Lambers CPE Review: Is It the Right Fit for Your Continuing Education?
When you have to complete an average of 40 hours every year to fulfill the AICPA requirements, choosing the right provider can be the difference between an enjoyable experience and a chore you dread.
Lambers is a popular budget-friendly option, but every person is different, and no CPE provider is the best choice for every CPA. After all, everyone has a different learning style, budget, and CPE goal: get it done fast, or learn as much as you can (and both are equally valid).
This is going to be a deep dive into everything you need to know if you’re considering getting your CPE done with Lambers—from the pros and cons to the best features and who would (and wouldn’t) be a perfect fit for the platform.
Key Takeaways
- If you learn visually, Lambers’ video-based courses are up your alley.
- If you want a simple, no-frills platform, Lambers won’t overwhelm you with their straightforward interface.
- If you appreciate dedicated, experienced instructors, Lambers is known for their highly knowledgeable team of experts.
- If you’re looking for flexible payment options, Lambers may not fit your needs; check out Becker instead.
- If you want gamified courses, Lambers doesn’t offer them, but Surgent CPE does.
Lambers CPE Fundamentals
Lambers has been a staple in accounting education for decades. During my review of their CPE platform, I found it to be a practical, no-nonsense option for professionals who want to meet their requirements without overpaying. The biggest standout for me was the pricing—compared to other leading providers I’ve tested, Lambers offers one of the most affordable annual subscriptions for unlimited CPE access.
The course library covers all the essential areas like taxation, ethics, auditing, and management, and while the user interface is a bit dated, it’s easy to navigate. I worked through a mix of on-demand videos and downloadable PDFs, and found the content straightforward and focused on what matters most for compliance. Though the platform doesn’t offer much interactivity or advanced features, it delivers steady value, especially for those looking to complete a large number of credits efficiently.
If you’re looking for a budget-conscious option that still meets national standards and offers flexibility in format, Lambers is a reliable choice worth considering.
Pros
- Options for video, PDF, and live webinar
- Covers all major categories of study, including ethics
- Access to a remote tech support team, plus phone and email support
- Highly experienced instructors
Cons
- Interface feels outdated
- Audio quality of some videos is poor
- Limited course interactivity
Lambers CPE Review
Lambers’s customer service receives a lot of praise in their testimonials. One Lambers user wrote:
“The customer service I received was excellent, which is always an important factor. The materials and website are easy to use and manage; I especially love the fact that I can do my continuing ed at my convenience. I will be using Lambers for years to come.”
Jennifer C.
Package Options
#1: 1-Year All-Access
An ideal choice for those who live in states where CPE reporting is required yearly, the 1-year package is a video, webinar, and PDF-based course designed to cover all your CPE bases for the entire year. The package includes both NASBA-approved CPE and IRS-approved CE; if you also happen to be an enrolled agent, great—kill two birds with one stone!
Because you can access as many courses as you want within a 1-year span, you can also complete credits that carry over to the following year if it’s allowed in your state. For example, suppose you’re a CPA in North Carolina. In that case, you can fulfill your 40-hour requirement and complete up to an additional 20 hours of CPE to carry over to the following year (ethics courses can’t count toward the rollover credits, though).
#2: 2-Year All-Access
This course is exactly what it sounds like: the same format as the one-year package, but valid for two! If you live in a state where CPE is reported every two years, this is the perfect option for you. Several states (such as North Dakota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) require a minimum number of hours per year, so you can break up your CPE into chunks that work with your schedule.
This course is an all-access pass to the Lambers library of instructor videos, webinars, and self-study PDFs.
#3: Individual Courses
Looking for some last-minute CPE? Or maybe you want to try out a Lambers course before you commit to the 1-year package. Lambers also allows you to purchase individual courses a la carte, which you can conveniently sort by video, PDF, and webinar.
These courses range from 1 to 12 hours. If you only need to fulfill a few extra hours, this is an easy and affordable way to get some quick CPE without any further commitment.
Quick Feature Breakdown
Every CPE package from Lambers offers the same features — just at different price points and access lengths. The options are:
- 1-Year All Access
- 2-Year All Access
- A la carte courses
Each course comes with the following:
- Unlimited access
- Video lectures
- Live webinars
- Downloadable PDFs
- Built-in note-taking
- Ethics requirement
Lambers CPE Discounts
Save 10% on a Lambers CPE package to fulfill your credits and maintain your license status at a discounted price.
Exclusive Offer – 10% Off Lambers CPE Courses
Course Formats & Learning Options
Lambers offers three primary formats across all their CPE classes: video, self-study, and live webinars. Video courses are 100% on demand, and you complete your CPE on your own time, watching and listening to experienced instructors at your leisure. Self-study is also completed on your timeline, but is done entirely through downloadable PDFs. These options are ideal if you don’t want to commit to a set schedule and just want to get some CPE where and when possible.
If setting your own study schedule sounds like a nightmare, Lambers also offers live webinars that you can attend for CPE credit.
Regardless of the format you go for, Lambers also provides custom quizzes, study guides, and progress tracking to help you keep track of your CPE hours and progress through the course material itself.
Video Content & Platform Usability
While Lambers may not win design awards, the platform is user-friendly and intuitively guides users through the courses. While there’s no mobile app, Lambers can be accessed via web browsers on phones or tablets.
