{"id":4363,"date":"2025-09-26T18:36:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T23:36:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/?p=4363"},"modified":"2026-10-29T15:44:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T20:44:15","slug":"best-cpe-courses-for-cpas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpe-courses-for-cpas\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best CPE Courses for CPAs: Subscriptions Compared"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best CPE courses for CPAs keep a license current without swallowing your evenings. In North Carolina, the <a href=\"https:\/\/nccpaboard.gov\/resource-group\/ncac-08g-continuing-professional-education-cpe\/\">State Board&#8217;s CPE rule<\/a> now calls for 2,000 minutes a year, including 50 minutes of ethics from a NASBA registry sponsor.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So what separates the providers? Mostly format and cost per credit, because every finalist here is a registered sponsor.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five providers made the final ranking, and the matcher and price chart below help you choose between them.<\/p> <script data-wp-block-html=\"js\">(function(){ var CSS_ID='v2-live-safe-css-v2'; function inject(){ if(document.getElementById(CSS_ID))return; var s=document.createElement('style');s.id=CSS_ID;s.appendChild(document.createTextNode(\"\/* ===== Best-of template v2 (scoped .v2) ===== *\/.v2{--v2-bg:#fff;--v2-panel:#fff;--v2-soft:#f3f5f9;--v2-ink:#0f1f3d;--v2-text:#2f3b52;--v2-muted:#6b7590;--v2-line:#dde2ec;--v2-line-soft:#eaedf3;--v2-brand:#153a6b;--v2-brand-ink:#fff;--v2-cta:#e8641c;--v2-cta-hover:#cf5512;--v2-cta-ink:#fff;--v2-good:#1a9a5a;--v2-warn:#c98a12;--v2-pick:#fff4ea;--v2-pick-line:#f5c9a5;--v2-bar:#dfe5f0;--v2-bar-fill:#153a6b;--v2-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(15,31,61,.05),0 8px 24px rgba(15,31,61,.07);color:var(--v2-text);line-height:1.6;margin:0 auto;font-family:inherit;font-size:1rem}.v2 p,.v2 li,.v2 td,.v2 th,.v2 label,.v2 legend,.v2 button,.v2 a,.v2 span,.v2 small,.v2 i,.v2 figcaption,.v2 div{font-family:inherit}.v2 h2,.v2 h3,.v2 h4,.v2 .btn,.v2 .rank,.v2 .scorebox .big,.v2 .strip b,.v2 .buy .price,.v2 .fact b,.v2 .trust strong,.v2 .rel b,.v2 .guide .gt b,.v2 .also b,.v2 .cat b,.v2 .acc .ab,.v2 .v2-mres h3,.v2-sticky .lbl b{}.v2 *,.v2 *::before,.v2 *::after{box-sizing:border-box}.v2 img{max-width:100%;height:auto}.v2 p:empty{display:none;margin:0}.v2 [hidden]{display:none!important}.v2 h2,.v2 h3,.v2 h4{color:var(--v2-ink)!important;line-height:1.2;margin:0;letter-spacing:-.015em;text-wrap:balance}.v2 h2{font-size:clamp(1.45rem,3vw,1.85rem);font-weight:800;margin-block:52px 10px}.v2 h3{font-size:1.2rem;font-weight:700!important}.v2 p{margin:0 0 1em;text-wrap:pretty}.v2 a{color:var(--v2-brand);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px}.v2 a:hover{color:var(--v2-cta)}.v2 button{font:inherit;cursor:pointer}.v2 :is(button,a,input):focus-visible{outline:3px solid var(--v2-cta);outline-offset:2px}.v2 .eyebrow{font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--v2-muted)}.v2 .num{font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}.v2 .sub{color:var(--v2-muted);font-size:.92rem}.v2 .chev{width:16px;height:16px;flex:none;transition:transform .2s}.v2 [aria-expanded=\\\"true\\\"] .chev{transform:rotate(180deg)}.v2 .btn{overflow-wrap:normal;word-break:normal;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:8px;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:10px;font-weight:500;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.03em;font-size:.9rem;text-decoration:none!important;border:1px solid transparent;transition:background .15s;white-space:nowrap;line-height:1.2}.v2 .btn-cta{background:var(--v2-cta);color:var(--v2-cta-ink)!important;box-shadow:0 2px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.12)}.v2 .btn-cta:hover{background:var(--v2-cta-hover)}.v2 .btn-ghost{background:var(--v2-panel);color:var(--v2-ink)!important;border-color:var(--v2-line)}.v2 .btn-ghost:hover{background:var(--v2-soft)}.v2 .btn-sm{padding:8px 14px;font-size:.88rem;border-radius:8px}.v2 .linkbtn{background:none;border:0;padding:0;color:var(--v2-brand);font-weight:600;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}.v2 .strip{margin-top:22px;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden;background:var(--v2-panel)}.v2 .strip>div{padding:14px 16px;border-right:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);display:grid;gap:2px}.v2 .strip>div:last-child{border-right:0}.v2 .strip b{font-size:1.3rem;font-weight:800;color:var(--v2-ink);line-height:1.1}.v2 .strip span{font-size:.84rem;color:var(--v2-muted)}.v2 .w{display:grid;grid-template-columns:180px 1fr 44px;gap:10px;align-items:center;font-size:.92rem}.v2 .w .track{height:8px;border-radius:999px;background:var(--v2-bar);overflow:hidden}.v2 .w .fill{height:100%;background:var(--v2-bar-fill);border-radius:999px}.v2 .w b{text-align:right;color:var(--v2-ink)}\/* matcher *\/.v2 .matcher{margin-top:18px;border:2px solid var(--v2-brand);border-radius:16px;background:var(--v2-panel);padding:22px;display:grid;gap:16px;box-shadow:var(--v2-shadow)}.v2 .matcher h2{margin:0;font-size:1.35rem}.v2 .qs{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:14px}.v2 .q{display:grid;gap:8px;border:0;padding:0;margin:0;min-width:0}.v2 .q .ql{font-weight:700;color:var(--v2-ink);font-size:.95rem;padding:0;margin:0 0 4px}.v2 .opts{display:grid;gap:6px}.v2 .opt{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:9px 12px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:9px;background:var(--v2-bg);cursor:pointer;font-size:.92rem;color:var(--v2-text);margin:0;line-height:1.3}.v2 .opt:hover{border-color:var(--v2-brand)}.v2 .opt input{accent-color:var(--v2-brand);margin:0;flex:none}.v2 .opt:has(input:checked){border-color:var(--v2-brand);background:var(--v2-soft);color:var(--v2-ink);font-weight:600}.v2 .v2-mres{position:static;inset:auto;width:auto;text-align:left;border-top:1px dashed var(--v2-line);padding-top:16px;display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto 1fr auto;gap:16px;align-items:center}.v2 .v2-mres .rlogo{width:84px;height:84px;border-radius:14px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);background:#fff;object-fit:contain;padding:6px}.v2 .v2-mres .runner{display:block;margin-top:6px;font-size:.9rem;color:var(--v2-muted)}.v2 .v2-mres .eyebrow{color:var(--v2-cta)}.v2 .v2-mres h3{font-size:1.3rem;margin:2px 0 4px}.v2 .v2-mres p{margin:0;font-size:.95rem}.v2 .v2-mres-empty{color:var(--v2-muted);font-size:.95rem;margin:0}\/* ranking cards *\/.v2 .card{border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:16px;background:var(--v2-panel);box-shadow:var(--v2-shadow);overflow:hidden;margin-top:18px;scroll-margin-top:120px}.v2 .card-top{border-color:var(--v2-pick-line)}.v2 .card-head{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr) auto;gap:16px;padding:18px 20px;align-items:start}.v2 .card-top .card-head{background:var(--v2-pick)}.v2 .rank{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:12px;display:grid;place-items:center;font-weight:800;font-size:1.15rem;background:var(--v2-soft);color:var(--v2-ink);border:1px solid var(--v2-line)}.v2 .card-top .rank{background:var(--v2-cta);color:var(--v2-cta-ink);border-color:var(--v2-cta)}.v2 .ident{display:grid;gap:4px;min-width:0}.v2 .ident .tag{font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--v2-brand)}.v2 .card-top .ident .tag{color:var(--v2-cta)}.v2 .ident h3{font-size:1.3rem}.v2 .ident .oneliner{margin:0;font-size:.97rem}.v2 .scorebox{text-align:right;display:grid;gap:2px;justify-items:end}.v2 .scorebox .big{font-weight:800;font-size:1.9rem;line-height:1;color:var(--v2-ink)}.v2 .scorebox .big small{font-size:.9rem;color:var(--v2-muted);font-weight:600}.v2 .scorebox .stars{color:var(--v2-warn);letter-spacing:.05em;font-size:.9rem}.v2 .card-body{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,560px) 300px;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px 24px;padding:0 20px 18px;align-items:center}.v2 .bars{display:grid;gap:8px;align-content:center}.v2 .bar{display:grid;grid-template-columns:110px 1fr 40px;gap:10px;align-items:center;font-size:.9rem;color:var(--v2-muted)}.v2 .bar .track{height:8px;background:var(--v2-bar);border-radius:999px;overflow:hidden}.v2 .bar .fill{height:100%;background:var(--v2-bar-fill);border-radius:999px}.v2 .bar b{color:var(--v2-ink);text-align:right}.v2 .buy{display:grid;gap:10px;align-content:start;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:12px;padding:14px;background:var(--v2-bg)}.v2 .buy .price{font-weight:800;font-size:1.3rem;color:var(--v2-ink);line-height:1.15}.v2 .buy .price small{display:block;font-size:.8rem;color:var(--v2-muted);font-weight:500;margin-top:2px}.v2 .buy .save{font-size:.85rem;color:var(--v2-good);font-weight:700}.v2 .buy .btn,.v2 .v2-mres .btn,.v2 .btnrow .btn{white-space:normal;text-align:center;line-height:1.25}.v2 .buy .btn{width:100%}.v2 .buy .fine{font-size:.8rem;color:var(--v2-muted);margin:0}.v2 .card-meta{padding:0 20px 18px;display:grid;gap:14px}.v2 .card-foot{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:10px 20px;border-top:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);background:var(--v2-soft)}.v2 .expand{background:none;border:0;padding:0;color:var(--v2-brand);font-weight:700;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px}.v2 .card-foot .revlink{font-size:.92rem;font-weight:600;margin-left:auto;margin-right:18px}.v2 .detail{padding:18px 20px 22px;border-top:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);display:grid;gap:18px}.v2 .review p{margin:0 0 .9em}.v2 .review p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.v2 .shots{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,880px);justify-content:center}.v2 .shots figure{margin:0 auto;width:100%;display:grid;gap:8px}.v2 .shots figcaption{text-align:center}.v2 .shots .zoom{display:block;position:relative;margin:0;cursor:zoom-in;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);background:var(--v2-soft)}.v2 .shots .zoom::after{content:\\\"\u2922\\\";position:absolute;right:10px;bottom:10px;width:30px;height:30px;border-radius:8px;background:rgba(15,31,61,.78);color:#fff;display:grid;place-items:center;font-size:1rem;pointer-events:none}.v2 .shots .zoom img{width:100%;height:auto;display:block;margin:0;border:0;border-radius:0}.v2 .lb-t{position:absolute;opacity:0;pointer-events:none}.v2 .lb{display:none;position:fixed;inset:0;z-index:99999;background:rgba(10,16,28,.9);padding:20px}.v2 .lb-t:checked~.lb{display:grid;place-items:center}.v2 .lb .lb-x{display:grid;place-items:center;width:100%;height:100%;cursor:zoom-out;margin:0}.v2 .lb img{max-width:min(1280px,96vw);max-height:90vh;width:auto;height:auto;object-fit:contain;border-radius:10px;background:#fff;box-shadow:0 20px 60px rgba(0,0,0,.5)}.v2 .shots figcaption{font-size:.92rem;color:var(--v2-muted);line-height:1.45}.v2 .shots .ph{aspect-ratio:2\/1;border:1px dashed var(--v2-line);border-radius:10px;background:var(--v2-soft);display:grid;place-items:center;font-size:.82rem;color:var(--v2-muted);text-align:center;padding:12px}.v2 .pc{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px}.v2 .pc ul{margin:6px 0 0;padding:0;list-style:none;font-size:1rem}.v2 .pc li{margin:7px 0;padding-left:28px;position:relative;line-height:1.45}.v2 .pc li::before{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;font-size:.95em}.v2 .pc .pro li::before{content:\\\"\\\\2705\\\"}.v2 .pc .con li::before{content:\\\"\\\\274C\\\"}.v2 .pc .eyebrow{display:block}.v2 .pc .pro .eyebrow{color:var(--v2-good)}.v2 .pc .con .eyebrow{color:var(--v2-warn)}.v2 .facts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:10px}.v2 .fact{border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:10px;padding:10px 12px;background:var(--v2-bg);display:grid;gap:2px}.v2 .fact span{font-size:.74rem;color:var(--v2-muted);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;font-weight:600}.v2 .fact b{font-size:1.05rem;color:var(--v2-ink);line-height:1.2}.v2 .whofor{border-left:4px solid var(--v2-brand);padding:10px 14px;background:var(--v2-soft);border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;font-size:1rem}.v2 .btnrow{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px}\/* related guide callout *\/.v2 .guide{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr) auto;gap:14px;align-items:center;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-left:5px solid var(--v2-cta);border-radius:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:var(--v2-soft);margin:14px 0 6px}.v2 .guide .gi{width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:10px;background:var(--v2-panel);border:1px solid var(--v2-line);display:grid;place-items:center;font-size:1.2rem}.v2 .guide .gt{display:grid;gap:2px;min-width:0}.v2 .guide .gt .eyebrow{color:var(--v2-cta)}.v2 .guide .gt b{color:var(--v2-ink);font-size:1.02rem}.v2 .guide .gt span{font-size:.93rem;color:var(--v2-text)}.v2 .guide .btn{flex:none}\/* comparison chart *\/.v2 .sc-wrap{margin-top:16px;container:scw \/ inline-size}.v2 .sc-grid{--cols:1;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(var(--cols),minmax(0,1fr));gap:14px}.v2 .sc-col{display:flex;flex-direction:column;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:14px;background:var(--v2-panel);overflow:hidden;min-width:0;box-shadow:var(--v2-shadow)}.v2 .sc-col.col-off{display:none}.v2 .sc-top{border-color:var(--v2-pick-line)}.v2 .sc-head{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:8px;padding:10px 12px;background:var(--v2-soft);color:var(--v2-ink);text-align:center}.v2 .sc-top .sc-head{background:var(--v2-cta);color:#fff}.v2 .sc-head b{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;color:inherit}.v2 .sc-rank{display:inline-grid;place-items:center;min-width:24px;height:24px;border-radius:7px;background:var(--v2-panel);color:var(--v2-ink);font-size:.8rem;font-weight:800;border:1px solid var(--v2-line)}.v2 .sc-brand{display:grid;place-items:center;padding:12px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);background:#fff}.v2 .sc-logo{display:block;width:auto;height:auto;max-width:90%;max-height:58px;object-fit:contain;margin:0 auto}.v2 .sc-logo-text{height:56px;display:grid;place-items:center;padding:0 16px;border-radius:8px;background:var(--v2-soft);color:var(--v2-ink);font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.08em;font-size:1.05rem}.v2 .sc-row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,45%) minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 12px;padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);font-size:.9rem;line-height:1.4;align-items:start}.v2 .sc-lbl{color:var(--v2-muted);font-weight:600}.v2 .sc-val{color:var(--v2-ink);text-align:right;overflow-wrap:normal;word-break:normal}.v2 .sc-row.best{background:#e8f6ee}.v2 .sc-row.best .sc-val{font-weight:700}.v2 .sc-row.best .sc-val::after{content:\\\" \u2713\\\";color:var(--v2-good)}.v2 .sc-cta{padding:12px 14px;margin-top:auto}.v2 .sc-cta .btn{width:100%;white-space:nowrap;padding:10px;font-size:.85rem}@container scw (min-width:520px){.v2 .sc-grid{--cols:2}}@container scw (min-width:740px){.v2 .sc-grid{--cols:var(--n,var(--total,5));grid-template-rows:repeat(var(--rows,13),auto);row-gap:0;column-gap:10px}.v2 .sc-col{display:grid;grid-row:span var(--rows,13);grid-template-rows:subgrid}.v2 .sc-row{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);gap:2px;padding:9px 10px;font-size:.84rem}.v2 .sc-lbl{font-size:.68rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em}.v2 .sc-val{text-align:left}.v2 .sc-head{padding:9px 8px}.v2 .sc-head b{font-size:.92rem}.v2 .sc-brand{padding:10px 8px}.v2 .sc-logo{max-height:50px}.v2 .sc-logo-text{height:50px}.v2 .sc-cta{padding:10px 8px;margin-top:0;align-self:end}.v2 .sc-cta .btn{font-size:.76rem;padding:9px 6px;letter-spacing:.02em}}.v2 .tablenote{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-between;gap:8px;margin-top:8px;font-size:.85rem;color:var(--v2-muted)}\/* best-for cats *\/.v2 .cats{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:12px;margin-top:16px}.v2 .cat{display:grid;grid-template-rows:auto 1fr auto;gap:4px;padding:14px 16px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:12px;background:var(--v2-panel);color:inherit}.v2 .cat b{color:var(--v2-ink)}.v2 .cat span{font-size:.9rem}.v2 .cat span i{font-style:normal;color:var(--v2-brand);font-weight:600}.v2 .cat .links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px 14px;font-size:.88rem;margin-top:4px}.v2 .cat .links a{font-weight:600}.v2-jt{display:block;position:relative;top:-120px;height:0;visibility:hidden}\/* also tested *\/.v2 .also{margin-top:16px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:12px;background:var(--v2-panel);padding:6px 18px}.v2 .also>div{display:grid;grid-template-columns:200px 1fr;gap:12px;padding:12px 0;border-top:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);font-size:.95rem}.v2 .also>div:first-child{border-top:0}.v2 .also b{color:var(--v2-ink)}.v2 .also b a{color:var(--v2-ink);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px}.v2 .also small{display:block;color:var(--v2-muted);font-size:.8rem}\/* method chapters *\/.v2 .method{display:grid;grid-template-columns:220px minmax(0,1fr);gap:26px;align-items:start;margin-top:16px}.v2 .toc{position:sticky;top:120px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:12px;padding:8px;background:var(--v2-panel);display:grid;gap:2px}.v2 .toc .eyebrow{padding:6px 10px 8px}.v2 .toc a{display:block;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;padding:8px 10px;color:var(--v2-text);font-size:.92rem;line-height:1.3}.v2 .toc a:hover{background:var(--v2-soft);color:var(--v2-ink)}.v2 .toc a.on{background:var(--v2-brand);color:var(--v2-brand-ink);font-weight:600}.v2 .acc{display:grid;gap:10px}.v2 .acc section{border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:12px;background:var(--v2-panel);overflow:hidden;scroll-margin-top:120px}.v2 .acc .ab{width:100%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:12px;padding:14px 16px;background:var(--v2-panel);border:0;text-align:left;color:var(--v2-ink);font-weight:700;font-size:1.05rem}.v2 .acc .ab:hover{background:var(--v2-soft)}.v2 .acc .ab .wt{font-size:.78rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--v2-brand);background:var(--v2-soft);padding:2px 8px;border-radius:999px;margin-left:auto}.v2 .acc .ap{padding:4px 16px 18px;border-top:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft)}.v2 .acc .ap p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\/* trust *\/.v2 .trust{margin-top:16px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:16px;padding:24px;background:var(--v2-panel);display:grid;gap:16px;box-shadow:var(--v2-shadow)}.v2 .trust h2{margin:0;font-size:1.35rem}.v2 .trust ul{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px 22px;margin:0;padding:0;list-style:none}.v2 .trust li{display:grid;grid-template-columns:22px 1fr;gap:10px;margin:0}.v2 .trust strong{display:block;color:var(--v2-ink)}.v2 .trust span{font-size:.93rem}.v2 .ck{width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--v2-good);color:#fff;display:grid;place-items:center;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:800;margin-top:2px}\/* FAQ *\/.v2 .faq{margin-top:16px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:16px;background:var(--v2-panel);overflow:hidden}.v2 .faq>div{padding:20px 24px;border-top:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft)}.v2 .faq>div:first-child{border-top:0}.v2 .faq h3{font-size:1.08rem;margin-bottom:6px}.v2 .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\/* final verdict *\/.v2 .final{margin-top:16px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:16px;background:var(--v2-panel);box-shadow:var(--v2-shadow);padding:22px;display:grid;gap:16px}.v2 .final-lede{font-size:1.08rem;margin:0}.v2 .final-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.2fr 1fr 1fr;gap:12px}.v2 .final-grid.two{grid-template-columns:1.2fr 1fr}.v2 .fpick{border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:12px;padding:14px 16px;background:var(--v2-bg);display:grid;gap:4px;align-content:start}.v2 .fpick-top{background:var(--v2-pick);border-color:var(--v2-pick-line)}.v2 .fpick .tag{font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--v2-brand)}.v2 .fpick-top .tag{color:var(--v2-cta)}.v2 .fpick b{color:var(--v2-ink);font-size:1.08rem}.v2 .fpick p{margin:0;font-size:.95rem}.v2 .final-rest{margin:0}\/* related *\/.v2 .relhead{display:block;margin:22px 0 0}.v2 .rel{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:10px;margin:10px 0 0;padding:0;list-style:none}.v2 .rel li{margin:0}.v2 .rel a{display:grid;gap:2px;padding:12px 14px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:10px;background:var(--v2-panel);text-decoration:none}.v2 .rel a:hover{border-color:var(--v2-brand)}.v2 .rel b{color:var(--v2-ink);font-weight:600}.v2 .rel span{font-size:.85rem;color:var(--v2-muted)}\/* sticky CTA *\/.v2-sticky{position:fixed;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;z-index:9999;background:#fff;border-top:1px solid #dde2ec;box-shadow:0 -6px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.08);padding:10px 16px;transform:translateY(110%);transition:transform .25s}.v2-sticky.show{transform:none}.v2-sticky .in{max-width:920px;margin:0 auto;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;justify-content:space-between}.v2-sticky .lbl{display:grid;min-width:0}.v2-sticky .lbl span{font-size:.75rem;color:#6b7590;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;font-weight:700}.v2-sticky .lbl b{color:#0f1f3d;font-weight:700;white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}@media (max-width:1000px){.v2 .card-body{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) 300px}}@media (max-width:760px){.v2 .strip{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.v2 .strip>div:nth-child(2){border-right:0}.v2 .strip>div:nth-child(-n+2){border-bottom:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft)}.v2 .qs{grid-template-columns:1fr}.v2 .v2-mres{grid-template-columns:auto 1fr}.v2 .v2-mres .btn{grid-column:1\/-1}.v2 .card-head{grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr)}.v2 .scorebox{grid-column:2;justify-items:start;text-align:left}.v2 .card-body,.v2 .pc,.v2 .cats,.v2 .method,.v2 .trust ul,.v2 .final-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.v2 .rel{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.v2 .card-foot .revlink{margin-left:0;margin-right:0;flex-basis:100%}.v2 .facts{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.v2 .toc{position:static}.v2 .w{grid-template-columns:120px 1fr 44px}.v2 .also>div{grid-template-columns:1fr}.v2-sticky .lbl span{display:none}}@media (max-width:600px){.v2 .shots{grid-template-columns:1fr}.v2 .rel{grid-template-columns:1fr}.v2 .lb{padding:10px}.v2 .btnrow .btn,.v2 .v2-mres .btn{width:100%;white-space:normal}.v2 .bar{grid-template-columns:84px 1fr 36px;font-size:.85rem}.v2 .guide{grid-template-columns:auto 1fr}.v2 .guide .btn{grid-column:1\/-1;width:100%}}@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.v2 *{transition:none!important}}@media (max-width:480px){.v2-sticky .lbl{display:none}.v2-sticky .in{justify-content:center}.v2-sticky .in a{flex:1 1 auto;justify-content:center}}.v2 .verdict{margin-top:8px}.v2 .verdict-head{display:grid;gap:4px;justify-items:center;text-align:center;padding:0 0 16px}.v2 .verdict-head h2{margin:0;font-size:clamp(1.35rem,2.6vw,1.75rem);text-align:center}.v2 .verdict-head .sub{margin:0;text-align:center}.v2 .verdict-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:14px}.v2 .verdict-grid.two{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr))}.v2 .vcard{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;text-align:center;gap:10px;padding:18px 16px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:16px;background:var(--v2-panel);box-shadow:var(--v2-shadow);min-width:0}.v2 .vcard-top{background:linear-gradient(180deg,#fff2e6 0%,#fffaf5 100%);border-color:var(--v2-pick-line)}.v2 .vtag-wrap{align-self:stretch;display:flex;justify-content:flex-start}.v2 .vtag{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;padding:5px 11px;border-radius:999px;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.2}.v2 .vtag svg{width:14px;height:14px;flex:none}.v2 .vtag-1{background:#ffe6d2;color:#c2410c}.v2 .vtag-2{background:#e4edff;color:#1d4ed8}.v2 .vtag-3{background:#e0f4e7;color:#15803d}.v2 .vlogo{height:84px;width:100%;display:grid;place-items:center}.v2 .vlogo .sc-logo{width:auto;height:auto;max-width:82%;max-height:72px;object-fit:contain}.v2 .vcard h3{margin:0;font-size:1.12rem}.v2 .vcard .price{font-weight:800;font-size:1.3rem;color:var(--v2-ink);line-height:1.15}.v2 .vcard .why{display:grid;grid-template-columns:30px minmax(0,1fr);gap:10px;align-items:start;text-align:left;margin:0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid var(--v2-line-soft);width:100%;font-size:.95rem;line-height:1.45}.v2 .why-ico{width:30px;height:30px;border-radius:50%;display:grid;place-items:center;color:#fff}.v2 .why-ico svg{width:16px;height:16px}.v2 .why-ico-1{background:#f97316}.v2 .why-ico-2{background:#3b82f6}.v2 .why-ico-3{background:#22a35a}.v2 .vcta{width:100%;margin-top:auto}.v2 .vcta .btn{width:100%;white-space:nowrap}.v2 .jump{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:10px;margin:18px 0 0;padding:0;list-style:none}.v2 .jump li{margin:0;list-style:none}.v2 .jump a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:8px 14px 8px 8px;border:1px solid var(--v2-line);border-radius:999px;background:var(--v2-panel);color:var(--v2-ink);text-decoration:none;font-weight:700;font-size:.92rem;line-height:1.25;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(15,31,61,.05);transition:border-color .15s,color .15s}.v2 .jump a:hover{border-color:var(--v2-brand);color:var(--v2-brand)}.v2 .jico{flex:none;width:38px;height:38px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--v2-soft);color:var(--v2-brand);display:grid;place-items:center}.v2 .jico svg{width:20px;height:20px}.v2 .jtxt{flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0}.v2 .jarr{flex:none;color:var(--v2-muted);display:grid;place-items:center;transition:transform .15s}.v2 .jarr svg{width:18px;height:18px}.v2 .jump a:hover .jarr{color:var(--v2-brand);transform:translateY(2px)}.v2 .cmp{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:7px 14px;border:1.5px solid var(--v2-brand);border-radius:999px;background:var(--v2-panel);color:var(--v2-brand);font-weight:700;font-size:.88rem;line-height:1.2;cursor:pointer;margin:0}.v2 .cmp input{accent-color:var(--v2-cta);width:16px;height:16px;margin:0}.v2 .cmp:has(input:checked){background:var(--v2-brand);color:#fff}.v2 .cmpbar{position:fixed;right:16px;bottom:calc(var(--v2-sticky-h,0px) + 14px);z-index:9998;width:min(380px,calc(100vw - 32px));display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px 14px;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;padding:12px 14px;margin:0;border-radius:14px;background:var(--v2-ink);color:#fff;box-shadow:0 14px 34px rgba(0,0,0,.3);opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px);transition:opacity .25s,transform .25s,bottom .25s}.v2 .cmpbar.in{opacity:1;transform:none}.v2 .cmp-txt{display:grid;gap:2px;min-width:0;flex:1 1 170px}.v2 .cmp-txt b{color:#fff;font-size:.98rem}.v2 .cmp-badge{display:inline-grid;place-items:center;min-width:22px;height:22px;padding:0 6px;margin-left:4px;border-radius:999px;background:var(--v2-cta);color:#fff;font-size:.8rem}.v2 #cmp-count{font-size:.86rem;color:#cdd6e6;line-height:1.35}.v2 .cmp-act{display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:center}.v2 .cmpbar .clear{background:none;border:0;padding:0;color:#fff;text-decoration:underline;font-size:.86rem;cursor:pointer}.v2 .cmpbar .btn-cta{padding:9px 16px;white-space:nowrap}.v2 .cmpbar .btn-cta[disabled]{opacity:.5;cursor:not-allowed}@media (max-width:760px){.v2 .verdict-grid,.v2 .verdict-grid.two{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}.v2 .jump{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr))}}@media (max-width:600px){.v2 .cmpbar{left:12px;right:12px;width:auto;bottom:calc(var(--v2-sticky-h,0px) + 10px);flex-wrap:nowrap;padding:10px 12px;gap:10px}.v2 .cmp-txt{flex:1 1 auto}.v2 #cmp-count{white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}.v2 .cmp-act{gap:10px;flex:none}.v2 .cmpbar .btn-cta{padding:9px 12px}}@media (max-width:600px){.v2 .jump a{gap:8px;padding:6px 10px 6px 6px;font-size:.86rem}.v2 .jico{width:32px;height:32px}.v2 .jico svg{width:18px;height:18px}}@media (max-width:340px){.v2 .jump{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}}.v2 .sc-row.sc-disc .sc-val{text-align:inherit}.v2 .sc-rib{display:inline-block;position:relative;padding:5px 16px 5px 10px;background:var(--v2-cta);color:#fff;--cc-best-offer-link-color:#fff;font-size:.74rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.05em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.25;white-space:normal;max-width:100%;text-align:left;clip-path:polygon(0 0,100% 0,calc(100% - 9px) 50%,100% 100%,0 100%);border-radius:3px 0 0 3px}.v2 .sc-rib:empty::before{content:\\\"No discount\\\"}.v2 .sc-rib.none,.v2 .sc-rib:empty{background:#eef1f5;color:#5b6472}@media (max-width:480px){.v2 .btn,.v2 .buy .btn,.v2 .btnrow .btn,.v2 .v2-mres .btn,.v2 .vcta .btn{font-size:.8rem;letter-spacing:.02em;padding-left:12px;padding-right:12px}.v2 .mprice{display:none}}.v2 .scorebox .stars{position:relative;display:inline-block;line-height:1;white-space:nowrap;color:#e3d9c2}.v2 .scorebox .stars .st-fg{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;height:100%;overflow:hidden;white-space:nowrap;color:var(--v2-warn)}.v2 .sc-rib a,.v2 .sc-rib a:visited{color:inherit;text-decoration:none;font:inherit;letter-spacing:inherit}.v2 .sc-rib a:hover,.v2 .sc-rib a:focus{text-decoration:underline}.v2 .sc-rib .best_offer_link,.v2 .sc-rib .best_offer_link:hover,.v2 .sc-rib a{color:#fff!important;text-decoration:none!important;background:transparent!important;font:inherit!important;letter-spacing:inherit!important;text-transform:inherit!important}.v2 .sc-rib .best_offer_link::after,.v2 .sc-rib a::after{content:\\\"\\\";position:absolute;inset:0}.v2 .sc-rib:hover{background:var(--v2-cta-hover)}.v2 .sc-rib.none,.v2 .sc-rib:empty{--cc-best-offer-link-color:#5b6472}.v2 .sc-rib.none .best_offer_link,.v2 .sc-rib.none a{color:#5b6472!important}.v2 .sc-rib.none:hover{background:#eef1f5}.v2 .btn.btn-long,.v2 .buy .btn.btn-long,.v2 .btnrow .btn.btn-long,.v2 .vcta .btn.btn-long{font-size:.76rem;letter-spacing:.01em;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;white-space:nowrap}@media (max-width:480px){.v2 .btn.btn-long,.v2 .buy .btn.btn-long,.v2 .btnrow .btn.btn-long,.v2 .vcta .btn.btn-long{font-size:.7rem;letter-spacing:0;padding-left:8px;padding-right:8px}}\"));document.head.appendChild(s); } inject(); function v2init(){ if(document.documentElement.getAttribute('data-v2-init')==='1')return; document.documentElement.setAttribute('data-v2-init','1'); var C={beckercpe:{name:'Becker CPE',short:'Becker',price:'from $329',cta:'GET STARTED WITH BECKER',card:'becker-cpe',logo:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/becker-ea-ce-logo.png',aff:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/',pitch:'Live webcasts, on-demand courses and podcasts in one subscription, plus a compliance tracker that maps every credit to your state.'},illumeocpe:{name:'Illumeo',short:'Illumeo',price:'from $199',cta:'GET STARTED WITH ILLUMEO',card:'illumeo-cpe',logo:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/illumeo-ea-ce-logo.png',aff:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/',pitch:'Unlimited on-demand CPE from a library of 1,600+ courses with a tracker included, at the lowest yearly price among our finalists.'},surgentcpe:{name:'Surgent CPE',short:'Surgent',price:'from $549',cta:'GET STARTED WITH SURGENT',card:'surgent-cpe',logo:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/surgent-ea-ce-logo.png',aff:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/',pitch:'More than 2,000 live webinars a year with Saturday sessions, built for CPAs who learn best with a live presenter.'},lamberscpe:{name:'Lambers CPE',short:'Lambers',price:'from $199',cta:'GET STARTED WITH LAMBERS',card:'lambers-cpe',logo:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/lambers-ea-ce-logo.png',aff:'https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/lambers-cpe\/',pitch:'Instructor-led tax video, PDF courses and exam-free seasonal webinars at a budget price, with state ethics in the library.'