Debunking the Top 5 Myths About Continuing Professional Education in Finance

Written by CFI Team

Reviewed by Jeff Schmidt

Read Time 3 minutes

For finance professionals, Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is an essential part of maintaining certifications and staying competitive. Yet, misconceptions about its complexity, relevance, and accessibility can discourage even experienced professionals from embracing its benefits.

The good news? Modern Continuing Professional Education is practical, flexible, and tailored to drive career growth. Here are five of the biggest myths about CPE debunked — and why it’s a valuable tool for building skills and advancing your career.

Myth 1: “Continuing Professional Education Is Just About Compliance”

It’s easy to view Continuing Professional Education as nothing more than a box-checking exercise to maintain your certification. But CPE serves a much greater purpose than maintaining credentials. CPE courses can equip you with practical skills that directly impact your effectiveness and value in the workplace.

Real-World Example: An accountant aiming to transition into FP&A selects CPE courses in 3-statement modeling, forecasting, and Excel-based scenario analysis. These courses fulfill CPE requirements while positioning them as a top FP&A candidate.

Key Takeaway: Think of CPE as a way to invest in your future, not just something you have to do for compliance.

Myth 2: “Continuing Professional Education Is Too Expensive”

It’s easy to believe that CPE courses are costly and not worth the investment. While some programs can be pricey, high-quality and affordable CPE options do exist, and they deliver significant value for your career.

Real-World Example: A financial analyst on a tight budget selects an all-access CPE membership from CFI, gaining access to a full catalog of NASBA-accredited courses. They complete courses in financial modeling and risk management, earning credits while gaining practical, job-ready skills — all at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.

Key Takeaway: CPE doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for cost-effective options like all-access memberships that allow you to earn credits while maximizing value.

Myth 3: “All Continuing Professional Education Courses Are Boring”

Some professionals assume that CPE courses are filled with theoretical content or outdated material. However, today’s leading CPE providers offer dynamic, engaging courses with real-world applications that keep you learning and motivated.

Real-World Example: A senior accountant completes a course on Excel-based dashboards and data visualization. Instead of passive lessons, they work through interactive exercises to build professional dashboards they can immediately use to share KPIs with leadership.

Key Takeaway: Modern CPE courses are designed to be engaging and actionable, helping you build relevant skills that improve your work — not put you to sleep.

Myth 4: “Continuing Professional Education Takes Too Much Time”

Busy professionals often feel they don’t have time for CPE courses. In reality, flexible, on-demand options allow you to complete courses on your schedule. Providers like CFI allow you to fit learning into even the busiest days.

Real-World Example: A finance manager completes short, focused CPE lessons during their commute and lunch breaks. Over a few weeks, they earn credits in operational modeling while managing their daily workload seamlessly.

Key Takeaway: With self-paced, bite-sized CPE courses, you can learn on your own schedule without sacrificing work or personal commitments.

5. “Online Continuing Professional Education Isn’t Effective”

Some professionals believe online CPE courses lack the structure and value of in-person training. However, today’s leading online platforms provide high-quality, interactive learning that delivers real-world results — often with greater flexibility and convenience.

Real-World Example: A credit analyst completes an online CPE course in risk management through CFI. The interactive exercises, downloadable templates, and practical case studies allow them to immediately apply what they learn to identify credit risks and streamline reporting workflows.

Key Takeaway: Online CPE courses combine flexibility with hands-on, practical learning, making them an effective way to build job-ready skills and advance your career.

Unlock the Value of Continuing Professional Education

The myths surrounding Continuing Professional Education can hold finance professionals back from making the most of their learning opportunities. In reality, CPE is a career-boosting tool that equips you with practical skills, helps you adapt to industry changes, and positions you for success.

CFI makes CPE simple and impactful with NASBA-accredited CPE courses tailored to the needs of finance professionals. Whether you’re looking for quick, focused lessons or comprehensive certifications, CFI provides flexible, real-world training you can apply immediately.

Ready to earn your CPE credits and build skills that matter? Explore CFI’s course catalog today and take the next step in your professional development.

Earn Your Credits!