Short answerCPAs can earn free CPE through providers such as Wisdify, CPAacademy, Deloitte Dbriefs, Earmark, QuickBooks, EY, and KPMG. The best choice depends on whether you want self-study, live webinars, or podcast learning—and whether your state board accepts the provider, subject, and delivery method.
Offers checked Oct 2026You do not necessarily need to buy an unlimited subscription to make progress toward your CPE requirement. There are credible free options, but “free” can mean several different things: a recurring allowance, a live sponsor-supported webinar, a course included with membership, or limited access to a larger paid catalog.
Best free CPE for CPAs: quick comparison
Start with format and restrictions, not just the number of available courses. A large live-webinar calendar is less useful if you need flexible self-study, while an on-demand plan may not cover a state-specific ethics requirement.
| Provider | Free access | Format | Important restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| WisdifyOur free planView free plan → | $0 · no card2 podcast CPE/week + 5 video CPE/month | On-demand video and podcast courses | Allowance resets by format; unused credits do not accumulate. |
| CPAcademy.orgBrowse courses → | Many $0 listingsAvailability changes by course | Live webinars and selected self-study | Archived webinar replays may be educational only and not CPE-eligible. |
| EarmarkView plans → | 1 free credit/weekFree plan has ads and limited access | Podcast courses in a mobile app | Unlimited access requires a paid plan; sponsored courses may follow separate terms. |
| Deloitte DbriefsUpcoming webcasts → | No costCredits vary by session length | Live group internet-based webcasts | You must attend the original live webcast and satisfy viewing and polling requirements. |
| QuickBooks ProAdvisorTraining details → | Free to accounting prosCourse credits vary | Self-paced training, webinars, and certification | Intuit notes that some state boards do not accept ProAdvisor training. |
| EY and KPMGEY webcasts →KPMG CPE → | Many no-cost eventsEligibility is event-specific | Live accounting, tax, risk, and finance webcasts | Many events award credit only for live attendance; check each registration page. |
| AICPA & CIMAMembership details → | Included with membershipNot universally free | Webcasts and self-study | The included amount depends on membership tier and should not be presented as free to nonmembers. |
| State CPA societiesCheck jurisdiction rules → | Often member-includedVaries by society | Live webinars, conferences, and local updates | Some events require paid membership or cover only jurisdiction-specific requirements. |
Provider terms above were reviewed on October 13, 2026. This table describes publicly advertised access, not a guarantee that every course will be accepted by every state board.
Best free self-study CPE
Self-study is the most flexible option because you can work on your own schedule. Before enrolling, confirm that the course produces a completion certificate and that the delivery method is accepted by the organization to which you report.
Wisdify free CPE plan
A free Wisdify account currently includes up to 2 CPE credits of podcast courses each week and 5 CPE credits of video courses each month. Topics include audit, Excel, finance, analytics, healthcare accounting, communication, and business skills.
- Choose from a curated catalog rather than a single rotating course.
- Complete the course assessment and download a certificate.
- Wisdify is a NASBA Registry sponsor (Sponsor ID 142016).
QuickBooks ProAdvisor training
QuickBooks offers free certification training to accounting professionals through its ProAdvisor program. The number and type of CPE credits depend on the training. Intuit specifically advises CPAs to check their state board because some jurisdictions do not accept ProAdvisor training.
Best free live CPE webinars
Live webinars are widely available and can be excellent for current accounting, audit, tax, regulatory, and technology developments. The tradeoff is participation: you generally need to attend at the scheduled time and respond to polling or attendance checks.
CPAcademy.org
CPAcademy.org maintains a large catalog of free and paid programs for accounting professionals. Use its “No Fee” filter and confirm the credit type, field of study, delivery method, and attendance requirements on each course page.
Deloitte Dbriefs
Deloitte’s Dbriefs program offers no-cost live webcasts. Credit depends on the webcast length, verified viewing time, and poll responses. Deloitte states that on-demand viewing does not qualify for CPE, so register for the original live event if credit is your goal.
EY, KPMG, and other firm webcasts
Major accounting firms regularly host webcasts covering financial reporting, tax, controls, cyber risk, AI, and regulation. Eligibility differs by event. EY says certain live webcasts qualify, while many KPMG events specify that replay viewing does not earn credit. Read the event’s CPE section before registering.
Best free podcast CPE
Podcast CPE works well for commutes, walks, and other situations where video is inconvenient. It is still structured education: earning credit normally requires completing the accompanying learning activity and assessment.
Wisdify
Two free podcast CPE credits each week, with business stories and lessons designed for accountants.
Earmark
One free credit each week through its mobile app; unlimited listening requires a paid subscription.
Before you listen, confirm the field of study, course level, credit value, assessment, and certificate process.
How to verify that free CPE will count
“Free” does not determine whether a course counts. Your state board or other reporting organization has final authority, and requirements can differ by jurisdiction, reporting period, field of study, and delivery method.
- Check your jurisdiction’s rules. Confirm total hours, ethics requirements, reporting dates, and any limits on self-study or other formats.
- Verify the provider and course. Look for the sponsor name, sponsor number, delivery method, field of study, credit amount, prerequisites, and completion requirements.
- Complete participation requirements. Live webcasts may require minimum viewing time and responses to attendance checks; self-study normally includes an assessment.
- Save your certificate. Keep the certificate and supporting records for the retention period required by your board or professional organization.
How to choose the right free option
Choose for usefulness
Prefer a course that strengthens skills you use now—or need for the role you want next.
Match your schedule
Use self-study for flexibility, webinars for current updates, and podcasts for otherwise unused time.
Cover requirements first
Prioritize mandatory ethics, subject-area, or format requirements before filling general hours.
Free CPE for CPAs: frequently asked questions
Are free CPE courses legitimate?
They can be. Price does not determine validity. Confirm the provider, delivery method, field of study, completion requirements, certificate, and acceptance rules for your jurisdiction before enrolling.
Can I complete all of my CPA CPE for free?
It may be possible to cover a substantial share through free courses and webinars, but the answer depends on your jurisdiction and required subject areas. Ethics or state-specific programs may be harder to find at no cost, and scheduled webinars may not fit every deadline.
Does free self-study CPE count?
Often, but acceptance and limits vary. Check your state board’s rules and make sure the course identifies its delivery method and provides the required assessment and completion certificate.
Do recorded webinars earn CPE credit?
Not automatically. Some providers offer separate CPE-eligible on-demand programs, while ordinary webinar replays may not qualify. Deloitte, for example, requires attendance at the original live Dbriefs webcast.
How many CPE hours do CPAs need each year?
Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction and reporting cycle. Many CPAs work toward an average near 40 hours per year, but you should use your state board’s current rules rather than treating that figure as universal.
How can I confirm a NASBA Registry sponsor?
Use NASBA’s sponsor search and compare the provider’s legal sponsor name and Registry ID. Your state board still has final authority over course acceptance.
Earn useful CPE on your schedule.
Create a free account for podcast and video-course CPE, certificates included. No credit card, no trial clock.
Editorial sources: NASBA CPE requirements and sponsor registry; Wisdify free-plan terms; CPAacademy course catalog; Deloitte Dbriefs CPE information; Earmark plan details; Intuit ProAdvisor training FAQs; AICPA membership details; and current EY and KPMG webcast pages. Provider offers and schedules can change after publication.