}}; var W={budget:{low:{lamberscpe:5,illumeocpe:4},mid:{illumeocpe:3,beckercpe:2,surgentcpe:1},high:{beckercpe:3,surgentcpe:3}},style:{live:{surgentcpe:6,beckercpe:1},self:{lamberscpe:4,illumeocpe:3},manuals:{beckercpe:4,illumeocpe:2}},sit:{first:{beckercpe:12},working:{surgentcpe:4,illumeocpe:3,lamberscpe:2},retake:{illumeocpe:6}}}; var L={gleimcpe:'Gleim'}; var QZ={name:'CPA CPE Course Quiz',exam:'CPA CPE'}; function jumpTo(e){if(!e)return;var de=document.documentElement,prev=de.style.scrollBehavior;function off(){return e.classList.contains('v2-jt')?0:120;}function y(){return Math.max(0,e.getBoundingClientRect().top+window.pageYOffset-off());}function at(){return 24>=Math.abs(e.getBoundingClientRect().top-off());}de.style.scrollBehavior='auto';window.scrollTo(0,y());var n=0,iv=setInterval(function(){n++;if(!at()){de.style.scrollBehavior='auto';window.scrollTo(0,y());}if(n>=6){clearInterval(iv);de.style.scrollBehavior=prev;}},250);} function el(tag,cls,text){var e=document.createElement(tag);if(cls)e.className=cls;if(text)e.appendChild(document.createTextNode(text));return e;} function setOpen(b,o){ b.setAttribute('aria-expanded',o?'true':'false'); var p=document.getElementById(b.getAttribute('aria-controls'));if(p){if(o){p.removeAttribute('hidden');p.style.display='';}else{p.setAttribute('hidden','');p.style.display='none';}} var alt=b.getAttribute('data-alt'); if(alt){var t=b.firstChild;if(t){if(t.nodeType===3){if(!b.getAttribute('data-orig'))b.setAttribute('data-orig',t.nodeValue);t.nodeValue=o?alt+' ':b.getAttribute('data-orig');}}} } function isOpen(b){return b.getAttribute('aria-expanded')==='true';} function setActive(id){var ls=document.querySelectorAll('#v2-toc [data-target]');for(var i=0;ls.length>i;i++){ls[i].classList.toggle('on',ls[i].getAttribute('data-target')===id);}} function openCard(id){var c=document.getElementById(id);if(!c)return;var b=c.querySelector('.expand');if(b)setOpen(b,true);jumpTo(c);} document.addEventListener('click',function(e){ var jn=e.target.closest('.v2 .jump a'); if(jn){var jt=document.getElementById((jn.getAttribute('href')||'').slice(1));if(jt){e.preventDefault();e.stopPropagation();jumpTo(jt);return;}} var j=e.target.closest('[data-jump]'); if(j){e.preventDefault();e.stopPropagation();openCard(j.getAttribute('data-jump'));return;} var k=e.target.closest('#v2-toc [data-target]'); if(k){e.preventDefault();e.stopPropagation();var id=k.getAttribute('data-target'),sec=document.getElementById(id);if(!sec)return;var ab=sec.querySelector('.ab');if(ab)setOpen(ab,true);setActive(id);jumpTo(sec);return;} },true); document.addEventListener('click',function(e){ var t=e.target.closest('.v2 [data-toggle=\"panel\"]'); if(t){setOpen(t,!isOpen(t));var s=t.closest('.acc section');if(s){if(isOpen(t))setActive(s.id);}return;} var a=e.target.closest('[data-cta]'); if(a){var pl=a.closest('.verdict')?'verdict':a.closest('.v2-sticky')?'sticky':a.closest('.matcher')?'matcher':a.closest('#spec')?'chart':a.closest('.card')?'card':a.closest('.cats')?'best-by-need':'other';var payload={event:'affiliate_click',course:a.getAttribute('data-cta'),placement:pl};if(window.dataLayer)window.dataLayer.push(payload);if(window.gtag)window.gtag('event','affiliate_click',payload);if(pl==='matcher'){var ck=a.getAttribute('data-cta');qt('prep_quiz_primary_cta_clicked',{course:C[ck]?C[ck].name:ck});}} }); var h='';try{h=location.hash?location.hash.slice(1):'';}catch(e3){} if(h){if(\/^[a-z0-9-]+$\/.test(h)){var hc=document.getElementById(h);if(hc){if(hc.classList.contains('card'))openCard(h);}}} var rb=document.querySelectorAll('.sc-rib');for(var ri=0;rb.length>ri;ri++){var tx=(rb[ri].textContent||'').trim();if(tx===''||\/no discount\/i.test(tx)){rb[ri].classList.add('none');}} var qStarted=false,qDone=false,qLast={}; function qt(ev,pr){if(typeof window.gtag!=='function')return;var o={quiz_name:QZ.name,exam:QZ.exam};for(var k in pr){o[k]=pr[k];}window.gtag('event',ev,o);} function qStart(){if(qStarted)return;qStarted=true;qt('prep_quiz_started',{});} function qAns(tg){if(qLast[tg.name]===tg.value)return;qLast[tg.name]=tg.value;var qn={'m-budget':1,'m-style':2,'m-sit':3};qStart();var lb=tg.closest('label');qt('prep_quiz_answered',{question_number:qn[tg.name]||0,question_id:tg.name,answer:lb?lb.textContent.trim():tg.value});} function match(){ var res=document.getElementById('m-result'); var b=document.querySelector('[name=\"m-budget\"]:checked'),s=document.querySelector('[name=\"m-style\"]:checked'),t=document.querySelector('[name=\"m-sit\"]:checked'); if(!b||!s||!t||!res)return; var score={},ms=[W.budget[b.value],W.style[s.value],W.sit[t.value]]; for(var i=0;ms.length>i;i++){for(var k in ms[i]){score[k]=(score[k]||0)+ms[i][k];}} var best=Object.keys(C).sort(function(pa,pb){return (score[pb]||0)-(score[pa]||0);}); var top=C[best[0]],alt=C[best[1]]; while(res.firstChild)res.removeChild(res.firstChild); var img=el('img','rlogo');img.src=top.logo;img.alt=top.name+' logo';img.width=84;img.height=84;img.loading='lazy';res.appendChild(img); var box=el('div');box.appendChild(el('span','eyebrow','Your best match'));box.appendChild(el('h3','',top.name)); var p=el('p','',top.pitch+' '); var a1=el('a','','See the breakdown');a1.href='#'+top.card;a1.setAttribute('data-jump',top.card);p.appendChild(a1);p.appendChild(document.createTextNode('.')); var ru=el('span','runner','Runner-up for you: '); var a2=el('a','',alt.short);a2.href='#'+alt.card;a2.setAttribute('data-jump',alt.card);ru.appendChild(a2);ru.appendChild(document.createTextNode('. '+alt.pitch)); p.appendChild(ru);box.appendChild(p);res.appendChild(box); var cta=el('a','btn btn-cta'+(top.cta.length>22?' btn-long':''),top.cta);cta.appendChild(document.createTextNode('\\u00a0\u2192'));cta.href=top.aff;cta.rel='nofollow sponsored';cta.target='_blank';cta.setAttribute('data-cta',best[0]);res.appendChild(cta); if(!qDone){qDone=true;qAns(b);qAns(s);qAns(t);qt('prep_quiz_completed',{recommended_course:top.name,runner_up:alt.name});} } function boxes(){return document.querySelectorAll('[data-cmp]');} function selected(){var bs=boxes(),out=[];for(var i=0;bs.length>i;i++){if(bs[i].checked)out.push(bs[i].getAttribute('data-cmp'));}return out;} function cname(k){var e=document.querySelector('#spec [data-col=\"'+k+'\"] .sc-head b');return e?e.textContent:k;} function updateBar(){var bar=document.getElementById('cmpbar'),cnt=document.getElementById('cmp-count'),badge=document.getElementById('cmp-n'),go=document.getElementById('cmp-go');if(!bar)return;var k=selected(),n=k.length,names=[];for(var i=0;k.length>i;i++){names.push(cname(k[i]));}if(n===0){bar.classList.remove('in');bar.setAttribute('hidden','');bar.style.display='none';}else{bar.removeAttribute('hidden');bar.style.display='';setTimeout(function(){bar.classList.add('in');},20);}if(badge)badge.textContent=String(n);if(cnt)cnt.textContent=n===1?names[0]+' added. Pick one more to compare.':names.join(', ');if(go)go.disabled=2>n;} function filterTable(keys){ var spec=document.getElementById('spec'),showAll=document.getElementById('spec-showall'),note=document.getElementById('tablenote-txt'); if(!spec)return; spec.classList.toggle('filtered',keys.length>0); spec.style.setProperty('--n',String(keys.length>0?keys.length:spec.querySelectorAll('[data-col]').length)); var cells=spec.querySelectorAll('[data-col]'); for(var i=0;cells.length>i;i++){cells[i].classList.toggle('col-off',keys.length>0?0>keys.indexOf(cells[i].getAttribute('data-col')):false);} if(showAll){if(keys.length===0){showAll.setAttribute('hidden','');showAll.style.display='none';}else{showAll.removeAttribute('hidden');showAll.style.display='';}} var names=[];for(var n=0;keys.length>n;n++){names.push(cname(keys[n]));} if(note)note.textContent=keys.length?'Comparing '+names.join(' vs '):'Showing all '+spec.querySelectorAll('[data-col]').length+' courses.'; } function matchSafe(){try{match();}catch(err){var rs=document.getElementById('m-result');if(rs){rs.textContent='Matcher error: '+(err?(err.message||String(err)):'unknown');}}} function onChange(e){ var tg=e.target;if(!tg||!tg.closest)return; if(tg.closest('.matcher input[type=radio]')){qAns(tg);matchSafe();return;} if(tg.closest('[data-cmp]')){updateBar();} } setInterval(function(){var rs=document.getElementById('m-result');if(!rs)return;var b=document.querySelector('[name=\"m-budget\"]:checked'),s=document.querySelector('[name=\"m-style\"]:checked'),t=document.querySelector('[name=\"m-sit\"]:checked');if(!b||!s||!t)return;var sig=b.value+'|'+s.value+'|'+t.value;if(rs.getAttribute('data-sig')===sig)return;rs.setAttribute('data-sig',sig);matchSafe();},500); document.addEventListener('change',onChange,true); document.addEventListener('input',onChange,true); document.addEventListener('click',function(e){if(e.target.closest('.matcher .opt')){setTimeout(matchSafe,0);setTimeout(matchSafe,120);}},true); document.addEventListener('click',function(e){ if(e.target.closest('#cmp-go')){var k=selected();if(2>k.length)return;filterTable(k);jumpTo(document.getElementById('h-comparison')||document.getElementById('spec'));return;} if(e.target.closest('#cmp-clear')){var bs=boxes();for(var i=0;bs.length>i;i++){bs[i].checked=false;}updateBar();filterTable([]);return;} if(e.target.closest('#spec-showall')){filterTable([]);} }); try{setActive('m-content');}catch(e1){} try{if('IntersectionObserver' in window){var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){for(var i=0;es.length>i;i++){if(es[i].isIntersecting)setActive(es[i].target.id);}},{rootMargin:'-20% 0px -70% 0px'});var secs=document.querySelectorAll('#v2-acc section');for(var z=0;secs.length>z;z++){io.observe(secs[z]);}}}catch(e2){} var onS=function(){var st=document.getElementById('v2-sticky'),vd=document.querySelector('.v2 .verdict'),end=document.getElementById('faqs');if(!st||!vd||!end)return;var show=0>vd.getBoundingClientRect().bottom?end.getBoundingClientRect().top>window.innerHeight:false;st.classList.toggle('show',show);st.setAttribute('aria-hidden',show?'false':'true');document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--v2-sticky-h',show?(st.offsetHeight+'px'):'0px');}; window.addEventListener('scroll',onS,{passive:true});document.addEventListener('scroll',onS,true);onS(); } if(document.readyState==='loading'){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',v2init);}else{v2init();} window.addEventListener('load',v2init); })();<\/script><div class=\"v2\"><section class=\"verdict\" aria-labelledby=\"v2-verdict\"><div class=\"verdict-head\"><h2 id=\"v2-verdict\">Top CPE Subscriptions for Busy CPAs<\/h2><p class=\"sub\">The strongest three of the 14 CPE providers we compared for licensed CPAs.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"verdict-grid\"><div class=\"vcard vcard-top\"><div class=\"vtag-wrap\"><span class=\"vtag vtag-1\"><svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 2l3.1 6.3 6.9 1-5 4.9 1.2 6.8L12 17.8 5.8 21l1.2-6.8-5-4.9 6.9-1z\"\/><\/svg>Best overall<\/span><\/div><div class=\"vlogo\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/becker-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Becker CPE logo\" width=\"500\" height=\"114\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><h3>Becker CPE<\/h3><div class=\"why\"><span class=\"why-ico why-ico-1\"><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M5 12.5l4.5 4.5L19 7.5\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span>Webcasts, podcasts and a tracker that follows your state rules.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"vcta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"beckercpe\">SEE BECKER PRICING \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcard\"><div class=\"vtag-wrap\"><span class=\"vtag vtag-2\">Best value<\/span><\/div><div class=\"vlogo\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/illumeo-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Illumeo logo\" width=\"512\" height=\"149\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><h3>Illumeo<\/h3><div class=\"why\"><span class=\"why-ico why-ico-2\"><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M5 12.5l4.5 4.5L19 7.5\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span>Unlimited on-demand CPE with a tracker at the lowest yearly price.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"vcta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"illumeocpe\">SEE ILLUMEO PRICING \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vcard\"><div class=\"vtag-wrap\"><span class=\"vtag vtag-3\">Best live webinars<\/span><\/div><div class=\"vlogo\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/surgent-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Surgent CPE logo\" width=\"473\" height=\"157\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><h3>Surgent CPE<\/h3><div class=\"why\"><span class=\"why-ico why-ico-3\"><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M5 12.5l4.5 4.5L19 7.5\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span>Over 2,000 live sessions a year, Saturdays included.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"vcta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"surgentcpe\">SEE SURGENT PRICING \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><ul class=\"jump\" aria-label=\"On this page\"><li><a href=\"#jump-matcher\"><span class=\"jico\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"10\"\/><path d=\"m16.24 7.76-2.12 6.36-6.36 2.12 2.12-6.36 6.36-2.12z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"jtxt\">Three-step quiz<\/span><span class=\"jarr\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M19 12l-7 7-7-7\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#jump-top-5\"><span class=\"jico\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M8 6h13M8 12h13M8 18h13M3 6h.01M3 12h.01M3 18h.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"jtxt\">CPE leaderboard<\/span><span class=\"jarr\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M19 12l-7 7-7-7\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#comparison\"><span class=\"jico\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M3 3v18h18\"\/><path d=\"M18 17V9M13 17V5M8 17v-3\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"jtxt\">Price and credit chart<\/span><span class=\"jarr\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M19 12l-7 7-7-7\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#jump-best-by-need\"><span class=\"jico\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"10\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"6\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"2\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"jtxt\">Picks for busy firms<\/span><span class=\"jarr\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M19 12l-7 7-7-7\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#jump-how-we-evaluate\"><span class=\"jico\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><rect x=\"8\" y=\"2\" width=\"8\" height=\"4\" rx=\"1\"\/><path d=\"M16 4h2a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v14a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H6a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V6a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h2\"\/><path d=\"m9 14 2 2 4-4\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"jtxt\">Scoring rubric<\/span><span class=\"jarr\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M19 12l-7 7-7-7\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faqs\"><span class=\"jico\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"10\"\/><path d=\"M9.09 9a3 3 0 0 1 5.83 1c0 2-3 3-3 3\"\/><path d=\"M12 17h.01\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"jtxt\">FAQs<\/span><span class=\"jarr\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 5v14M19 12l-7 7-7-7\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"strip\" role=\"list\"><div role=\"listitem\"><b class=\"num\">14<\/b><span>continuing education vendors sized up for licensed CPAs<\/span><\/div><div role=\"listitem\"><b class=\"num\">4<\/b><span>rating categories, weighted the same<\/span><\/div><div role=\"listitem\"><b class=\"num\">NASBA<\/b><span>registry sponsor status confirmed for every finalist<\/span><\/div><div role=\"listitem\"><b class=\"num\">$0<\/b><span>in listing fees ever collected<\/span><\/div><\/div><span id=\"jump-matcher\" class=\"auto-jump-link-target v2-jt\"><\/span><section class=\"matcher\" id=\"matcher\" aria-labelledby=\"matcher-title\"><div><span class=\"eyebrow\">30-second matcher<\/span><h2 id=\"matcher-title\">Match Your License Renewal to a CPE Provider<\/h2><p class=\"sub\" style=\"margin:4px 0 0\">Pick a yearly budget, a preferred format and the renewal problem you most need solved. Only the four ranked providers that sell unlimited plans can be matched.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"qs\"><fieldset class=\"q\"><legend class=\"ql\">1. Yearly budget<\/legend><div class=\"opts\"><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-budget\" value=\"low\">Under $250, paid by me<\/label><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-budget\" value=\"mid\">$250 to $600<\/label><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-budget\" value=\"high\">$600 or more, or my firm pays<\/label><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset class=\"q\"><legend class=\"ql\">2. Learning format<\/legend><div class=\"opts\"><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-style\" value=\"live\">A scheduled presenter I can ask<\/label><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-style\" value=\"self\">Recorded video I can pause<\/label><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-style\" value=\"manuals\">A mix, podcasts included<\/label><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset class=\"q\"><legend class=\"ql\">3. Renewal need<\/legend><div class=\"opts\"><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-sit\" value=\"first\">One place to track every state credit<\/label><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-sit\" value=\"working\">Deadline coming up fast<\/label><label class=\"opt\"><input type=\"radio\" name=\"m-sit\" value=\"retake\">Skills beyond tax and audit<\/label><\/div><\/fieldset><\/div><div class=\"v2-mres\" id=\"m-result\"><p class=\"v2-mres-empty\" style=\"grid-column:1\/-1\">Pick one option in each row and a provider appears here.