When viewing some of the video lessons, I found that while I trusted the instructors’ expertise, some of the sessions felt monotonous. Relying only on the videos for 100% of your CPE could easily get boring over time, so being open to trying the PDFs or live webinars may be worth exploring.
The videos themselves worked well—they loaded quickly, and I could skip ahead or go back if I needed to. There’s also a space for virtual note-taking at the bottom of the screen to jot down ideas.
Value and Guarantees
The flexibility and all-you-can-access courses make Lambers a value-driven platform. Again, you’re not getting the bells and whistles of other courses, but the value of an affordable CPE subscription is inarguable. Whether you’re aiming to complete 2 years’ worth of CPE over time or just need a few credit hours here and there, Lambers may have the flexibility you need.
If you change your mind after buying from Lambers, they’ll will give a refund up to 30 days from the date of purchase for unactivated purchases. If a product has been activated, there’s still a chance to get your money back; Lambers will issue a refund up to 5 business days from the activation date.
Support & Course Access
Support for Lambers courses is available by phone and email; if it’s a technical issue you’re having, the support team can also view your screen remotely (with your permission) through TeamViewer, to help solve tech issues within the course. The support team was fast and earnest in assisting me with questions I generated based on the most common problems. Further, asking instructors questions during live webinars was an excellent way to fully understand the trickier topics and get some additional insight from an expert.
In terms of course access, both the 1-year and 2-year plan allows you to complete as many courses as you want within that time frame. Ultimately, the support and access aren’t anything special, but they’re what you’d expect from a quality CPE provider.
How Does Lambers Compare To Its Competitors?
Lambers provides quality CPE but faces competition from several alternatives in the market. To help you find the course that suits you, let’s compare some popular CPE options and see what each one has to offer.
Lambers vs Becker
Compared to Becker CPE, Lambers offers video, PDF, and webinar content at a slightly more affordable price point of several hundred dollars less per year, making it suitable for budget-conscious learners. Becker delivers a more polished user experience with video content, live webcasts, and on-demand options. Further, where Lambers features a simpler, somewhat outdated interface, Becker provides a highly navigable platform with personalized dashboards, progress tracking, and enhanced support options, including priority instructor assistance, chat capabilities, and forum access.
Lambers vs Gleim
Gleim’s CPE subscription, which is slightly more expensive than Lambers, is a fairly simple, text-based platform. Its main selling point is its SmartAdapt™ technology and comprehensive analytics tools, whereas Lambers offers limited technological features. Though Lambers provides a medium-sized course library with limited instructor assistance, Gleim features a larger library covering broader subject areas and offers direct access to CPAs and instructors. Lambers best serves simplicity-focused CPAs, while Gleim caters to learners needing test preparation and more personalized feedback.
Surgent vs Lambers
The comparison between Surgent and Lambers reveals significant technological differences. Lambers lacks adaptive learning and gamification features; In contrast, Surgent incorporates award-winning A.S.A.P.® Technology with dynamic quizzes and leaderboards. However, these features come at a much higher price point than Lambers. With its low technological sophistication, Lambers appeals to traditional learners, while Surgent’s mobile-friendly, analytics-driven approach better serves tech-savvy professionals seeking continuous feedback.
Lambers vs Illumeo
Finally, when comparing Lambers with Illumeo, Illumeo stands out for extending its target audience beyond CPAs, including CFOs, controllers, and executives. Illumeo also features moderate interactivity through quizzes, webinars, compliance tracking, and robust enterprise-level corporate use features. Illumeo CPE provides all-access subscriptions for teams of people and individual subscriptions. Its basic package is slightly cheaper than Lambers’s, and it is much the same in terms of features and course format. It may be worth checking out for both individuals and teams looking to complete their CPE, and choosing the provider that clicks best for you.
Final Thoughts
Lambers CPE is a solid choice for CPAs seeking flexible, self-paced learning with a mix of video, downloadable study guides, and optional live webinars. It’s especially appealing to professionals who value straightforward content delivery without the fluff, and the affordability of the all-access plans adds real value.
However, if you’re looking for a more interactive experience, robust analytics, or highly adaptive tech features, you might find Lambers a bit lean. In that case, platforms like Becker or Gleim offer deeper course customization and more innovative tracking tools. Meanwhile, Surgent stands out for its award-winning adaptive learning that tailors content to your strengths and weaknesses.
Lambers works best for independent learners on a budget, but if you’re craving next-level support and tech, consider stepping up to one of the top-tier options.
Want to fulfill your credit requirements for less? Check out my list of current, verified CPE Coupon Codes.
FAQ
CPE requirements vary by state, but most states require 80–120 hours every 2–3 years, with some mandating 20–40 hours per year. Be sure to check with your specific state board for exact requirements.
Some states allow carryover of excess CPE hours, typically up to a limit (e.g., 20 hours), while others do not permit any carryover. Always verify your state’s rules to avoid surprises.
Yes, online CPE courses are generally accepted, as long as they are offered by NASBA- or state board-approved providers. Look for courses marked “QAS Self-Study” or with proper accreditation.
CPAs are typically responsible for maintaining their own CPE records and reporting hours during the license renewal process. Most states require proof, such as certificates of completion.
Qualifying CPE courses include those on accounting, auditing, taxation, ethics, and business management. Topics must be relevant to your profession and provided by an approved sponsor.
