CPA Courses 101: Education, Exam Prep, and Licensure Explained
The phrase “CPA courses” can refer to several different things depending on where you are in your journey: the accounting coursework required for licensure eligibility, exam prep courses for the Uniform CPA Examination, or continuing professional education (CPE) courses required to maintain your license after you are certified. Understanding the distinction helps you plan your path more effectively.
From Education Requirements to Exam Prep
Most U.S. states require 150 semester hours of education, including a concentration in accounting and business courses, before you can apply for a CPA license, even though only 120 hours are typically needed to sit for the exam itself. If you are still working toward this requirement, additional coursework at a college or university is the right path, separate from exam prep.
Once you are eligible to sit for the exam, CPA courses shift to mean exam preparation: structured programs covering the three Core sections, AUD, FAR, and REG, plus your chosen Discipline section under CPA Evolution. Comprehensive CPA study materials bundle all of these into one program, often with the option to purchase Core and Discipline sections together at a discount.
Licensure and Continuing Education
For candidates who want more guidance choosing where to start, a skills assessment maps your current knowledge against the exam blueprint before you commit to a full course. From there, tutoring and boot camps provide additional structure for candidates who want more than self-paced study.
After passing all four sections and meeting your state's experience requirements, CPA courses take on a final meaning: continuing professional education. Licensed CPAs must complete CPE credits on a recurring basis to maintain their license, with specific hour and subject-area requirements set by each state board. Whether you are still completing your education, deep in exam prep, or planning ahead for licensure maintenance, TAPA Institute can help you understand where you stand and what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 150 credit hours to take the CPA Exam?
Most states require 150 total credit hours for licensure, but many allow candidates to sit for the exam with 120 hours, completing the remaining 30 hours before applying for the license. Requirements vary by state, so check with your specific board.
What is the difference between CPA exam courses and CPE courses?
CPA exam courses prepare candidates to pass the Uniform CPA Examination before licensure. CPE (continuing professional education) courses are taken after licensure to maintain your CPA license according to your state board's ongoing requirements.
Can I take CPA courses if I am still finishing my degree?
Some candidates begin exam prep courses while finishing remaining credit hours, particularly if they are close to meeting the 120-hour threshold to sit for the exam, but timing should be coordinated with your state board's specific eligibility rules.
Sources
• NASBA – National Association of State Boards of Accountancy