Best NC CPA Ethics Courses – Honest Reviews & Top Picks

19 jun, 2025 -Complete North Carolina’s annual 1‑hour ethics CPE requirement with top NC CPA ethics courses—self‑study or webcasts—trusted for NC license renewal

Every active Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina must complete at least 50 minutes (1 CPE hour) in regulatory or behavioral ethics annually  This is a mandatory part of the 2,000-minute CPE annual requirement set by the NC State Board .

 What the NC CPA Ethics Course Covers

• Key Regulations: North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 21, Subchapter 08N (Professional Ethics & Conduct) 

• Ethical Frameworks: AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, principles vs. legal obligations, case studies on discreditable acts 

• Real‑world Scenarios: Practical examples, disciplinary cases, dilemmas focused on integrity, objectivity, and independence

 Course Formats & Providers

• NCACPA offers a free 50-minute webcast for members, plus longer courses (2‑ and 8‑hour options) 

• Western CPE and CPA Self‑Study provide on-demand, self-study ethics courses tailored to NC, around $29–$49 

• Live webinars through providers like CPE Inc and Surgent offer interactive learning from $75, ideal for deeper engagement 

Choosing the Right Option

1. Cost: If you're a member, NCACPA’s free 50‑minute webcast is a no-brainer .

2. Format Preference: Prefer pacing your learning? Choose a self‑study module. Want instructor interaction? Go for webinars.

3. Credit Needs: Only need the annual ethics hour? Self-study works. Seeking an 8‑hour course for license reinstatement or original licensure? See NCACPA’s comprehensive offering 

 Why Ethics Courses Matter

• State Compliance: Must be completed and reported by July 1 annually—late completion can lead to warnings or suspension .

• Professional Competence: Ethics training reinforces integrity and public trust in your practice.

• NASBA-Approved Learning: Eligible programs satisfy both NC Board and NASBA standards 

 Ready to Complete Your Ethics CPE?

• NCACPA Webcast: Free 50-min session—reserve early via the online catalog ncacpa.org.

• Self-Study Courses: Purchase a 1-hr module from Western CPE, CPA Self-Study, or PES for under $50.

• Webinars & Group Options: Join a live session with CPE Inc or Surgent, typically 2 hrs for $75.

Once completed, retain certificates and report credits during your annual license renewal before July 1 

 Final Takeaway

For active NC CPAs, completing 1 CPE hour in ethics (at least 50 minutes) each year is mandatory. Numerous flexible, approved options—from free webcasts to affordable self-study modules—ensure you stay compliant, competent, and confident in upholding professional ethics.