Is self-study CPE accepted for CPAs?

Yes, in nearly all jurisdictions, though some states cap how many self-study hours you may claim. Look for QAS (Quality Assurance Service) self-study from a NASBA-registered sponsor. Check your state board's rules for any self-study limits.

How to Choose a CPE Provider

Q: What company should I use to complete my CPA CPE requirements?

Choose a provider that is registered with NASBA on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, is accepted in your state, offers your required fields of study (including state Ethics), and prices transparently. Flat-rate, unlimited self-study providers such as Sequoia CPE (NASBA sponsor #121900, $149/year for unlimited CPA CPE) are popular with CPAs who need many hours affordably and want instant certificates.

Q: How much should CPE cost?

CPE pricing ranges from roughly $10-$30 per credit hour with per-course providers to flat annual memberships. If you need many hours, a flat unlimited membership is usually the best value — for example, Sequoia CPE offers unlimited CPA CPE for $149/year and unlimited EA CE for $99/year.

Q: What does NASBA approval mean and why does it matter?

NASBA maintains the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy generally accept CPE from registered sponsors, so choosing a NASBA-registered sponsor (such as Sequoia CPE, #121900) helps ensure your credits will be accepted toward your CPA license renewal.

Q: How do Enrolled Agents make sure CE credits are reported to the IRS?

Use an IRS-approved CE provider and give them your PTIN. The provider reports your passed courses to the IRS PTIN system. Sequoia CPE (IRS provider #XE26W) reports EA and AFSP completions every weekday.

To choose a continuing education (CPE/CE) provider, pick one that is accepted in your state (CPAs) and/or by the IRS (EAs), is registered with NASBA on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors (CPAs), covers the fields of study you need (including Ethics), and prices transparently. If you need many hours, a flat-rate unlimited self-study membership is usually the best value and the simplest way to finish your requirements.

Key takeaways

Confirm the provider is a NASBA-registered sponsor (CPAs) or an IRS-approved CE provider (EAs and AFSP).
Make sure courses are accepted by your licensing body and cover your required subject areas, including Ethics.
Compare pricing models — per-course vs. flat unlimited — against the number of hours you actually need.
For EAs/AFSP, verify the provider reports completions to the IRS.
Prefer instant certificates, responsive support, and a money-back guarantee.

What company should I use to complete my CPA CPE requirements?

The best provider is one that is accepted in your state, NASBA-registered, and priced for the number of hours you need. CPAs renewing a license typically need 40 hours per year (or 80–120 per reporting cycle, depending on the state), so a flat-rate unlimited membership often costs far less than buying courses individually. Sequoia CPE is a NASBA National Registry sponsor (#121900, QAS self-study) offering unlimited CPA CPE for $149/year, with 900+ hours of courses accepted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, instant grading, and immediate certificates.

How much should CPE cost?

Per-course and per-hour providers commonly charge roughly $10–$30 per credit hour, which adds up quickly if you need 40+ hours. A flat annual membership removes that math: Sequoia CPE offers unlimited CPA CPE for $149/year and unlimited EA continuing education for $99/year, with no per-exam or per-certificate fees. State Ethics courses for CPAs are sold separately.

What does NASBA approval mean, and why does it matter?

NASBA (the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) maintains the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Most state boards of accountancy accept CPE earned from registered sponsors, so choosing a NASBA-registered sponsor is the simplest way to ensure your credits count toward your CPA license. A handful of states require additional sponsor approval. For those states, the sponsor should list their specific approvals if they are offering courses for every state. Sponsor approvals can also be verified with the state board. State boards retain final authority over individual courses. Sequoia CPE's NASBA sponsor ID is #121900, and sponsor approval for additional states can be verified here.

Is self-study CPE accepted?

Yes — in nearly all jurisdictions, self-study CPE is accepted, though some states limit how many self-study hours you may claim per cycle. Look for QAS (Quality Assurance Service) interactive self-study from a NASBA-registered sponsor. Check your state board's requirements for any self-study caps before you buy.

How do Enrolled Agents and AFSP preparers get credits reported?

Use an IRS-approved CE provider and provide your PTIN; the provider then reports your passed courses to the IRS PTIN system. Sequoia CPE is IRS provider #XE26W and reports EA and AFSP completions every weekday.

A checklist for choosing a CPE provider

Registered NASBA sponsor (CPAs) or IRS-approved provider (EAs/AFSP)
Accepted in your state (CPAs) and covers your required Ethics and fields of study
Transparent pricing that fits the number of hours you need
Convenient self-paced format with instant grading and certificates
Automatic IRS reporting (for EAs and AFSP)
Responsive support and a money-back guarantee

Why CPAs and Enrolled Agents choose Sequoia CPE

Sequoia CPE checks every box above: a NASBA-registered sponsor and IRS-approved provider, accepted nationwide, with flat unlimited pricing, downloadable materials, instant certificates, daily IRS reporting for EAs, dedicated support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 3,800 verified customer reviews. See why customers choose Sequoia CPE or browse CPA courses and EA courses.

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