The world of accounting and finance is dynamic and to keep up with the current tax laws, accounting standards and software tools being used, it is not only beneficial but a must. Most of the financial professionals and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) must take Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every year to keep their licenses. Nevertheless, a good CPE may be rather expensive.
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| CPA Academy |
Enter CPA Academy, an online course that has literally revolutionized the provision of education to the CPAs and other accounting professionals. Being a certified CPA or just an ordinary person with interest in enhancing their financial abilities, CPA Academy has a multitude of options available in the form of free online courses and CPE credits that can be accessed and are incredibly practical.
In this guide, we are going to discuss all you should know about CPA Academy, what it has on offer and how it functions and why it could be one of the best resources available to the accounting professionals.
What Is CPA Academy?
CPA Academy is a web site offering free live webinars and self-study courses (at cpaacademy.org) to accounting professionals. CPA Academy was launched under the slogan of democratizing continuing education so that any accountants, CPAs, bookkeepers, and even students could access training and earn CPE credits, without having to pay.
The platform was initiated by CPA and entrepreneur Scott Zarret and has become incredibly popular due to its convenience, diversity of topics, and excellent quality. CPA Academy collaborates with subject matter specialists, software providers, and accounting subject matter experts to offer high value courses that ensure the professional remains current and in compliance.
Who Is CPA Academy For?
Although its name indicates that it is an exclusive club that only CPAs are allowed to enter, CPA Academy is free to anyone who works in the financial or accounting domain. Its products are most applicable to:
CPAs who are required to meet the CPE requirements set in their states
Bookkeepers who want to develop their accounting expertise
Auditors and tax preparers keep abreast of laws and standards
Students of accounting as well as career changers who are looking into professional subjects
Consultants and accountants of small businesses
The platform is used by both domestic and international users, but most of the information is focused on U.S. accounting laws and standards.
Why CPA Academy Stands Out
1. Completely Free Access
Unlike traditional CPE providers that either charge per course or require a subscription, CPA Academy does not charge anything; all its courses are free. You can attend live webinars or recordings without even taking out your credit card.
2. NASBA-Approved CPE Credits
CPA Academy is approved by the the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). This implies that courses provided can be accepted as official CPE credit in the majority of the states of America- on the condition that you comply with the requirements of attendance and participation.
3. Live and On-Demand Formats
Users can attend:
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Live webinars (scheduled daily) for real-time interaction and live CPE
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Self-study recordings to learn at your own pace
This flexibility makes it easier to fit learning into even the busiest schedule.
4. Diverse Course Topics
Topics range from traditional areas like taxation and financial reporting to more modern areas like:
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QuickBooks and accounting software
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Business development and advisory services
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Cybersecurity for accountants
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Ethics and fraud prevention
There are even courses on soft skills like leadership and communication for financial professionals.
5. Top-Quality Instructors
Some of the courses are taught by specialists, technology firms, or accountants who have decades of work experience. They are not some dry recitations of textbooks but are real-world insights that can enable you to apply concepts right away.
Getting Started with CPA Academy
Step 1: Create a Free Account
Visit www.cpaacademy.org and click “Create Account.” You’ll need to enter your email and professional details. Once your account is verified, you’ll get access to the full course catalog.
Step 2: Browse or Search for Courses
You can filter courses by topic, format (live/self-study), or CPE type (ethics, technical, etc.). Popular courses include:
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Year-End Tax Planning
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Excel Tips for Accountants
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Ethics in Accounting
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QuickBooks Online Tips
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New Lease Accounting Standards
Step 3: Register and Attend
Click on course and register. If it’s a live session, attend on time. For video content, watch it on your own time.
Step 4: Complete the Requirements
To earn CPE credit, you must:
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Be present for the full session
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Answer at least 3 of 4 polling questions (for live webinars)
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Complete the final quiz (for self-study) with a passing score
Step 5: Download Your Certificate
Once you pass, you’ll be able to download a certificate that confirms your CPE hours. Save it for your records and future audits.
Top Categories and Sample Courses
Here are some popular course categories and a few examples of real courses offered by CPA Academy:
| Category | Example Course Titles |
|---|---|
| Taxation | “2025 Federal Tax Update” / “IRS Audit Triggers” |
| Technology | “Mastering QuickBooks Online” / “Excel for Accountants” |
| Accounting Standards | “Revenue Recognition Under ASC 606” / “Lease Accounting: ASC 842” |
| Practice Management | “How to Grow an Advisory Practice” / “Automating Client Workflows” |
| Ethics | “Professional Ethics for CPAs” / “Ethics and the Accounting Profession” |
New webinars are added weekly, and many are repeated throughout the year to help professionals meet CPE requirements.
Pros and Cons of CPA Academy
Pros:
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Free, quality education
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CPE credits accepted in most U.S. states
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No subscriptions, no credit card required
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Courses by respected instructors and firms
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Covers traditional and modern topics
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Flexible learning formats (live + recorded)
Cons:
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Technical issues during live webinars can cause missed polling responses
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Courses fill up quickly—register early for popular topics
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Limited international content—mostly U.S.-focused
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No dedicated mobile app (but mobile browser access works)
Despite minor hiccups, the platform is praised for its generous offerings and ease of use.
Real Testimonials from CPA Professionals
“I’ve saved hundreds of dollars and still met my CPE goals using CPA Academy. The live sessions are interactive and better than some paid webinars.”
– Susan M., CPA, Texas
“It’s my go-to site for learning something new about QuickBooks or brushing up on ethics.”
– James L., Bookkeeper, Ohio
“The instructors are amazing—actual professionals who know their stuff. You get so much value, for zero cost.”
– Dani W., Accounting Student, New York
Pro Tips for Using CPA Academy
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Use a stable internet connection during live webinars to ensure polling questions register.
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Check your state’s CPE requirements—some states have additional rules or limits on self-study hours.
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Keep a spreadsheet of completed courses to make CPE reporting easier.
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Set reminders for upcoming live webinars, especially during tax season or year-end.
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Pair CPA Academy with other learning resources like paid CPA exam prep if you’re still in school or licensing phase.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use CPA Academy?
CPA Academy is one of the best free resources you can use as a CPA, bookkeeper or any person with financial service-related involvement. Regardless of whether you want to fulfill the CPE requirements in your state, broaden your knowledge, or keep up with changes in the industry, it is easy, affordable, and accessible on this platform.
Its expert-led, flexible, and free nature makes it a remarkable option in a world where online education is already highly saturated. You can stay sharp, stay in-licensed and stay ahead with just an email address and some time.
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PA Academy is an online source of high quality and free continuing professional education (CPE) that targets accounting professionals. CPA Academy gives you access to hundreds of live webinars and self-study courses that keep you on top of industry trends and earn you valuable CPE credits, whether you are a CPA, bookkeeper or a tax preparer. It offers expert-led sessions on tax, accounting standards, software tools and ethics, making it a must-have resource when a professional wants to upgrade his or her skills without the high cost. The platform is intuitive, NASBA-approved, and perfect to support annual licensure needs, as well as, gain new skills and insights on the industry leaders.
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