CPD Versus CPE: What Finance Professionals Need to Know

Written by Kelly Bailey

Reviewed by Jeff Schmidt

Read Time 6 minutes

What is CPD and CPE in Finance?

Staying competitive in finance requires not only keeping up but continually advancing through structured learning. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) are two paths designed to help you achieve this, although they differ in scope and application.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the path that aligns best with your career goals in finance.

CPD vs. CPE: Key Differences

When considering ongoing professional education, the main distinctions between CPD and CPE lie in purpose, focus, and industry application. Recognizing these differences will guide you in choosing the path that best supports your career growth.

Purpose and Focus of CPD and CPE

CPD supports broader career growth across industries, focusing on enhancing both professional and personal skills. It emphasizes:

Soft skills like leadership, communication, and strategic planning.
Personal growth and interpersonal skills that boost workplace performance and adaptability.

CPE is specific to regulated professions, such as finance and accounting. It emphasizes:

Technical skills such as financial modeling, valuation, and data analysis.
Financial certification renewal requirements that demand updated technical or compliance knowledge in highly regulated professions.

Industry Applications

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)	Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Used widely in sectors like healthcare, education, and management, CPD helps professionals stay agile, build leadership capabilities, and expand competencies.	Primarily aligned with fields that have strict regulatory standards, like finance. CPE supports financial certifications, such as CPA or CFP, by ensuring professionals stay current with industry requirements.

Choosing CPD or CPE depends on your career needs: CPD offers a well-rounded skill set, while CPE ensures in-depth, specialized knowledge essential for compliance in regulated roles.

Meeting CPD and CPE Requirements in Finance

Earning CPD or CPE credits is essential for maintaining professional certifications and upholding standards in finance. Below are a few key certifications and their requirements:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Requires 40 CPE credits annually, with a focus on accounting, tax updates, and industry standards (requirements vary by jurisdiction).
Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Requires 30 CPD credits biennially, emphasizing ethics, financial planning, and client management.
Financial Risk Manager (FRM): Requires 40 CPD credits every two years, covering risk management, regulatory updates, and market trends.

Understanding CPD and CPE requirements for these certifications is key to maintaining credibility and advancing in finance careers.

Ensuring Compliance with CPD/CPE Requirements

Compliance with CPD and CPE requirements helps uphold the integrity of finance certifications and protect customers. Regulatory bodies like AICPA for CPAs or the CFP Board for CFPs monitor these standards, verifying credits earned from accredited courses to ensure they meet certification criteria. Completing accredited CPD/CPE courses not only supports compliance but also provides verifiable credentials, underscoring your commitment to professional growth.

CFI’s Role in Supporting CPD/CPE Compliance

CFI (Corporate Finance Institute) offers accredited, finance-specific CPD and CPE courses that support certification needs:

Relevant Content: CFI’s courses cover essential finance topics like financial modeling, valuation, and risk management, allowing you to earn credits while advancing core skills.
Accreditation by Respected Bodies: Courses are accredited by NASBA and other industry-recognized organizations, meeting compliance standards for certifications like CPA, CFP, and FRM.
Flexible, On-Demand Learning: CFI’s platform lets you complete CPD/CPE requirements at your own pace, balancing professional development with career demands.

Choosing accredited providers like CFI helps ensure both compliance and practical skill-building, preparing you for career growth.

Benefits of CPD and CPE for Career Growth

Engaging in CPD and CPE supports finance professionals in skill development, career progression, and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Here’s how CPD and CPE can accelerate your career in finance:

Building Technical and Compliance Skills: CPD and CPE courses provide essential technical expertise in areas like financial modeling, valuation, and regulatory compliance. These skills equip professionals to make informed decisions and adhere to industry standards.
Supporting Career Progression: Meeting CPD/CPE requirements maintains certifications, signaling commitment to professional growth. This positioning enhances prospects for promotions and advanced roles, especially for certified professionals in roles like CPA or CFP.
Adapting to Industry Changes: As finance evolves, CPD and CPE keep professionals current with technological advancements and regulatory updates. Courses in data analytics, AI, and cryptocurrency, for example, prepare finance professionals to leverage emerging trends.

Real-World Impact of CPD and CPE

CPD and CPE offer tangible benefits that can translate directly into career growth. Examples include:

Promotion to Leadership Roles: Completing CPD/CPE credits in strategic planning and team management has helped many professionals transition from analyst to managerial positions.
Specialization in Emerging Fields: CPD/CPE courses in areas like AI machine learning, sustainable finance or cryptocurrencies allow finance professionals to pivot into specialized roles, gaining expertise in high-demand sectors.