<\/p><\/div><\/section><\/div> <span id=\"jump-top-5\" class=\"auto-jump-link-target v2-jt\"><\/span> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"top-5\" style=\"text-align:center\">Best CPE Courses for CPAs, Rated on Four Measures<\/h2> <div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c546392b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#f4d7a1;border-width:1px;border-radius:8px;background-color:#fff8ea;margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:28px;padding-top:18px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:18px;padding-left:20px\"> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick Tip<\/strong><br>Ratings here weigh catalog, platform, support and price rather than sales claims. Long-form notes, an image and pros and cons sit inside every card, and ticking Compare on a few cards slims the chart to that shortlist.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><article class=\"card card-top\" id=\"becker-cpe\" data-course=\"beckercpe\"><div class=\"card-head\"><span class=\"rank\">1<\/span><div class=\"ident\"><span class=\"tag\">Best overall \u00b7 Editor&#8217;s choice<\/span><h3>Becker CPE<\/h3><p class=\"oneliner\">Every major CPE format under one login, with a tracker that follows your state rules.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"scorebox\"><span class=\"big num\">4.8<small>\/5<\/small><\/span><span class=\"stars\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<span class=\"st-fg\" style=\"width:96%\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-body\"><div class=\"bars\" aria-label=\"Category scores\"><div class=\"bar\"><span>Platform<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:98%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.9<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Library<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:98%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.9<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Value<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:90%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.5<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Support<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:98%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.9<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"buy\"><div class=\"price num\">$329 to $1,429<small>Essentials (90 days) $329, Select $499, Prime $799 a year, Prime 2-year $1,429<\/small><\/div><span class=\"save\">Coupons can lower these prices<\/span><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"beckercpe\">GET STARTED WITH BECKER \u2192<\/a><p class=\"fine\">Tax Prime+ $1,099 a year \u00b7 NASBA Registry sponsor 107294 \u00b7 Flex Pay on 2-year Prime<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-meta\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><span>On-demand courses<\/span><b class=\"num\">700+<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Live webcasts<\/span><b class=\"num\">1,000+ a year<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>State ethics<\/span><b class=\"num\">50+ courses<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Formats<\/span><b>Webcasts, on-demand, podcasts<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"whofor\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> CPAs who want every format plus state-aware tracking, especially when an employer pays.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-foot\"><button class=\"expand\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"becker-cpe-d\" data-toggle=\"panel\" data-alt=\"Hide breakdown\">Full breakdown <svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><a class=\"revlink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-cpe-review-courses\/\">Read the full Becker review \u2192<\/a><label class=\"cmp\"><input type=\"checkbox\" data-cmp=\"beckercpe\" id=\"cmp-beckercpe\">Compare<\/label><\/div><div class=\"detail\" id=\"becker-cpe-d\" hidden><div class=\"review\"><p>When I tested Becker CPE, it felt like the CPA review side of the company: tidy, well organized and quick to get around. The catalog mixes on-demand courses, live webcasts with Q&amp;A and podcasts that count for credit, so a commute or an errand can chip away at your yearly hours. Many instructors bring two decades or more of practice, and it shows in how they handle technical material.<\/p><p>The compliance tracker is where Becker earns its premium. You pick your state, see how many credits are still outstanding and add certificates earned somewhere else, which matters because CPE is counted in 50-minute hours and you have to keep proof of each one. Becker also lists more than 50 state board ethics courses, so the ethics slice of a renewal rarely sends you elsewhere.<\/p><p>It suits CPAs whose firm covers the bill, or anyone who wants webcasts, recordings and audio in one subscription. If you only need a modest number of hours, the Essentials or Select tier covers the core catalog for less than Prime.<\/p><p>Against Illumeo, Becker wins on live webcast volume, podcasts and state ethics coverage, which suits CPAs who want a single tool for the whole renewal. Illumeo makes more sense when recorded courses are all you need and the yearly bill matters most.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"shots\"><figure><label class=\"zoom\" for=\"lb-1\" title=\"Click to enlarge\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/becker-cpe-compliance-1.png\" alt=\"Becker CPE Compliance tab with Add external certificate, Export all and the Total CPE progress bar\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"724\"><\/label><figcaption>The Becker CPE Compliance tab. Add external certificate and Export all sit at the top, and the Total CPE bar measures credits earned against what your state requires.<\/figcaption><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"lb-1\" class=\"lb-t\" hidden><div class=\"lb\"><label for=\"lb-1\" class=\"lb-x\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/becker-cpe-compliance-1.png\" alt=\"Becker CPE Compliance tab with Add external certificate, Export all and the Total CPE progress bar\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/label><\/div><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"pc\"><div class=\"pro\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Pros<\/span><ul><li>Three Ways to Earn Credit: Webcasts, recordings and audio podcasts<\/li><li>Deep Catalog: 700+ on-demand courses and 1,000+ webcasts a year on Prime<\/li><li>State Ethics Coverage: 50+ state board ethics courses<\/li><li>Compliance Tracker: Maps credits to your state and accepts outside certificates<\/li><li>Trusted Name: The same company behind a leading CPA exam review<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"con\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Cons<\/span><ul><li>Costly Top Tier: Prime runs well above Illumeo and Lambers<\/li><li>Tier Gaps: The full webcast calendar and newest courses sit in the Prime tier<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btnrow\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"beckercpe\">GET STARTED WITH BECKER \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div> <div class=\"coupon-container discountcode_func_stores_taxonomywise\"><input value=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpe-courses-for-cpas\/\" name=\"cpageurl_hidden\" id=\"cpageurl\" type=\"hidden\"><div class='coupon_code_list_outer other_sc'><div class='coupon_code_list cvf_universal_container'><div class='ajax_loader_sort' style='display:none;'><\/div><div id='coupon_search_results' class='coupon_search_results'><input type='hidden' id='hidden_term' value='becker-cpe-review-promo-codes'><div class=\"coupon_main \" data-code=\"Click Link\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\"><div data-time=\"\" data-type=\"calender_type\" id=\"cc_16458\" dataid=\"16458\" class=\"coupon_code cc_PostID_16458 ccDiscType_Discount_div hh\" data-cc-top-stores=\"128\" data-cc-coupon-type=\"129\" data-cc-discount-type=\"126,127\" data-cc-search=\"16458\" data-cc-pin=\"0\" data-cc-value=\"440\" data-cc-brand-key=\"becker-cpe-review-promo-codes\"><div class=\"coupon_main-img\"><div class=\"coupan-thumb e\"><img width=280 height=280 src=https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design-25-280x280.png alt=\"Untitled-design-25-280x280\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-title\"><div class=\"coupon_main-title_inner\"><h3>$440 Off Becker Tax Prime + CPE Subscription<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"cc-trust-line\"><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-trust-verified\"><span class=\"cc-trust-dot\">\u2713<\/span> Verified 2 weeks ago<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-last-used\" data-cc-last-used-id=\"16458\" data-cc-last-used=\"1793303733\">Last used <strong>2 days ago<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-usage\" data-cc-usage-id=\"16458\" data-cc-usage-count=\"2\">Used: <strong>2<\/strong> times<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"cc-proof-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-proof=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/Becker-Tax-Prime-CPA-440-Off.png\"><span class=\"cc-proof-check\">\u2713<\/span> Verified <span class=\"cc-proof-label\">View proof<\/span><span class=\"cc-proof-chevron\">\u2304<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-btn\"><div class=\"coupan-content thepopup_Box\"><div class=\"codecontent\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_getdeal\"><a class=\"discount_type_anchor\" post-id-value= \"16458\" data-code=\"Click Link\" data-brand=\"CPE\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363?cc=16458\" affiliate=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\">Save $440<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><input value=\"17\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_total_results\"><input value=\"1\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_limit_count\"><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><aside class=\"guide\"><div class=\"gi\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83c\udff7\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"gt\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Related guide<\/span><b>Becker CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Becker CPE codes and sales land on this page as we find them. Settle on Essentials, Select or Prime first, because a code can apply to one subscription tier and not another.<\/span><\/div><a class=\"btn btn-ghost btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-cpe-coupon-code\/\">SEE BECKER COUPONS \u2192<\/a><\/aside><\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><article class=\"card\" id=\"illumeo-cpe\" data-course=\"illumeocpe\"><div class=\"card-head\"><span class=\"rank\">2<\/span><div class=\"ident\"><span class=\"tag\">Most courses per dollar<\/span><h3>Illumeo<\/h3><p class=\"oneliner\">Thousands of recorded courses plus a tracker, for less than any rival subscription.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"scorebox\"><span class=\"big num\">4.6<small>\/5<\/small><\/span><span class=\"stars\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<span class=\"st-fg\" style=\"width:92%\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-body\"><div class=\"bars\" aria-label=\"Category scores\"><div class=\"bar\"><span>Platform<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:90%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.5<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Library<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:90%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.5<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Value<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">5<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Support<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:88%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.4<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"buy\"><div class=\"price num\">$199 to $399<small>Unlimited credits at all three tiers: $199 (On Demand), $299 (Premium) or $399 (Premium+)<\/small><\/div><span class=\"save\">Coupons can lower these prices<\/span><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"illumeocpe\">GET STARTED WITH ILLUMEO \u2192<\/a><p class=\"fine\">NASBA Registry sponsor 109504 \u00b7 refunds within 30 days of purchase<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-meta\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><span>Course library<\/span><b class=\"num\">1,600 to 3,000+<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Live webinars<\/span><b>Up to 120+ a year<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>CPE tracker<\/span><b>All 50 states<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Guarantee<\/span><b class=\"num\">30-day money-back<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"whofor\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> self-directed CPAs who study on demand and want the most courses for the money.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-foot\"><button class=\"expand\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"illumeo-cpe-d\" data-toggle=\"panel\" data-alt=\"Hide breakdown\">Full breakdown <svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><a class=\"revlink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/illumeo-cpe-review-courses\/\">Read the full Illumeo review \u2192<\/a><label class=\"cmp\"><input type=\"checkbox\" data-cmp=\"illumeocpe\" id=\"cmp-illumeocpe\">Compare<\/label><\/div><div class=\"detail\" id=\"illumeo-cpe-d\" hidden><div class=\"review\"><p>Illumeo is built around value. The entry plan opens an on-demand library of more than 1,600 courses, new titles arrive every week, and a CPE tracker comes included, which is uncommon at this end of the market.<\/p><p>Two details stood out in the review notes. Instructors answer questions even on recorded courses, and AI recommendations surface related courses so less time goes into searching. Every course carries learner ratings, and titles that rate poorly are removed, which keeps the catalog average around 4.5 stars.<\/p><p>Live learning is where Illumeo falls behind. Webinars follow a fixed weekly schedule, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the yearly count is a fraction of Becker or Surgent. Each course also ends with a final exam you must pass to receive credit.<\/p><p>Illumeo beats Lambers on library size, tracking and topics beyond tax, which suits CPAs building finance, analytics or leadership skills. Lambers is the better fit if you want plain tax lectures with state ethics included.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"shots\"><figure><label class=\"zoom\" for=\"lb-2\" title=\"Click to enlarge\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Illumeo-CPE-final-exam-info.png\" alt=\"Illumeo CPE final exam screen beside the review questions screen\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"530\" height=\"279\"><\/label><figcaption>A course final exam next to its review questions. The review questions check understanding along the way, while credit depends on passing the final exam.