Alphabetically speaking, the first four states in the U.S. have a quick and pain-free path to CPA continuing education. They might not be close in vicinity, but Alabama, Alaska, Arizona and Arkansas have similar CE requirements for CPAs.
Fortunately, PDH Academy can conveniently meet most, if not all, of your requirements for professional development hours. Here’s how regulations in each state break down.
Alabama
Governed by: Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy
The state board’s Administrative Code explains that generally, CPAs need 40 hours of acceptable continuing education every fiscal year. Credit requirements must be completed by September 30. Of these, at least eight credit hours must be fulfilled with courses in accounting and auditing.
These requirements apply to people who have both passed the state CPA exam and are currently practicing. They don’t apply to retired people over the age of 55.
Acceptable ways to earn CE credits include:
- Professional development courses offered by a state-recognized provider
- Online education programs that allow communication with instructors
- Technical sessions offered by state-recognized accounting associations or organizations
- College courses, both credit and non-credit types
- Accountancy firm continuing education programs
CPAs may also earn CE credits for published articles and books on accounting.
Many states recognize the work involved with writing an article or book on accounting and reward it with CE credits.
Alaska
Governed by: Alaska Board of Public Accountancy
The state board explains that CPAs must earn a minimum of 80 hours approved continuing education hours biennially. PDH credit requirements must be fulfilled by December 31 of each odd-numbered year, which is when all licenses expire.
CPAs should complete at least 20 credit hours in each calendar year, says the 2017 State Statutes and Regulations on Public Accountancy. At least 4 credit hours per renewal period must cover accounting ethics.
Acceptable ways to earn CE credits include:
- Professional development programs developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Approved correspondence courses for CPAs
- Programs and technical sessions offered by national and state-level CPA organizations
- College-level education programs that cover accounting, taxation, auditing, professional conduct and financial planning
Alaska may also authorize CE credits for publishing books or articles on accounting.
Arizona
Governed by: Arizona State Board of Accountancy
Arizona’s continuing education requirements for CPAs include 80 hours of credits earned biennially. Courses may be fulfilled either on an even or odd-numbered year, depending on when the CPA’s license was issued.
In additional to general accounting requirements, each CPA must earn 4 credit hours in CPA ethics, board statutes and administrative rules. 40 hours must cover general accounting topics, 16 hours must cover accounting, auditing or taxation, and 16 hours must include a classroom or webinar.
Arkansas
Governed by: Arkansas State Board of Accountancy
Rule 13 of the Arkansas State Board’s continuing education requirements says CPAs must earn 120 hours per 36 months or 40 credit hours each calendar year. Credits are due by December 31.
At least half of the credits must cover accounting and tax-related subjects and 20 percent must cover accounting theory and practice. Four credit hours per 36 months must cover ethics.
Accountants in Arkansas may earn continuing education in the following ways:
- Approved classroom education by government agencies, NASBA, professional CPA organizations and accounting firms
- Approved courses offered by colleges and universities
- CPA organization meeting technical sessions
- Individual study through approved correspondence courses
Arkansas also may offer credit hours for publishing a book or article on accounting.
PDH Academy offers no-hassle CPA continuing education courses in ethics, accounting, taxation, and other topics that keep your license squared away. Choose from numerous individual accounting courses, or opt for a money-saving course bundle of 8, 12, 20 or 80 hours.
Whether you live in AL, AK, AZ or AR, PDH Academy has what you need at an affordable price. Check out our CPA approved courses today.