Through a blend of technical knowledge, regulatory awareness, and adaptability, CPD and CPE prepare finance professionals not only to meet current demands but to thrive as leaders in their field.

Deciding Between CPD and CPE for Your Career Goals

Choosing between CPD and CPE depends on your career stage, role, and specific goals. The following tips may help you decide:

Career Stage Considerations

Early-Career Professionals: CPE is ideal for developing foundational technical skills and meeting certification standards, building credibility in roles like auditing or financial analysis.
Mid-to-Senior Professionals: CPD supports leadership aspirations with courses in strategic planning and team management, essential for roles focused on supervision and decision making.

Industry-Specific Needs

Technical Roles: CPE benefits professionals in roles like compliance and financial analysis by providing in-depth regulatory and technical knowledge.
Leadership or Client-Facing Roles: CPD’s focus on interpersonal and strategic skills is valuable for roles where communication and client management are key.

By aligning CPD or CPE with your career stage and goals, you can effectively focus your continuing education to support both immediate role requirements and long-term advancement.

What is Online CPD and CPE?

Online CPD and CPE offer flexible, accessible learning options for professionals aiming to meet certification and compliance requirements. These programs allow finance professionals to learn at their own pace, integrating education seamlessly into busy schedules.

In addition, online CPD and CPE courses cover both technical skills, like Excel and financial modeling, and essential soft skills. By enrolling in courses from an accredited online provider like CFI, professionals ensure their credits meet industry standards, supporting compliance while building critical expertise for career advancement.

How to Earn CPD and CPE Credits Online with CFI

For finance professionals needing CPD and CPE, CFI’s accredited courses offer flexible, finance-specific education that meets certification requirements — all available online.

Accredited, Finance-Specific Courses

CFI’s accredited courses meet CPD and CPE standards, ensuring:

Verifiable Credits: Credits earned meet certification requirements.
Industry Compliance: Courses align with skills essential for certifications like CPA, and CFP, and FRM.

Flexible, Self-Paced Learning for Busy Professionals

CFI’s on-demand platform lets you learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance education with work. With this flexibility, you can:

Stay Consistent: Learn without disrupting your routine.
Control Your Schedule: Adapt study times to suit your needs.

Specialized Course Options to Meet CPD and CPE Goals

CFI’s curriculum covers critical areas for CPD/CPE, including:

Core Finance Skills: Excel, financial modeling, valuation, and accounting.
Risk Management: Financial risk analysis and mitigation.
Data and Technology: Data analytics, Power BI, AI, cryptocurrencies.
Leadership and Strategy: Corporate strategy, communication, and team leadership.

Why Choose CFI for Finance CPD and CPE?

CFI’s finance-focused platform is a trusted choice for CPD and CPE credits, offering:

Finance-Specific Content tailored to finance and accounting skills.
Hands-On Training with real-world applications.
Comprehensive Course Library supporting long-term career growth.

With CFI, you gain high-quality, finance-specific education that aligns with certification standards and promotes career advancement.

FAQ: Common Questions about CPD and CPE

What’s the difference between CPD and CPE?

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) covers a broad range of skills, focusing on personal and career growth across industries.

CPE (Continuing Professional Education) primarily targets regulated fields like accounting and finance, with an emphasis on technical and compliance-driven skills.

Which certifications require CPD or CPE?

Many certifications require CPD or CPE. Here are a few examples.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant): CPE is mandatory for licensure.
CFP (Certified Financial Planner): Requires CPE credits for certification.
FRM (Financial Risk Manager): CPE is essential for maintaining certification.
CMA (Certified Management Accountant): CPE helps maintain this certification.

We recommend checking with your certification board for exact requirements.

How do CPD and CPE support career growth?

Both CPD and CPE keep professionals competitive by building essential skills. CPD emphasizes general career skills, while CPE focuses on specialized, industry-specific knowledge vital for advancement in regulated fields.

Are online courses effective for CPD and CPE?

Yes, accredited online CPD and CPE courses are widely accepted for certification. They provide flexibility, allowing professionals to meet requirements while accessing quality content.

How does CFI ensure CPD/CPE meets industry standards?

CFI’s CPD and CPE courses are accredited by recognized bodies, aligning with certification requirements. Developed by industry experts, CFI’s curriculum emphasizes practical skills directly applicable to finance roles.

Unlock Your Career Potential with CPD and CPE – Next Steps

CPD and CPE are invaluable tools for finance professionals dedicated to growing their skills, staying compliant, and advancing their careers. Engaging in continuous learning through CPD or CPE builds expertise, keeps you adaptable, and positions you for lasting success.

Take the Next Step: Explore CFI’s finance-specific CPD and CPE courses today to meet certification requirements and accelerate your career.

Earn Your Credits!