<\/figcaption><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"lb-2\" class=\"lb-t\" hidden><div class=\"lb\"><label for=\"lb-2\" class=\"lb-x\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Illumeo-CPE-final-exam-info.png\" alt=\"Illumeo CPE final exam screen beside the review questions screen\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/label><\/div><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"pc\"><div class=\"pro\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Pros<\/span><ul><li>Low Yearly Price: Unlimited on-demand CPE at the cheapest subscription price here<\/li><li>Deep Recorded Catalog: More than 1,600 titles even on the cheapest tier<\/li><li>Tracker Included: CPE tracking built into every individual plan<\/li><li>Quality Control: Learner ratings, and weak courses get removed<\/li><li>Ask the Presenter: Instructors reply to questions on recorded courses<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"con\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Cons<\/span><ul><li>Rigid Webinar Days: Live sessions run on set weekdays<\/li><li>Final Exams Required: You must pass an exam at the end of each course for credit<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btnrow\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"illumeocpe\">GET STARTED WITH ILLUMEO \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div> <div class=\"coupon-container discountcode_func_stores_taxonomywise\"><input value=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/couponcode\/take-55-off-becker-cpe-prime-tax-subscription-with-cyber-monday-sale\/\" name=\"cpageurl_hidden\" id=\"cpageurl\" type=\"hidden\"><div class='coupon_code_list_outer other_sc'><div class='coupon_code_list cvf_universal_container'><div class='ajax_loader_sort' style='display:none;'><\/div><div id='coupon_search_results' class='coupon_search_results'><input type='hidden' id='hidden_term' value='illumeo-cpe-promo-codes'><div class=\"coupon_main \" data-code=\"SAVE10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" data-brand=\"CPE\"><div data-time=\"\" data-type=\"renewal_type\" id=\"cc_17302\" dataid=\"17302\" class=\"coupon_code cc_PostID_17302 ccDiscType_Coupon_div aa\" data-cc-top-stores=\"128\" data-cc-coupon-type=\"157\" data-cc-discount-type=\"127,136\" data-cc-search=\"17302\" data-cc-pin=\"0\" data-cc-value=\"10\" data-cc-brand-key=\"illumeo-cpe-promo-codes\"><div class=\"coupon_main-img\"><div class=\"coupan-thumb f\"><img width=280 height=280 src=https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/Illumeo-Chart-Image-280x280-1.jpg alt=\"Illumeo-Chart-Image-280x280-1\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-title\"><div class=\"coupon_main-title_inner\"><h3>Illumeo Promo Code: Get 10% Off Any Course<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"cc-trust-line\"><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-trust-verified\"><span class=\"cc-trust-dot\">\u2713<\/span> Verified 1 week ago<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-last-used\" data-cc-last-used-id=\"17302\" data-cc-last-used=\"1793317174\">Last used <strong>2 days ago<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-usage\" data-cc-usage-id=\"17302\" data-cc-usage-count=\"2\">Used: <strong>2<\/strong> times<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"cc-proof-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-proof=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/Illumeo-10-Off.png\"><span class=\"cc-proof-check\">\u2713<\/span> Verified <span class=\"cc-proof-label\">View proof<\/span><span class=\"cc-proof-chevron\">\u2304<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-btn\"><div class=\"coupan-content thepopup_Box\"><div class=\"codecontent\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_getdeal\"><a class=\"redirectTo\" target=\"_blank\" post-id-value= \"17302\" data-code=\"SAVE10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363?cc=17302\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" data-brand=\"CPE\" affiliate=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/\">Save 10%<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><input value=\"4\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_total_results\"><input value=\"1\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_limit_count\"><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><aside class=\"guide\"><div class=\"gi\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83c\udff7\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"gt\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Related guide<\/span><b>Illumeo CPE Promo Codes<\/b><span>Our list of Illumeo savings for individual subscribers. Choose between On Demand and the Premium tiers before applying a code, since offers can differ by plan.<\/span><\/div><a class=\"btn btn-ghost btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/illumeo-promo-code\/\">SEE ILLUMEO COUPONS \u2192<\/a><\/aside><\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><article class=\"card\" id=\"surgent-cpe\" data-course=\"surgentcpe\"><div class=\"card-head\"><span class=\"rank\">3<\/span><div class=\"ident\"><span class=\"tag\">Best for live webinars<\/span><h3>Surgent CPE<\/h3><p class=\"oneliner\">More live webinars than any other provider here, on weekdays and Saturdays.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"scorebox\"><span class=\"big num\">4.4<small>\/5<\/small><\/span><span class=\"stars\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<span class=\"st-fg\" style=\"width:88%\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-body\"><div class=\"bars\" aria-label=\"Category scores\"><div class=\"bar\"><span>Platform<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:86%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.3<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Library<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:90%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.5<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Value<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:78%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">3.9<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Support<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:98%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.9<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"buy\"><div class=\"price num\">$549 to $899<small>Unlimited Self-Study $549, Unlimited Webinars $749, Unlimited PLUS $899 a year<\/small><\/div><span class=\"save\">Coupons can lower these prices<\/span><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"surgentcpe\">GET STARTED WITH SURGENT \u2192<\/a><p class=\"fine\">2,000+ webinars a year, Saturdays included \u00b7 NASBA Registry sponsor 103212<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-meta\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><span>Live webinars<\/span><b class=\"num\">2,000+ a year<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Credits on PLUS<\/span><b class=\"num\">10,000+<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Self-study PDFs<\/span><b class=\"num\">250+<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Schedule<\/span><b>Daily, incl. Saturdays<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"whofor\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> CPAs who earn most of their hours in live sessions and want evening or weekend options.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-foot\"><button class=\"expand\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"surgent-cpe-d\" data-toggle=\"panel\" data-alt=\"Hide breakdown\">Full breakdown <svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><label class=\"cmp\"><input type=\"checkbox\" data-cmp=\"surgentcpe\" id=\"cmp-surgentcpe\">Compare<\/label><\/div><div class=\"detail\" id=\"surgent-cpe-d\" hidden><div class=\"review\"><p>Surgent is the live webinar specialist. More than 2,000 webinars run every year with sessions daily, Saturdays included, so a live option almost always fits around client work.<\/p><p>Beyond the webinars, the PLUS plan opens more than 10,000 credits across live, on-demand and self-study formats, along with a few gamified courses such as Max the Tax. The games add variety, although the selection is small and not every CPA will use them.<\/p><p>The trade-off is cost. Surgent&#8217;s unlimited plans sit near the top of the market, close to Becker Prime, and plans can renew automatically, so check the renewal setting if you expect to switch or scale back later.<\/p><p>Against Becker, Surgent wins on sheer webinar volume and Saturday sessions, which suits CPAs who stay focused only with a live presenter. Becker is the stronger choice for podcasts, a richer compliance tracker and more state ethics options in one place.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"shots\"><figure><label class=\"zoom\" for=\"lb-3\" title=\"Click to enlarge\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Surgent-CPE-info.png\" alt=\"Surgent CPE dashboard with rings for total hours available, completed and enrolled\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1389\" height=\"785\"><\/label><figcaption>Surgent&#8217;s hours dashboard. Its three totals cover hours you can take, hours finished and hours you have signed up for, broken down by webinar and self-study.<\/figcaption><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"lb-3\" class=\"lb-t\" hidden><div class=\"lb\"><label for=\"lb-3\" class=\"lb-x\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Surgent-CPE-info.png\" alt=\"Surgent CPE dashboard with rings for total hours available, completed and enrolled\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/label><\/div><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"pc\"><div class=\"pro\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Pros<\/span><ul><li>Webinar Volume: 2,000+ live sessions a year<\/li><li>Flexible Timing: Daily sessions, including Saturdays<\/li><li>Credit Ceiling: PLUS opens 10,000+ credits<\/li><li>Three Plan Styles: Self-study, webinar-only or everything<\/li><li>Gamified Options: A few game-style courses for variety<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"con\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Cons<\/span><ul><li>Steep Yearly Cost: PLUS sits near Becker Prime<\/li><li>Auto-Renewal: Easy to miss if you plan to change providers<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btnrow\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"surgentcpe\">GET STARTED WITH SURGENT \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div> <div class=\"coupon-container discountcode_func_stores_taxonomywise\"><input value=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/couponcode\/take-15-off-illumeo-cpe-premium-subscription-2\/\" name=\"cpageurl_hidden\" id=\"cpageurl\" type=\"hidden\"><div class='coupon_code_list_outer other_sc'><div class='coupon_code_list cvf_universal_container'><div class='ajax_loader_sort' style='display:none;'><\/div><div id='coupon_search_results' class='coupon_search_results'><input type='hidden' id='hidden_term' value='surgent-cpe-promo-codes'><div class=\"coupon_main \" data-code=\"HALLOWEEN2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" data-brand=\"CPE\"><div data-time=\"\" data-type=\"renewal_type\" id=\"cc_16411\" dataid=\"16411\" class=\"coupon_code cc_PostID_16411 ccDiscType_Coupon_div aa\" data-cc-top-stores=\"128\" data-cc-coupon-type=\"139,314\" data-cc-discount-type=\"127\" data-cc-search=\"16411\" data-cc-pin=\"0\" data-cc-value=\"35\" data-cc-brand-key=\"surgent-cpe-promo-codes\"><div class=\"coupon_main-img\"><div class=\"coupan-thumb f\"><img width=200 height=200 src=https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/0Surgent-CPE.jpg alt=\"0Surgent-CPE\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-title\"><div class=\"coupon_main-title_inner\"><h3>Surgent Promo Codes: 35% Off Sitewide<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"cc-trust-line\"><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-trust-verified\"><span class=\"cc-trust-dot\">\u2713<\/span> Verified 3 weeks ago<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-last-used\" data-cc-last-used-id=\"16411\" data-cc-last-used=\"1793474280\">Last used <strong>2 hours ago<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-usage\" data-cc-usage-id=\"16411\" data-cc-usage-count=\"4\">Used: <strong>4<\/strong> times<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"cc-proof-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-proof=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/Surgent-CPE-code-FALL2026.png\"><span class=\"cc-proof-check\">\u2713<\/span> Verified <span class=\"cc-proof-label\">View proof<\/span><span class=\"cc-proof-chevron\">\u2304<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-btn\"><div class=\"coupan-content thepopup_Box\"><div class=\"codecontent\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_getdeal\"><a class=\"redirectTo\" target=\"_blank\" post-id-value= \"16411\" data-code=\"HALLOWEEN2026\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363?cc=16411\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" data-brand=\"CPE\" affiliate=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/\">Save 35%<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><input value=\"3\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_total_results\"><input value=\"1\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_limit_count\"><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><aside class=\"guide\"><div class=\"gi\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83c\udff7\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"gt\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Related guide<\/span><b>Surgent CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Surgent CPE promotions, collected as they appear. Self-Study, Webinars and PLUS carry separate price tags, so read which subscription a code names.<\/span><\/div><a class=\"btn btn-ghost btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/surgent-cpe-coupon-code\/\">SEE SURGENT COUPONS \u2192<\/a><\/aside><\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><article class=\"card\" id=\"lambers-cpe\" data-course=\"lamberscpe\"><div class=\"card-head\"><span class=\"rank\">4<\/span><div class=\"ident\"><span class=\"tag\">Best for traditional video lectures<\/span><h3>Lambers CPE<\/h3><p class=\"oneliner\">Plain, instructor-led tax video with state ethics included.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"scorebox\"><span class=\"big num\">4.2<small>\/5<\/small><\/span><span class=\"stars\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<span class=\"st-fg\" style=\"width:84%\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-body\"><div class=\"bars\" aria-label=\"Category scores\"><div class=\"bar\"><span>Platform<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:76%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">3.8<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Library<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:88%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.4<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Value<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:92%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.6<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Support<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:80%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"buy\"><div class=\"price num\">$199 to $349<small>One year of All Access for $199 or two years for $349 via the special-offer link, against $699 a year at full price<\/small><\/div><span class=\"save\">Coupons can lower these prices<\/span><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/lambers-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"lamberscpe\">GET STARTED WITH LAMBERS \u2192<\/a><p class=\"fine\">State-specific ethics in the library \u00b7 NASBA Registry sponsor 119329<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-meta\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><span>Access<\/span><b class=\"num\">1 or 2 years<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Formats<\/span><b>Video, PDF, webinars<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Webinar season<\/span><b>April to December<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Ethics<\/span><b>State-specific<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"whofor\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> tax-focused CPAs who like classic video lectures and want state ethics at a low price.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-foot\"><button class=\"expand\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lambers-cpe-d\" data-toggle=\"panel\" data-alt=\"Hide breakdown\">Full breakdown <svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><a class=\"revlink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/lambers-cpe-review\/\">Read the full Lambers review \u2192<\/a><label class=\"cmp\"><input type=\"checkbox\" data-cmp=\"lamberscpe\" id=\"cmp-lamberscpe\">Compare<\/label><\/div><div class=\"detail\" id=\"lambers-cpe-d\" hidden><div class=\"review\"><p>Lambers has trained tax professionals for decades and is best known for its enrolled agent review. Its CPE follows the same approach: instructor-led video lessons split into short chapters, each followed by a review quiz, with a notes panel and a tools section beside the player.<\/p><p>The All Access library adds PDF courses and seasonal live webinars that run from about April to December and do not end in a final exam. State-specific ethics courses are part of the library, which covers a requirement many CPAs scramble to meet near renewal.