California CPA CE Courses (2026)

To renew your CPA license in California you need to satisfy the California Board of Accountancy (CBA)'s continuing education (CE) requirement — about 80 hours per 2-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying CE. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.

What California requires for CPA renewal

CE hours required80 hours per cycle
Renewal cycle24 months
CE tracking systemCBA Connect online system (self-reported CE; CE documentation verified only if selected for audit)
Governing bodyCalifornia Board of Accountancy (CBA)

80 hours of qualifying CE must be completed in the two-year period before expiration to renew in active status (no CE required for inactive renewal). A minimum of 20 hours must be completed in each year of the cycle, including at least 12 technical-subject hours per year. At least 40 of the 80 hours (50%) must be in technical subject areas and no more than 40 may be non-technical (the 50/50 rule). Four hours of technical ethics education are required each renewal. A two-hour Board-approved Regulatory Review course is required if more than six years have lapsed since the last one (and is required at the first renewal for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2024). Additional specialized hours apply to licensees who perform governmental auditing, accounting and auditing, preparation engagements, or are subject to fraud requirements.

Full CPA renewal guide for California (deadlines, fees & CE) →

California CPA CE course providers

Heads-up: These are independent, third-party CE providers — we are not affiliated with them and don't guarantee approval. Always confirm a course is accepted by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) before purchasing.

California CPA CE courses: frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew my CPA license in California?

California requires about 80 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. 80 hours of qualifying CE must be completed in the two-year period before expiration to renew in active status (no CE required for inactive renewal). A minimum of 20 hours must be completed in each year of the cycle, including at least 12 technical-subject hours per year. At least 40 of the 80 hours (50%) must be in technical subject areas and no more than 40 may be non-technical (the 50/50 rule). Four hours of technical ethics education are required each renewal. A two-hour Board-approved Regulatory Review course is required if more than six years have lapsed since the last one (and is required at the first renewal for licenses issued on or after July 1, 2024). Additional specialized hours apply to licensees who perform governmental auditing, accounting and auditing, preparation engagements, or are subject to fraud requirements.

Do online CPA CE courses count in California?

Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA) and the completion is reported through CBA Connect online system (self-reported CE; CE documentation verified only if selected for audit). Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.

Where do I report my California CPA CE?

California uses CBA Connect online system (self-reported CE; CE documentation verified only if selected for audit) to track CPA continuing education. Make sure your completions post there before you renew.

Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.

Official California Board of Accountancy (CBA) site →

CPA CE courses in another state

Other CE course guides in California