If you're a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) practicing in Colorado, staying compliant with Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements is crucial for maintaining your license. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy mandates specific CPE guidelines to ensure that CPAs uphold professional standards and remain informed about industry developments.
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📅 Reporting Period & Renewal Cycle
Reporting Period: Every two years, from January 1 of an even year to December 31 of the following odd year.
Renewal Deadline: December 31 of odd-numbered years.
License Expiration: November 30 of odd-numbered years.
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🧾 Total CPE Hours Required
80 Hours: Complete 80 hours of CPE during each two-year reporting period.
No Annual Minimum: There's no minimum number of hours required per year; however, the total must be met by the end of the reporting period.
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📘 Ethics CPE Requirements
4 Hours Minimum: At least 4 hours of ethics CPE are required every two years.
CR&R Credit: Of the 4 hours, a maximum of 2 hours can be in Colorado Rules and Regulations (CR&R).
New Licensees: Must complete 2 hours of CR&R within 6 months before or after receiving their initial certificate.
CR&R Content: Courses must cover provisions of the current Colorado Revised Statutes, Board Rules, and Board Policies.
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🧠 Acceptable CPE Fields of Study
CPAs must ensure that their CPE courses fall within acceptable fields of study as defined by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). These fields include, but are not limited to:
Accounting
Auditing
Taxation
Management Services
Regulatory Ethics
Behavioral Ethics
Specialized Knowledge
Personal Development (up to 16 hours)
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🖥️ Online CPE Courses
Unlimited Online Hours: There's no limit to the number of CPE hours that can be taken online.
Monitoring Mechanism: For internet-based CPE programs, a minimum of 75% of polling questions, if used as a monitoring mechanism, must be answered by the CPA to receive credit.
Self-Study Programs: Program sponsors must comply with Joint Standard 17 of the joint Statement on Standards for CPE Programs regarding CPE credit for self-study learning activities.
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📚 Publishing, Teaching & Panel Presentations
Publishing: CPE hours may be earned from publishing a professional article or book during the reporting period.
Teaching: Teaching for CPE credit means providing instruction that enhances the teaching CPA’s professional competence.
Panel Presentations: A panel presentation must enhance the presenting CPA’s professional competence.
Combined Limit: A maximum of 40 hours can be earned from publishing, teaching, or panel presentations combined.
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📄 Documentation & Recordkeeping
Maintain Records: CPAs must maintain documentation for all CPE activities, including certificates of completion, course outlines, and proof of attendance.
Audit Compliance: CPE records should be retained for a period of five years following the completion of the reporting period.
Audit Process: If audited, CPAs must submit CPE documentation within 30 days of the request.
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🚫 CPE Exemptions
CPAs may request an exemption from the CPE requirement prior to renewal. The Board will decide on a case-by-case basis whether good cause has been demonstrated to waive the CPE. Exceptions may be made for reasons of:
Health
Military service
Other good cause
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✅ Renewal Process
Online Renewal: CPAs can renew their license online at any time during their renewal period.
Attestation: CPAs are required to attest compliance with CPE requirements at renewal.
Documentation Submission: If audited, CPAs must submit CPE documentation within 30 days of the request.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your CPA license in Colorado is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to professional growth, ethical practice, and staying ahead in a constantly evolving industry. Meeting the CPE requirements ensures that you remain knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive, while also demonstrating your dedication to your clients and the profession.
By carefully planning your CPE activities, keeping thorough records, and adhering to deadlines, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Remember, CPE is not just about fulfilling hours—it’s an opportunity to expand your expertise, explore new areas of accounting, and enhance your value as a trusted financial professional.
Staying proactive today means fewer hurdles tomorrow, and a stronger, more credible professional standing for years to come.