10 Continuing Education Terms Every Finance Pro Should Know

Written by CFI Team

Reviewed by Jeff Schmidt

Read Time 4 minutes

Why Understanding Continuing Education Terms is Important

Continuing education is critical for professional development but navigating the requirements shouldn’t feel like decoding a foreign language. Understanding key terminology makes it easier to plan your learning and meet requirements efficiently.

Whether you’re new to continuing education or a seasoned pro, this article will familiarize you with 10 key terms and provide helpful tips to help you meet your professional development goals. Here’s a list of the terms we cover:

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
CPE credits
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Professional Development Hours (PDH)
NASBA Accreditation
Technical Credits
Non-Technical Credits
Self-Study Programs
Certificates of Completion

Core Continuing Education Systems in Finance: CPE and CPD

Finance professionals need continuing education to maintain their expertise throughout their careers. Two main systems help structure this ongoing learning: Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

While related, the CPE and CPD systems approach professional learning differently.

CPE (United States Focus)	CPD (International Focus)
• Structured learning requirements • Credit-based measurement • Specific completion deadlines • Required for certification	• Flexible learning approaches • Various measurement methods • Ongoing development focus • Professional growth emphasis

CPE typically involves formal courses and specific credit requirements.

CPD, on the other hand, takes a broader view, recognizing three types of learning:

Structured Learning

Formal in-person or online courses and workshops that:

Provide specific credits
Include assessments
Offer completion certificates
Meet certification requirements

Reflective Learning

Professional development through:

Industry conferences
Training videos
Technical seminars
Expert presentations

Self-Directed Learning

Independent growth through:

Professional reading
Industry research
Peer discussions
Practical application

Your specific requirements will depend on your location, certifications, and career goals. Understanding both systems helps you choose learning opportunities that meet your needs while advancing your career.

Credit Measurements in Continuing Education

Your specific requirements will depend on your location, certifications, and career goals. Understanding how these systems measure learning helps you track progress and meet professional requirements effectively.

Finance professionals encounter three main ways to measure continuing education. While they measure learning differently, all help track your professional development:

Comparing Credit Measurements

Measurement Type	Time Equivalent	Typical Use	Documentation
CPE Credits	50 minutes = 1 credit	US finance & accounting certifications (CPA, CMA, etc.)	Required for each credit
CPD Credits	1 hour = 1 CPD credit (unless outcome based)	Non-US finance & accounting certifications	Varies by provider
CEUs (Continuing Education Units)	10 hours = 1 unit	Extended programs	Varies by provider

CPE Credits Overview

Most finance professionals work primarily with CPE credits. For example, you might earn:

4 credits for a financial modeling course
2 credits for an ethics seminar
1 credit for a technical update

Many certifications require 40 credits annually or 80 credits over two years. Understanding these measurements helps you:

Plan your learning efficiently
Meet specific requirements
Track your progress accurately
Maintain proper documentation

Understanding how credits are measured helps you plan for professional development effectively. Now let’s explore the different types of learning activities that can help you earn these credits while building valuable skills.

Learning Methods in Continuing Education

Finance professionals can choose from several learning methods to meet their continuing education requirements. Each method offers distinct advantages and helps you build different types of expertise.

Technical vs. Non-Technical Learning

Technical courses build your expertise through:

Core finance and accounting courses (e.g., financial statement analysis or corporate finance principles)
Technical and analytical tools (e.g., advanced Excel functions, Power Query, or Power BI)
Risk management courses (e.g., risk management fundamentals or credit risk analysis)
Specialized knowledge (e.g., FP&A or sustainable finance)

These skills directly impact your day-to-day effectiveness. For example, improving your data analysis and Excel skills might help you automate routine tasks or produce better financial insights.

Non-technical courses develop broader professional capabilities:

These skills become increasingly important as you advance in your career, helping you lead teams and manage complex projects or teams effectively.

Learning Format Comparison

Format	Key Benefits	Best For	Typical Credits
Self-Study	Flexible scheduling	Busy professionals	Varies by course
	Learn at own pace	Independent learners
Live Webinars	Real-time Q&A	Complex topics	1-2 per session
	Peer interaction	Current updates
In-Person	Hands-on practice	Networking	4-8 per day
	Direct feedback	Group learning

These skills become increasingly important as you advance in your career, helping you lead teams and manage complex projects effectively.

Choosing the right learning format helps you meet your educational goals efficiently. But how do you ensure your chosen courses meet professional standards? That’s where the quality and compliance of your continuing education come into play.

Quality and Compliance

Quality standards and proper documentation play crucial roles in continuing education for finance professionals. Understanding these elements helps you choose valuable learning opportunities and maintain your credentials effectively.

NASBA Accreditation and Course Quality

Professional education quality matters in finance. NASBA accreditation ensures courses meet strict standards that satisfy certification requirements.

Key aspects of accredited courses:

Content meets professional standards
Qualified instructors deliver material
Clear learning objectives
Appropriate assessment methods
Accurate credit calculations

When you choose NASBA-accredited courses, like those offered by CFI, you can focus on learning knowing your credits will count toward certification requirements.

Documentation Requirements

Proper record-keeping forms the foundation of continuing education compliance. Good documentation practices help you:

Verify completed credits
Track progress toward goals
Prepare for potential audits
Demonstrate professional commitment

Essential records to maintain:

Course completion certificates
Credit hour documentation
Subject category verification
Assessment results
Provider accreditation proof

With quality standards and documentation requirements in mind, you can develop strategies to maximize your professional development while maintaining certification compliance.

Putting Knowledge Into Action

Now that you understand the key terms and requirements of continuing education, you can create a strategic approach to your professional development. A well-planned approach helps you:

Meet certification requirements efficiently
Build career-advancing skills
Maximize your learning investment
Stay ahead of deadlines

Consider these proven strategies:

Review course accreditation before enrolling
Create a balanced learning plan (technical and non-technical)
Maintain organized documentation
Schedule learning around peak work periods
Choose courses aligned with career goals

Start Your Continuing Education with CFI

Get more value from continuing your education with courses that help your career grow. CFI helps you earn required CPE credits while building skills for career advancement with:

NASBA-accredited courses
Over 400 CPE credits
Flexible learning options
Automatic tracking
Career-focused content

Ready to advance your career while meeting your continuing education requirements? Explore CFI’s comprehensive course library designed specifically for finance professionals.

Earn Your Credits!