plain-language summary, not legal advice — always confirm the current rules with the California Board of Accountancy.
How much CPE does a California CPA need?
80/2yr. Here is what California CPAs should know for renewal:
- Total hours: 80/2yr
- Reporting cycle: 2 years (biennial)
- Annual minimum: 20 (incl 12 technical)
- Ethics: 4 hrs/2yr + separate 2-hr CA Regulatory Review every 6 yrs (state-specific)
- Renewal timing: Last day of birth month, biennially
- Other key rules: 40 of 80 hrs technical; no carryover; A&A work needs 24 hrs A&A.
Heads up: California requires a state-specific or board-approved ethics course. Make sure your ethics CPE meets California’s exact rule — general ethics may not count.
Who this applies to
Licensed CPAs renewing in California. Newly licensed CPAs often have a prorated or waived first cycle — check your renewal notice.
How CPE Options helps
CPE Options is mobile-first self-study built for busy accountants: take courses on any device, pass the exam, and download your certificate the same day. Our free Compliance Manager maps every credit you earn to California’s requirement — total hours, ethics, and your deadline — and flags what’s still missing.
Source: https://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/licensees/cequickref.shtml
