Every year, CPAs spend hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours satisfying their CPE requirements. But there’s a meaningful amount of free, NASBA-approved CPE available in 2026 — if you know where to look.
The catch? A lot of what’s marketed as “free” CPE isn’t actually free, or it’s free in theory but costs you four hours you don’t have. This guide cuts through that and shows you what’s legitimately worth pursuing.
What Counts as “Free” CPE?
Before diving into sources, it helps to be clear on what makes CPE credits valid. To count toward your state license, CPE credits must generally:
- Come from a NASBA-approved provider (or a state-board-approved equivalent)
- Cover an eligible subject (accounting, auditing, tax, ethics, or related professional fields)
- Be verifiable — meaning you’ll receive a certificate of completion
Free CPE that doesn’t check all three boxes can leave you short when it counts. Always verify the provider’s NASBA sponsor number before investing your time.
The Best Sources of Free CPE in 2026
1. EverydayCPE (Free Tier)
EverydayCPE offers a free plan that gives you access to daily 10-minute micro-lessons on current accounting, AI, finance, and tax topics. Each lesson earns 0.2 NASBA-approved CPE credits and comes with a short quiz and certificate.
The free tier covers a rotating selection of recent lessons. It’s designed for CPAs who want to stay current on what’s actually happening in the profession — not just technical refreshers from three years ago.
Best for: Staying current on AI, accounting news, and emerging topics while chipping away at your CPE requirement throughout the year.
2. AICPA Free Resources
The AICPA offers a small selection of free webinars and self-study courses each year, typically tied to profession-wide initiatives (ethics updates, PCAOB standards, emerging issues). The catalog is limited and the sessions tend to be longer, but the content quality is high and NASBA approval is guaranteed.
Check the AICPA’s learning portal periodically — free offerings tend to rotate.
3. State CPA Society Webinars
Most state CPA societies host free member webinars throughout the year, usually covering state-specific tax law updates, legislative changes, or local firm management issues. These typically run 1–2 hours and offer 1–2 CPE credits per session.
If you’re a state society member, this is one of the most consistently reliable sources of free CPE.
4. Vendor and Software Webinars
QuickBooks, Intuit, Thomson Reuters, Wolters Kluwer, and most major accounting software companies offer free CPE webinars — often tied to product updates or new features. These typically earn 1–2 credits and are NASBA-sponsored.
The content is useful if you’re actually using the software, though it trends toward practical/applied rather than deep technical material.
5. IRS Tax Forums and Free File Alliance
The IRS offers CPE through its Nationwide Tax Forums and certain online programs. These are most relevant for tax practitioners and typically cover federal tax updates, representation, and procedure.
What to Watch Out For
Time cost matters. A “free” four-hour webinar that you half-listen to while clearing your inbox isn’t really free — it’s trading four hours of productivity for two credits you could earn in 20 minutes elsewhere.
Check the sponsor number. Every NASBA-approved provider has a registered sponsor number. If it’s not listed prominently, ask before enrolling.
Verify your state board accepts the format. Most states accept online self-study and live webinars equally, but some states have limits on self-study credits or specific ethics requirements. Confirm your state’s rules before banking credits from a new source.
The Smarter Way to Think About Free CPE
The most valuable free CPE isn’t necessarily the cheapest upfront — it’s the CPE that’s easiest to actually complete. For most CPAs, the biggest CPE problem isn’t cost, it’s procrastination. Credits pile up, deadlines approach, and suddenly you’re sitting through eight hours of webinars the week before your license renewal.
The most effective strategy is steady, low-friction accumulation throughout the year. Services like EverydayCPE are built around this — the free tier lets you build a daily habit of earning 0.2 credits at a time, so you’re never scrambling at the end of a reporting period.
Quick Reference: Free CPE by Source
| Source | Credits Available | Format | NASBA Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| EverydayCPE (free tier) | 0.2 per lesson | Self-study, 10 min | ✅ Yes |
| AICPA free webinars | 1–2 per session | Live/recorded webinar | ✅ Yes |
| State CPA society webinars | 1–2 per session | Live webinar | ✅ Yes (typically) |
| Vendor webinars (Intuit, etc.) | 1–2 per session | Live webinar | ✅ Yes |
| IRS Tax Forums | Varies | Live/self-study | ✅ Yes |
Start Building Your CPE Habit
If you’re serious about getting ahead of your CPE requirements without spending money, the most sustainable approach is a daily 10-minute habit. EverydayCPE’s free plan is designed exactly for that — current topics, NASBA approval, and a certificate for every lesson you complete.
Start earning free CPE credits on EverydayCPE →
EverydayCPE is a NASBA-approved provider. CPE requirements vary by state — confirm your specific requirements with your state board of accountancy.
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