The Ultimate Guide to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for Finance Professionals

What is Continuing Professional Education (CPE)?

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) refers to ongoing learning that professionals undertake to maintain their certifications and stay current with industry standards. In the finance sector, CPE credits are required by certifying bodies like AICPA and FINRA to ensure professionals remain knowledgeable about evolving regulations, technologies, and best practices.

The primary purpose of CPE is to promote continuous professional development by helping finance professionals enhance their expertise and adapt to changes in their field.

Why CPE Matters for Finance Professionals

In finance, outdated skills limit career opportunities. Keeping your skills fresh is essential for long-term career success. Earning certifications like CPA, CFA, and CFM opens career doors and makes professionals more competitive as job candidates. Completing CPE credits is required to maintain these certifications and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

But beyond compliance, CPE credits keep professionals on top of industry changes, developing new skills, and keeping up with trends and technologies that shape the financial landscape. Professionals who actively pursue CPE set themselves up for career growth, leadership opportunities, and greater expertise in specialized areas like financial modeling and risk management.

Key Finance Certifications that Require CPE Credits

Several finance-related certifications require professionals to earn CPE credits regularly to maintain their status. Each certification has unique requirements, but all emphasize the importance of staying updated on key financial topics.

  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant): CPAs must complete a specific number of CPE credits each year to stay compliant with the AICPA guidelines. Courses related to tax, audit, and financial accounting are popular among CPAs seeking to fulfill their CPE requirements.
  • CFM (Certified Financial Manager): CFMs use CPE credits to stay informed on management accounting practices, corporate finance, and decision analysis.
  • CFP (Certified Financial Planner): For CFPs, completing CPE credits ensures they remain well-versed in comprehensive financial planning so they can continue to serve their clients’ best interests.
  • FRM (Financial Risk Manager): CPE for FRMs — called Continuing Professional Development (CPD) — keeps risk professionals up to date on current trends and best practices in market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

Exceptions to the CPE Credit Requirement

While most finance certifications require CPE credits for renewal, there are some exceptions. For example, CPE is optional for CFA charterholders. Instead of a mandatory requirement, the CFA Institute encourages charterholders to participate in voluntary CPE to stay up to date with evolving industry practices and trends.

If you’re uncertain about the CPE requirements for your certification, visit the membership section of your certifying body’s website or reach out to their office for clarification.

How to Earn CPE Credits: Online vs. In-Person

There are multiple ways to earn CPE credits, but online learning is becoming increasingly popular due to its flexibility.

Online Learning

Platforms like CFI provide finance professionals with on-demand courses covering a wide range of topics and tools, from financial modeling to using Tableau to present data visually. 

Online learning also allows professionals to earn CPE credits at their own pace and from any location — ideal for busy individuals.

In-Person Events

In-person seminars and conferences provide valuable networking opportunities but often require travel and a fixed schedule. They can be more costly and less flexible than online alternatives.

Feature
Online CPE
In-Person CPE
FlexibilityHigh – Learn anytime, anywhereLow – Requires travel and set schedule
CostAffordable, no travel costsMore expensive, travel, and lodging fees
NetworkingLimited opportunities onlineGreat for networking
PaceSelf-pacedFixed schedule

Best Practices for Managing CPE Requirements

Regardless of whether you choose online or in-person learning, managing your CPE credits can still be a challenge — especially when balancing work demands. To make the process smoother and ensure you meet your certification requirements, consider the following best practices:

  • Plan Ahead: Spread out your CPE courses throughout the year instead of leaving them all until the end of the year. Planning ahead will help you avoid the stress of trying to meet requirements at the last minute.
  • Choose Relevant Courses: Select CPE courses that align with your career goals. Focus on courses that help you develop skills in your domain, such as financial modeling, data analysis, or risk management.
  • Track Your Credits: Use digital tools or tracking platforms to keep a record of your completed CPE credits. This ensures you always know where you stand with your certification requirements.

Real-World Benefits of Earning CPE Credits

Earning CPE credits has practical, career-enhancing benefits beyond just maintaining your certification. For example, one finance professional who completed CPE courses in financial modeling with CFI was able to apply those skills to their job and secure a promotion to a leadership position. 

Similarly, FP&A professionals who regularly earn CPE credits develop a deep understanding of forecasting and using scenario analysis to predict financial results. This advanced expertise makes them critical assets during strategic planning and budgeting processes within their organizations.

How CFI Helps Finance Professionals Earn CPE Credits Online

Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is a top provider of online NASBA-accredited CPE courses for finance professionals. CFI’s courses are recognized by key certifying bodies like the AICPA, ACCA, and FINRA, ensuring that professionals can earn credits while gaining practical, real-world skills.

  • Flexibility: CFI offers self-paced, online courses that allow professionals to earn CPE credits without disrupting their work schedules.
  • Industry Recognition: CFI’s courses are accredited, ensuring that the credits earned are verifiable and accepted by certification bodies.
  • Practical Skills: Courses focus on critical finance topics like accounting, Excel, financial analysis, financial modeling, valuation, and business strategy.

FAQ: What You Need to Know About CPE Credits

  • What’s the easiest way to earn CPE credits online?

The easiest way is through platforms like CFI, which offer on-demand, flexible courses that fit your schedule.

  • How many CPE credits do I need for my certification?

The number varies depending on the certification. For example, CPAs generally need 40 credits per year, while CFA charterholders have more flexible requirements. To find the CPE requirements for your certification, check the certification’s website.

  • What happens if I don’t meet my CPE requirements?

Failure to meet CPE requirements can result in penalties or loss of certification, affecting your career growth and opportunities.

  • What are the benefits of CPE credits beyond meeting certification requirements?

Beyond compliance, earning CPE credits helps finance professionals develop practical skills and expertise in finance and learn transferable skills like business intelligence and ESG. These skills can lead to promotions, leadership roles, and new opportunities in specialized fields.

Stay Compliant with CEUs and CPE Credits for Finance Professionals

For finance professionals, earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is critical to staying competitive, meeting certification requirements, and advancing your career. While CPE credits are specific to finance certifications, CEUs apply more broadly and provide the flexibility to fulfill a wide range of continuing education needs.

With CFI’s online CEU and CPE courses, you can meet your continuing education requirements while gaining practical skills that will help you excel in your role and stand out in the finance industry.

Take the Next Step 

Earn your CEUs or CPE credits today with CFI’s flexible, accredited online courses — tailored to fit your schedule and career goals.

Earn Your CPE Credits!

Additional Resources

What is Continuing Professional Education (CPE)?

10 Tips for Online Learners

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

See all CFI Continuing Professional Education resources

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