<\/p><p>The platform looks dated next to Becker or Illumeo, and there is no adaptive learning or gamification. Access is also limited to one or two years rather than rolling on indefinitely.<\/p><p>Lambers beats Illumeo for CPAs who want straightforward tax lectures and exam-free live webinars at a budget price. Illumeo is the better pick for a bigger library, a stronger tracker and topics outside tax.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"shots\"><figure><label class=\"zoom\" for=\"lb-4\" title=\"Click to enlarge\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/lambers-note-taking.jpeg\" alt=\"Lambers CPE video lesson with the lesson list, tools section and course notes panel\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"859\" height=\"656\"><\/label><figcaption>A Lambers video lesson from the Tax Preparers Gone Bad course. Lessons and review quizzes run down the left side, and a notes panel sits under the player.<\/figcaption><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"lb-4\" class=\"lb-t\" hidden><div class=\"lb\"><label for=\"lb-4\" class=\"lb-x\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/lambers-note-taking.jpeg\" alt=\"Lambers CPE video lesson with the lesson list, tools section and course notes panel\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/label><\/div><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"pc\"><div class=\"pro\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Pros<\/span><ul><li>Budget Pricing: The All Access library costs far less through the special-offer page<\/li><li>Experienced Instructors: Subject experts teach every video<\/li><li>Simple Format: Straightforward lectures with review quizzes<\/li><li>Exam-Free Webinars: Seasonal live sessions without a final exam<\/li><li>State Ethics: State-specific ethics courses included<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"con\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Cons<\/span><ul><li>Old-School Interface: Few of the tools newer platforms offer<\/li><li>Term-Limited Access: One or two years, then you renew<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btnrow\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/lambers-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"lamberscpe\">GET STARTED WITH LAMBERS \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div> <div class=\"coupon-container discountcode_func_stores_taxonomywise\"><input value=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/couponcode\/save-40-on-surgent-cpe-unlimited-plus-subscription\/\" name=\"cpageurl_hidden\" id=\"cpageurl\" type=\"hidden\"><div class='coupon_code_list_outer other_sc'><div class='coupon_code_list cvf_universal_container'><div class='ajax_loader_sort' style='display:none;'><\/div><div id='coupon_search_results' class='coupon_search_results'><input type='hidden' id='hidden_term' value='lambers-cpe-review-promo-codes'><div class=\"coupon_main \" data-code=\"CRUSH10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" data-brand=\"CPE\"><div data-time=\"\" data-type=\"renewal_type\" id=\"cc_784\" dataid=\"784\" class=\"coupon_code cc_PostID_784 ccDiscType_Coupon_div aa\" data-cc-top-stores=\"128\" data-cc-coupon-type=\"159\" data-cc-discount-type=\"127,136\" data-cc-search=\"784\" data-cc-pin=\"0\" data-cc-value=\"10\" data-cc-brand-key=\"lambers-cpe-review-promo-codes\"><div class=\"coupon_main-img\"><div class=\"coupan-thumb f\"><img width=200 height=200 src=https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/12\/lambers-ea-review-logo.png alt=\"lambers-ea-review-logo\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-title\"><div class=\"coupon_main-title_inner\"><h3>Exclusive Offer &#8211; 10% Off Lambers CPE Courses<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"cc-trust-line\"><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-trust-verified\"><span class=\"cc-trust-dot\">\u2713<\/span> Verified 2 months ago<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-last-used\" data-cc-last-used-id=\"784\" data-cc-last-used=\"1793220061\">Last used <strong>3 days ago<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-item cc-usage\" data-cc-usage-id=\"784\" data-cc-usage-count=\"5\">Used: <strong>5<\/strong> times<\/span><span class=\"cc-trust-sep\">\u2022<\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"cc-proof-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-proof=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/Lambers-CPE-CRUSH10.png\"><span class=\"cc-proof-check\">\u2713<\/span> Verified <span class=\"cc-proof-label\">View proof<\/span><span class=\"cc-proof-chevron\">\u2304<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_main-btn\"><div class=\"coupan-content thepopup_Box\"><div class=\"codecontent\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"coupon_getdeal\"><a class=\"redirectTo\" target=\"_blank\" post-id-value= \"784\" data-code=\"CRUSH10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363?cc=784\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" data-brand=\"CPE\" affiliate=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/lambers-cpe\/\">Save 10%<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><input value=\"1\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_total_results\"><input value=\"1\" type=\"hidden\" class=\"get_limit_count\"><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><aside class=\"guide\"><div class=\"gi\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83c\udff7\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"gt\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Related guide<\/span><b>Lambers CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Lambers runs special pricing on its All Access library from time to time, and this page lists it. Decide between one and two years of All Access first, since the longer pass usually costs less per year.<\/span><\/div><a class=\"btn btn-ghost btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/lambers-cpe-coupon-code\/\">SEE LAMBERS COUPONS \u2192<\/a><\/aside><\/div> <div class=\"v2\"><article class=\"card\" id=\"gleim-cpe\" data-course=\"gleimcpe\"><div class=\"card-head\"><span class=\"rank\">5<\/span><div class=\"ident\"><span class=\"tag\">Best for a few missing hours<\/span><h3>Gleim CPE<\/h3><p class=\"oneliner\">Pay by the hour when you are only a few credits short.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"scorebox\"><span class=\"big num\">3.9<small>\/5<\/small><\/span><span class=\"stars\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<span class=\"st-fg\" style=\"width:78%\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-body\"><div class=\"bars\" aria-label=\"Category scores\"><div class=\"bar\"><span>Platform<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:78%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">3.9<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Library<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:64%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">3.2<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Value<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:90%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4.5<\/b><\/div><div class=\"bar\"><span>Support<\/span><div class=\"track\"><div class=\"fill\" style=\"width:80%\"><\/div><\/div><b class=\"num\">4<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"buy\"><div class=\"price num\">$160 to $600<small>20 hours $160, 40 hours $280, 100 hours $600; smaller blocks also sold<\/small><\/div><span class=\"save\">One free course for new accounts<\/span><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-vs-gleim-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"gleimcpe\">GET STARTED WITH GLEIM \u2192<\/a><p class=\"fine\">About $6 to $8 per credit hour at 20 hours or more \u00b7 NASBA Registry sponsor 103071<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-meta\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><span>Hour blocks<\/span><b class=\"num\">1 to 100<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Format<\/span><b>QAS self-study<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Free trial<\/span><b>One course<\/b><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><span>Library<\/span><b>About 61 courses<\/b><\/div><\/div><div class=\"whofor\"><strong>Best for:<\/strong> a CPA with a small shortfall at renewal who is happy with self-study.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"card-foot\"><button class=\"expand\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"gleim-cpe-d\" data-toggle=\"panel\" data-alt=\"Hide breakdown\">Full breakdown <svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><label class=\"cmp\"><input type=\"checkbox\" data-cmp=\"gleimcpe\" id=\"cmp-gleimcpe\">Compare<\/label><\/div><div class=\"detail\" id=\"gleim-cpe-d\" hidden><div class=\"review\"><p>When I tried Gleim CPE, the pricing model stood out before anything else: you buy a block of hours instead of a yearly subscription. That makes one or two missing credits cheap to cover.<\/p><p>Course choice is thin. The materials reviewed held roughly 61 courses across tax, accounting and auditing and ethics, far fewer than any other finalist. Each course follows the same QAS self-study path: a presentation, an outline with study questions, a qualified assessment and then the certificate.<\/p><p>There are no live sessions in the standard catalog, and state ethics choices are narrow. Once you need more than a handful of hours, an unlimited plan from Illumeo or Becker usually costs about the same and offers far more choice.<\/p><p>Gleim beats every subscription here on cost for a CPA who needs only one to four hours. Illumeo is the better value as soon as your yearly need climbs past a few hours.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"shots\"><figure><label class=\"zoom\" for=\"lb-6\" title=\"Click to enlarge\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Gleim-CPE-info.png\" alt=\"Gleim CPE study question on choosing a business entity with four answer choices\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"724\"><\/label><figcaption>A study question inside a Gleim CPE course on choosing a business entity. Tabs across the top move from the presentation to the outline, the qualified assessment and the certificate.<\/figcaption><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"lb-6\" class=\"lb-t\" hidden><div class=\"lb\"><label for=\"lb-6\" class=\"lb-x\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Gleim-CPE-info.png\" alt=\"Gleim CPE study question on choosing a business entity with four answer choices\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/label><\/div><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"pc\"><div class=\"pro\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Pros<\/span><ul><li>Low Cost for Small Needs: Cheapest way to cover one to four hours<\/li><li>No Big Upfront Bill: Buy only the hours you need<\/li><li>Free Trial Course: Sample the platform before paying<\/li><li>Familiar Brand: Long-running name in accounting education<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"con\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Cons<\/span><ul><li>No Live Sessions: Self-study only in the standard catalog<\/li><li>Small Library: About 61 courses, with few state ethics options<\/li><li>Weak Value at Volume: Unlimited plans win once you need 40 hours<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"btnrow\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-long\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-vs-gleim-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"gleimcpe\">GET STARTED WITH GLEIM \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/article><div class=\"cmpbar\" id=\"cmpbar\" hidden role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Compare courses\"><div class=\"cmp-txt\"><b>Compare <span class=\"cmp-badge\" id=\"cmp-n\">0<\/span><\/b><span id=\"cmp-count\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cmp-act\"><button class=\"clear\" type=\"button\" id=\"cmp-clear\">Clear<\/button><button class=\"btn btn-cta\" type=\"button\" id=\"cmp-go\">COMPARE \u2193<\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div> <span id=\"comparison\" class=\"auto-jump-link-target v2-jt\"><\/span> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-comparison\" style=\"text-align:center\">CPE Subscription Showdown: Price, Credits and Formats<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All five finalists by plan type, formats, library size, live sessions, tracking and NASBA sponsor ID, with each row&#8217;s strongest value shaded green.<\/p> <div class=\"v2\"><div class=\"sc-wrap\"><div class=\"sc-grid\" id=\"spec\" style=\"--total:5;--rows:13\"><div class=\"sc-col sc-top\" data-col=\"beckercpe\"><div class=\"sc-head\"><span class=\"sc-rank\">1<\/span><b>Becker<\/b><\/div><div class=\"sc-brand\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/becker-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Becker logo\" width=\"500\" height=\"114\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"sc-row best\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Our score<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">4.8 \/ 5<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Price range<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">$329 to $1,429<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row sc-disc\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Discount<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><span class=\"sc-rib\"><a class='best_offer_link' data-ajax-code='8182' href='?cc=8182' thehref='?cc=8182' afflink='https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/' data-ref='' target='_blank' rel='sponsored nofollow' style='--cc-best-offer-link-color: #0d67b3;'>Save $644<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Plan type<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Unlimited, 90 days to 2 years<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row best\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Formats<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Live webcasts, on-demand, podcasts<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Library size<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">700+ on-demand courses<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Live sessions<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">1,000+ webcasts a year (Prime)<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row best\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">CPE tracking<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">State compliance tracker, outside certificates<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">NASBA sponsor ID<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/exhibitors\/becker-professional-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">107294<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Best for<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Every format, firm budgets<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-cta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"beckercpe\">LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sc-col\" data-col=\"illumeocpe\"><div class=\"sc-head\"><span class=\"sc-rank\">2<\/span><b>Illumeo<\/b><\/div><div class=\"sc-brand\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/illumeo-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Illumeo logo\" width=\"512\" height=\"149\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Our score<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">4.6 \/ 5<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row best\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Price range<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">$199 to $399 a year<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row sc-disc\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Discount<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><span class=\"sc-rib\"><a class='best_offer_link' data-ajax-code='7281' href='?cc=7281' thehref='?cc=7281' afflink='https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/' data-ref='' target='_blank' rel='sponsored nofollow' style='--cc-best-offer-link-color: #0d67b3;'>Save 20%<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Plan type<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Unlimited, yearly<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Formats<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">On-demand video, live webinars<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Library