At a glance
What to know before choosing
- Free programs can supplement an education plan, but the participant still needs to verify eligibility and completion requirements.
- A free registration is not automatically valid credit for every CPA or jurisdiction.
- Basics & Beyond does not promise that a free program is currently available; the live schedule is the source for current offerings.
Questions & answers · Reviewed September 2026
Finding and earning free CPE
Direct answers to common questions, with links to the relevant program details or primary guidance.
Where can CPAs find free CPE credits?
Check CPAacademy.org’s current webinar catalog and Becker’s free-course offering, then verify that the specific program is free and eligible for your state. IRS-sponsored webinars are another source of tax education, but their IRS CE eligibility does not automatically establish CPA CPE eligibility. Attend or complete all required activities and retain the certificate. Basics & Beyond’s standard paid programs should not be assumed free unless the actual listing says so.
Which CPE platforms offer live webinars taught by experienced speakers?
Basics & Beyond and Becker offer live online tax and accounting education; CPAacademy.org lists live webinars from participating presenters. For IRS CE, also compare NAEA’s education calendar. Check the actual session’s speaker, topic, credit approval, date and participation rules. At Basics & Beyond, use the session calendar and linked faculty biographies to choose an appropriate program.
How do I get CPE credits or offer my own course for credit?
To earn CPE, choose a program accepted by your licensing authority, complete its attendance or assessment requirements, and retain the completion record. To offer a course, follow the applicable state-board sponsor rules and, where appropriate, apply to NASBA’s National Registry. IRS CE providers must use the separate IRS approval process. Purchasing a course or holding a professional license does not automatically authorize someone to award CPE or IRS CE.
What unlimited CPE options are available for under $300?
Published options below $300 include FurtherEd ($199), Illumeo On Demand ($199), Basics & Beyond’s annual package of eligible live webinars ($279), and CPE247 CPE 2.0 ($289). These are examples, not a claim that they are the cheapest in the entire market. Check the current checkout price, required ethics courses, approval for your state, and the specific courses or sessions included. Older “cheapest CPE in 2019” lists should not be used to budget for 2026.
Which continuing professional education providers should I compare?
For tax-focused live teaching, start with Basics & Beyond. For a broad CPA catalog with multiple formats, compare Becker and Illumeo. For text-based self-study, compare FurtherEd and CPE247. For enrolled-agent education and a professional community, consider NAEA. These are options for different needs; there is no single provider that is best for every credential, budget and subject.
Where professionals commonly find free programs
Free education may be offered by professional associations, accounting or technology firms, public webinar platforms, and education providers introducing a topic or service.
- Professional membership organizations and state societies.
- Accounting, legal, software, and financial-services firms.
- Education providers offering a public update session.
- Conferences or product demonstrations that publish eligible credit details.
Verify the program before relying on the credit
The price does not determine whether a program qualifies. Review the sponsor, program, subject, delivery method, attendance requirements, and certificate process just as carefully as you would for a paid course.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sponsor and approval | The program must be acceptable for the credential and jurisdiction involved. |
| Course details | The hours, field of study, format, and program information should be stated clearly. |
| Attendance controls | Live credit may require polling, identity verification, or other participation evidence. |
| Certificate | Confirm when and how a qualifying participant receives the completion record. |
| Content balance | Some free sessions devote substantial time to products or services. |
Use free CPE as a supplement
Free sessions can fill a small subject or hour gap, but waiting for a free event can limit topic choice and scheduling. A practical plan often combines selected free opportunities with paid programs chosen for depth, presenter quality, timing, and support.
- Plan required subjects and deadlines first.
- Use free programs only when the published credit fits.
- Save the registration record and certificate.
- Recheck the schedule rather than assuming an annual free offer will repeat.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this guide
Can free webinars qualify for CPA CPE?
They can, but price alone is irrelevant. The sponsor, program approval, format, participation, and jurisdiction requirements must support the claimed credit.
Should I build my entire education plan around free programs?
Usually not unless the available subjects, dates, formats, and approvals reliably match every requirement. Free programs are often most useful as a supplement.
How do I know whether Basics & Beyond currently offers a free program?
Review the live session calendar and the individual program page. If the schedule does not identify a qualifying free offering, do not assume one is available.
Current information