size<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">1,600+ to 3,000+ courses<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Live sessions<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Weekly live slots, 120+ on Premium+<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">CPE tracking<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">CPE tracker for all 50 states<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">NASBA sponsor ID<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/exhibitors\/illumeo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">109504<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Best for<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">On-demand value<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-cta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"illumeocpe\">LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sc-col\" data-col=\"surgentcpe\"><div class=\"sc-head\"><span class=\"sc-rank\">3<\/span><b>Surgent<\/b><\/div><div class=\"sc-brand\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/surgent-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Surgent logo\" width=\"473\" height=\"157\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Our score<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">4.4 \/ 5<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Price range<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">$549 to $899 a year<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row sc-disc\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Discount<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><span class=\"sc-rib\"><a class='best_offer_link' data-ajax-code='7213' href='?cc=7213' thehref='?cc=7213' afflink='https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/' data-ref='' target='_blank' rel='sponsored nofollow' style='--cc-best-offer-link-color: #0d67b3;'>Save $135<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Plan type<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Unlimited, yearly<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Formats<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Live webinars, on-demand, PDF self-study<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row best\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Library size<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">10,000+ credits (PLUS)<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row best\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Live sessions<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">2,000+ webinars a year<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">CPE tracking<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Hours dashboard by format<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">NASBA sponsor ID<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/exhibitors\/surgent-mccoy-self-study-cpe-llc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">103212<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Best for<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Live learners<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-cta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"surgentcpe\">LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sc-col\" data-col=\"lamberscpe\"><div class=\"sc-head\"><span class=\"sc-rank\">4<\/span><b>Lambers<\/b><\/div><div class=\"sc-brand\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/lambers-ea-ce-logo.png\" alt=\"Lambers logo\" width=\"499\" height=\"125\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Our score<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">4.2 \/ 5<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Price range<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">1-year pass $199, 2-year $349<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row sc-disc\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Discount<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><span class=\"sc-rib\"><a class='best_offer_link' data-ajax-code='784' href='?cc=784' thehref='?cc=784' afflink='https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/lambers-cpe\/' data-ref='' target='_blank' rel='sponsored nofollow' style='--cc-best-offer-link-color: #0d67b3;'>Save 10%<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Plan type<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Unlimited, 1 or 2 years<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Formats<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Video, PDF, seasonal webinars<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Library size<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Hundreds of courses<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Live sessions<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Seasonal, April to December<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">CPE tracking<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Basic course records<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">NASBA sponsor ID<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/exhibitors\/lambers-inc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">119329<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Best for<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Tax video on a budget<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-cta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/lambers-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"lamberscpe\">LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"sc-col\" data-col=\"gleimcpe\"><div class=\"sc-head\"><span class=\"sc-rank\">5<\/span><b>Gleim<\/b><\/div><div class=\"sc-brand\"><img class=\"sc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/10\/gleim-cpe-logo.png\" alt=\"Gleim logo\" width=\"508\" height=\"140\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Our score<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">3.9 \/ 5<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Price range<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">$160 to $600 (20 to 100 hours)<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row sc-disc\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Discount<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><span class=\"sc-rib none\">No discount<\/span><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Plan type<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Hour blocks, 1 to 100<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Formats<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Online self-study<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Library size<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">About 61 courses<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Live sessions<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">None<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">CPE tracking<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">Transcript of completed courses<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">NASBA sponsor ID<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/exhibitors\/gleim-publications-inc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">103071<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-row\"><span class=\"sc-lbl\">Best for<\/span><span class=\"sc-val\">One to four hours<\/span><\/div><div class=\"sc-cta\"><a class=\"btn btn-cta btn-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-vs-gleim-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"gleimcpe\">LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tablenote\"><span id=\"tablenote-txt\">Showing all 5 courses.<\/span><button class=\"linkbtn\" type=\"button\" id=\"spec-showall\" hidden>Show all courses<\/button><\/div><\/div> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"also-tested\" style=\"text-align:center\">CPE Platforms Outside Our Top Five<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of these five has a narrower audience than our finalists. For tax-heavy or association-based credit, these sources are worth a look too: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetaxbook.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TaxBook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomsonreuters.com\/en\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Thomson Reuters<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/taxspeaker.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tax Speaker<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.natptax.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NATP<\/a>.<\/p> <div class=\"v2\"><div class=\"also\"><div><div><b><a href=\"https:\/\/my-cpe.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">myCPE One<\/a><\/b><small>Webinars, podcasts, conferences \u00b7 15,000+ hours<\/small><\/div><span>The widest mix of formats in this group, from live webinars and on-demand audio to podcasts, e-books and full online conferences, with a mobile app on top. It is less clear how consistently standard courses build in practice questions, and the sheer volume makes the catalog hard to browse.<\/span><\/div><div><div><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lorman.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Lorman<\/a><\/b><small>All-Access Pass \u00b7 nearly 4,000 courses<\/small><\/div><span>Lorman serves HR, legal, healthcare and engineering professionals as well as CPAs, and its yearly pass carries CPE, CLE, SHRM and HRCI credit. That breadth helps people holding several credentials, but CPAs after deep accounting content may find it thin and the interface dated.<\/span><\/div><div><div><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpaacademy.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">CPA Academy<\/a><\/b><small>Free sponsored webinars<\/small><\/div><span>Webinars on this site cost nothing because firms and vendors sponsor them. It is a handy source of a few live hours, but the topics follow the sponsors, so it rarely covers a full renewal.<\/span><\/div><div><div><b><a href=\"https:\/\/cerificpedge.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">CeriFi CPEdge<\/a><\/b><small>Formerly Checkpoint Learning \u00b7 self-study and webinars<\/small><\/div><span>The old Checkpoint Learning address now redirects here, so the catalog CPAs knew under that name continues as CeriFi CPEdge. Plans and pricing fell outside this ranking, which focused on providers with clear unlimited subscriptions.<\/span><\/div><div><div><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbri.com\/professional-development\/strafford-cle-cpe\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Strafford<\/a><\/b><small>Now part of BARBRI \u00b7 live webinars<\/small><\/div><span>Strafford webinars now sit inside BARBRI professional development and carry both CPE and CLE credit. The sessions lean toward specialists, which makes them a better supplement than a main source of yearly hours.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div> <span id=\"jump-best-by-need\" class=\"auto-jump-link-target v2-jt\"><\/span> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"best-by-need\" style=\"text-align:center\">Which CPE Subscription Fits Your Practice?<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scan the tiles for your situation, since each one points to the review worth reading next.<\/p> <div class=\"v2\"><div class=\"cats\"><div class=\"cat\"><b>My firm pays and I want everything<\/b><span><strong>Becker CPE<\/strong> covers webcasts, on-demand courses and podcasts under one login. <strong>Surgent CPE<\/strong> is the alternative if live sessions matter most.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#becker-cpe\" data-jump=\"becker-cpe\">Becker review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#surgent-cpe\" data-jump=\"surgent-cpe\">Surgent review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>I always run short on ethics hours<\/b><span><strong>Becker CPE<\/strong> lists more than 50 state board ethics courses. <strong>Lambers CPE<\/strong> includes state-specific ethics in its All Access library.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#becker-cpe\" data-jump=\"becker-cpe\">Becker review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#lambers-cpe\" data-jump=\"lambers-cpe\">Lambers review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>No employer reimbursement<\/b><span><strong>Illumeo<\/strong> charges the least of any subscription here for unlimited recorded courses. <strong>Lambers CPE<\/strong> is close behind for tax-focused video.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#illumeo-cpe\" data-jump=\"illumeo-cpe\">Illumeo review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#lambers-cpe\" data-jump=\"lambers-cpe\">Lambers review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>I need a live presenter to focus<\/b><span><strong>Surgent CPE<\/strong> fills its calendar with live sessions all week. <strong>Becker CPE<\/strong> adds over 1,000 webcasts with Q&amp;A on Prime.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#surgent-cpe\" data-jump=\"surgent-cpe\">Surgent review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#becker-cpe\" data-jump=\"becker-cpe\">Becker review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>I want to earn credit on my commute<\/b><span><strong>Becker CPE<\/strong> offers podcasts that count toward your hours, so a drive or a walk adds up across the year.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#becker-cpe\" data-jump=\"becker-cpe\">Becker review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>I want finance and leadership topics<\/b><span><strong>Illumeo<\/strong> leans into analytics, finance and management courses. <strong>Becker CPE<\/strong> balances them with technical tax and audit content.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#illumeo-cpe\" data-jump=\"illumeo-cpe\">Illumeo review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#becker-cpe\" data-jump=\"becker-cpe\">Becker review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>Busy season wipes out my spring<\/b><span><strong>Lambers CPE<\/strong> runs its live webinars from about April to December. <strong>Surgent CPE<\/strong> adds Saturday sessions all year.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#lambers-cpe\" data-jump=\"lambers-cpe\">Lambers review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#surgent-cpe\" data-jump=\"surgent-cpe\">Surgent review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>My certificates come from several places<\/b><span><strong>Becker CPE<\/strong> lets you upload outside certificates to its tracker. <strong>Illumeo<\/strong> includes a tracker covering all 50 states.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#becker-cpe\" data-jump=\"becker-cpe\">Becker review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#illumeo-cpe\" data-jump=\"illumeo-cpe\">Illumeo review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><div class=\"cat\"><b>Renewal paperwork is due soon<\/b><span><strong>Surgent CPE<\/strong> puts a live presenter on screen almost every day. <strong>Illumeo<\/strong> lets you work through recorded courses at your own pace.<\/span><span class=\"links\"><a href=\"#surgent-cpe\" data-jump=\"surgent-cpe\">Surgent review \u2192<\/a><a href=\"#illumeo-cpe\" data-jump=\"illumeo-cpe\">Illumeo review \u2192<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div> <span id=\"jump-how-we-evaluate\" class=\"auto-jump-link-target v2-jt\"><\/span> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"how-we-evaluate\" style=\"text-align:center\">Inside the Numbers on Each CPE Card<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A provider&#8217;s headline score is the plain average of the four categories below. Every chapter lists the specific checks we ran.<\/p> <div class=\"v2\"><div class=\"method\"><nav class=\"toc\" id=\"v2-toc\" aria-label=\"Jump to a scoring category\"><span class=\"eyebrow\">Chapters<\/span><a href=\"#m-content\" data-target=\"m-content\">Catalog Depth and Registry Credit<\/a><a href=\"#m-platform\" data-target=\"m-platform\">Tracking, Certificates and Daily Use<\/a><a href=\"#m-support\" data-target=\"m-support\">Presenters and Live Credit Access<\/a><a href=\"#m-value\" data-target=\"m-value\">Price per 50-Minute Credit<\/a><a href=\"#m-not\" data-target=\"m-not\">Factors Our CPE Ratings Ignore<\/a><\/nav><div class=\"acc\" id=\"v2-acc\"><section id=\"m-content\"><button class=\"ab\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"m-content-p\" data-toggle=\"panel\"><span>Catalog Depth and Registry Credit<\/span><span class=\"wt\">25%<\/span><svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"ap\" id=\"m-content-p\"><p>A course only helps if your board accepts it, so we confirmed every finalist on the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors and noted the delivery methods it is approved for. Registry sponsors follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/the-standards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CPE standards<\/a> that AICPA and NASBA publish jointly. We then looked at catalog breadth across tax, accounting and auditing, ethics and business topics, and at how often new courses appear.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section id=\"m-platform\"><button class=\"ab\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"m-platform-p\" data-toggle=\"panel\"><span>Tracking, Certificates and Daily Use<\/span><span class=\"wt\">25%<\/span><svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"ap\" id=\"m-platform-p\" hidden><p>The AICPA measures CPE in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/help\/cpe-requirements-and-credits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">50-minute hours<\/a> and expects members to complete 120 hours every three years, so a provider should make that record-keeping painless. We checked how fast you can filter by field of study, whether certificates download cleanly and whether a tracker accepts credits earned elsewhere. Card screenshots come from inside each provider&#8217;s course area wherever one was available.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section id=\"m-support\"><button class=\"ab\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"m-support-p\" data-toggle=\"panel\"><span>Presenters and Live Credit Access<\/span><span class=\"wt\">25%<\/span><svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"ap\" id=\"m-support-p\" hidden><p>Live credit matters for CPAs in states that limit self-study and for anyone who focuses better with a presenter. We counted live sessions per year, looked at evening and weekend coverage, and noted whether instructors answer questions on recorded courses.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section id=\"m-value\"><button class=\"ab\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"m-value-p\" data-toggle=\"panel\"><span>Price per 50-Minute Credit<\/span><span class=\"wt\">25%<\/span><svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"ap\" id=\"m-value-p\" hidden><p>Sticker prices mean little until you divide them by the hours you actually need. We priced each plan against a typical 40-hour year and against a small top-up of a few hours, then weighed access length, renewal terms and any refund promise.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section id=\"m-not\"><button class=\"ab\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"m-not-p\" data-toggle=\"panel\"><span>Factors Our CPE Ratings Ignore<\/span><svg class=\"chev\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"ap\" id=\"m-not-p\" hidden><p><strong>Course counts without context.<\/strong> Thousands of courses mean little if your board will not accept the format. <strong>Testimonials on sales pages.<\/strong> They are hand-picked. <strong>Commission status.<\/strong> Gleim CPE generates no revenue for this site and still ranks fifth.<\/p><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"v2-trust\" style=\"text-align:center\">How These CPE Provider Scores Were Built<\/h2> <div class=\"v2\"><aside class=\"trust\" aria-labelledby=\"v2-trust\"><ul><li><span class=\"ck\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2713<\/span><div><strong>Registry status checked for all five<\/strong><span>Every finalist is a NASBA registry sponsor, and its sponsor ID sits in the comparison chart.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><span class=\"ck\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2713<\/span><div><strong>Scores you can audit<\/strong><span>Platform, library, value and support ratings are printed on each card, and simple averaging produces the headline number.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><span class=\"ck\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2713<\/span><div><strong>Sticker prices verified with each vendor<\/strong><span>Dollar figures are read straight off provider sites and updated whenever a plan changes.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><span class=\"ck\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2713<\/span><div><strong>Ranking cannot be bought<\/strong><span>Purchases through some links can earn this site money, and rank order is still set purely by score.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><span class=\"ck\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2713<\/span><div><strong>Written for licensed CPAs<\/strong><span>The ratings weigh renewal needs such as ethics hours, live credit and certificates, not exam prep.<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><span class=\"ck\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2713<\/span><div><strong>See an error?<\/strong><span>Email the editors and the entry gets updated.<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/aside><\/div> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"final-verdict\" style=\"text-align:center\">Final Verdict<\/h2> <div class=\"v2\"><div class=\"final\"><p class=\"final-lede\">The right CPE provider depends on how many hours you need, who pays and whether you learn better live or on your own time.<\/p><div class=\"final-grid\"><div class=\"fpick fpick-top\"><span class=\"tag\">\u2605 Best overall<\/span><b>Becker CPE<\/b><p>Becker CPE is the best CPE course for most CPAs, pairing every major format with a compliance tracker that keeps even a multi-state renewal in order. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"beckercpe\">Get started with Becker CPE<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fpick\"><span class=\"tag\">Best value<\/span><b>Illumeo<\/b><p>If you pay your own way and like recorded courses, Illumeo delivers the most CPE per dollar of any provider here. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/illumeo-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"illumeocpe\">Go to Illumeo<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fpick\"><span class=\"tag\">Best live webinars<\/span><b>Surgent CPE<\/b><p>If a live presenter keeps you engaged, the deepest webinar calendar on this list is worth the higher price. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/cpe\/surgent-cpe-pricing-page\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"surgentcpe\">Try out Surgent CPE<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><p class=\"final-rest\">Lambers CPE is the budget route for tax-focused video and state ethics, and Gleim CPE makes sense only when you are a few hours short. Check your state board&#8217;s ethics rule before you buy.<\/p><\/div><\/div> <span id=\"faqs\" class=\"auto-jump-link-target v2-jt\"><\/span> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-faqs\" style=\"text-align:center\">FAQs<\/h2> <div class=\"v2\"><div class=\"faq\"><div><h3>What is the best CPE course for CPAs?<\/h3><p>Becker CPE is the best CPE course for most CPAs, because it combines live webcasts, on-demand courses, podcasts and a state-aware compliance tracker in one subscription. If recorded courses at the lowest annual cost matter more to you, Illumeo is the stronger choice.<\/p><\/div><div><h3>How many CPE hours must a CPA log each year?<\/h3><p>It depends on your state board, and the NASBA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasbaregistry.org\/cpe-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requirements lookup<\/a> summarizes the rules for every jurisdiction. AICPA members also owe 120 hours over each three-year period, which averages out to 40 hours a year.<\/p><\/div><div><h3>Do CPE courses have to come from a NASBA registry sponsor?<\/h3><p>Every state accepts registry sponsors to some extent, and some, North Carolina among them for ethics, require one. All five finalists here are registry sponsors, but your state board still has the final word on individual courses.<\/p><\/div><div><h3>Is an unlimited CPE subscription cheaper than paying per course?<\/h3><p>For most CPAs it is, since a yearly plan covering 40 or more hours usually costs less than buying the same hours course by course. Hour blocks such as Gleim CPE only come out ahead when you need a handful of credits.<\/p><\/div><div><h3>Can you earn CPE credit for free?<\/h3><p>Yes, sponsored webinars on CPA Academy and free trial courses from providers such as Gleim cost nothing. Free options rarely add up to a full year, so most CPAs still pay for the bulk of their hours.<\/p><\/div><div><h3>How can a busy CPA fit CPE into a full schedule?<\/h3><p>Podcasts, short nano courses and Saturday webinars all let you earn credit outside client hours. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=i8IkYk2zjGA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video<\/a> on fitting CPE into your schedule walks through four ways to do it.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"keep-researching\" style=\"text-align:center\">Further Guides for Planning Your CPE Hours<\/h2> <div class=\"v2\"><span class=\"eyebrow relhead\">CPE rules and provider reviews<\/span><ul class=\"rel\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpe-requirements-for-cpas\/\"><b>CPE Requirements for CPAs<\/b><span>What every license demands<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/north-carolina-cpe-requirements-for-cpas\/\"><b>North Carolina CPE Requirements<\/b><span>The NC rules, explained<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-cpe-review-courses\/\"><b>Becker CPE Review<\/b><span>Is Prime worth it?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/illumeo-cpe-review-courses\/\"><b>Illumeo CPE Review<\/b><span>Before you subscribe<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/lambers-cpe-review\/\"><b>Lambers CPE Review<\/b><span>Who the format suits<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-vs-gleim-cpe\/\"><b>Becker vs Gleim CPE<\/b><span>Subscription or hour blocks?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpe-requirements-for-cmas\/\"><b>CPE Requirements for CMAs<\/b><span>Hold the CMA too?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-enrolled-agent-continuing-education-courses\/\"><b>Best EA Continuing Education Courses<\/b><span>For enrolled agents<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-get-cpa-license\/\"><b>How to Get a CPA License<\/b><span>Licensure, step by step<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/north-carolina-cpa-requirements\/\"><b>North Carolina CPA Requirements<\/b><span>Licensure in NC<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpa-salaries-how-much-cpas-make\/\"><b>CPA Salaries<\/b><span>What the license pays<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><span class=\"eyebrow relhead\">Ways to save on CPE<\/span><ul class=\"rel\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpe-coupon-codes\/\"><b>CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Every CPE deal we track<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-cpe-coupon-code\/\"><b>Becker CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Current Becker CPE offers<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/illumeo-promo-code\/\"><b>Illumeo CPE Promo Codes<\/b><span>Current Illumeo offers<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/surgent-cpe-coupon-code\/\"><b>Surgent CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Current Surgent CPE offers<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/lambers-cpe-coupon-code\/\"><b>Lambers CPE Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Current Lambers CPE offers<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/becker-promo-codes\/\"><b>Becker Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Across Becker courses<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/surgent-discount-codes\/\"><b>Surgent Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Across Surgent courses<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/lambers-coupon-codes\/\"><b>Lambers Coupon Codes<\/b><span>Across Lambers courses<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div> <div class=\"v2-sticky\" id=\"v2-sticky\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"in\"><div class=\"lbl\"><span>#1 pick \u00b7 Best overall<\/span><b>Becker CPE<\/b><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/recommends\/becker\/becker-cpe\/\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" data-cta=\"beckercpe\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:10px;background:#e8641c;color:#fff;font-weight:500;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.03em;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">SEE BECKER PRICING \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best CPE courses for CPAs keep a license current without swallowing your evenings. In North Carolina, the State Board&#8217;s CPE rule now calls for 2,000 minutes a year, including 50 minutes of ethics from a NASBA registry sponsor. So what separates the providers? Mostly format and cost per credit, because every finalist here is [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4364,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":true,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Best-CPE-Courses-for-CPAs-feature-image-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 Best CPE Courses for CPAs: Subscriptions Compared<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Becker CPE is the best CPE course for most CPAs. Compare Illumeo, Surgent, Lambers and Gleim on price, formats, live credit and NASBA status.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpe-courses-for-cpas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5 Best CPE Courses for CPAs: Subscriptions Compared\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Becker CPE is the best CPE course for most CPAs. Compare Illumeo, Surgent, Lambers and Gleim on price, formats, live credit and NASBA status.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpe-courses-for-cpas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Charlotte Observer - Careers &amp; Education\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-26T23:36:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-29T20:44:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Best-CPE-Courses-for-CPAs-feature-image.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"889\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":null}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"5 Best CPE Courses for CPAs: Subscriptions Compared","description":"Becker CPE is the best CPE course for most CPAs. Compare Illumeo, Surgent, Lambers and Gleim on price, formats, live credit and NASBA status.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpe-courses-for-cpas\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"5 Best CPE Courses for CPAs: Subscriptions Compared","og_description":"Becker CPE is the best CPE course for most CPAs. Compare Illumeo, Surgent, Lambers and Gleim on price, formats, live credit and NASBA status.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpe-courses-for-cpas\/","og_site_name":"Charlotte Observer - Careers &amp; Education","article_published_time":"2025-09-26T23:36:39+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-29T20:44:15+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":889,"url":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/05\/Best-CPE-Courses-for-CPAs-feature-image.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"","Est. reading time":"19 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":null}},"first_category":{"name":"Accounting","url":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/accounting\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363"}],"collection":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4363"}],"version-history":[{"attributes":{"count":5},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"attributes":{"id":17540},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4363\/revisions\/17540"}],"acf:post":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/external-author\/129"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"attributes":{"embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"attributes":[],"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4363"}],"wp:term":[{"attributes":{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4363"},{"attributes":{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true},"href":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}