Colorado CPA CPE Requirements [Updated 2025]

Braden Norwood
May 22, 2020
3 min read

Updated: 17 hours ago

CO CPA CPE RequirementsCO CPA CPE Requirements

Many business pros are members of organizations that certify them for certain skills or positions. Because sometimes, specific jobs require these specialized abilities. But more so, membership demonstrates hard work and prestige. Generally, individualsmust show their willingness tokeep up with industry topics and advancements.And the main way of doing this is through CPE courses or learning activities. However, thestipulations vary from one location to another. So, individuals need to stay aware of their state requirements. The Colorado CPA CPE requirements include renewing a license every two years. More specifically, within that time, individuals must complete 80 hours of CPE.

Ultimately, the state Board of Accountancy is responsible for setting the Colorado CPA CPE requirements. However, it also decides the forms of CPE which are acceptable for maintaining a designation. And because Colorado's requirements differ from other states and locations, CPAs must know the rules and limitations for recertification. So, the table below highlights the primary recertification limitations and deadlines for Colorado.

An infographic detailing Colorado CPA CPE requirements

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Colorado CPA CE Requirements and Recertification DeadlinesColorado CPA CE Requirements and Recertification Deadlines

Subject Area RequirementsSubject Area Requirements

During each tDuring each two-year recertification precertification phase, , four of the 80 hours must be in Professional Ethics. Providers offering ethics courses must register with the Board and have their content approved by the Board. A of the 80 hours must be in Professional Ethics. Providers offering ethics courses must register with the Board and have their content approved by the Board. According to the Colorado CPA CPE ethics requirements, no more than two hours may be in Colorado Rules & Regulations the Colorado CPA CPE ethics requirements, no more than two hours may be in Colorado Rules & Regulations. And eligible courses must cover current Colorado Revised Statutes and Board rules.ligible courses must cover current Colorado Revised Statutes and Board rules. They must also comply with Content Outline provided in section 7.8 (E) of the Accountancy Rules and Regulations. comply with Content Outline provided in section 7.8 (E) of the Accountancy Rules and Regulations.

Credit Limitations and CalculationCredit Limitations and Calculation

The state of Colorado does not pre-approve courses or providers. But, if the CPA and provider comply with organization standards, the Board wThe state of Colorado does not pre-approve courses or providers. But, if the CPA and provider comply with organization standards, the Board will consider the Colorado CPA CPE requirements the Colorado CPA CPE requirements met. . Of course, sponsors listed on NASBA's N ational Registry of CPE Sponsors ational Registry of CPE Sponsors are accepted by the Board. are accepted by the Board.

There are limitations for personal development coursesThere are limitations for personal development courses and published and instructed materials. published and instructed materials. For example, licensees can only earn 20% of the total hour 20% of the total hours through personal development methods. through personal development methods. Similarly, the limit for published and instructed materials combined iublished and instructed materials combined is 50% of the hours. 50% of the hours.

ExemptionsExemptions

Some Colorado CPAs are exempt from the general CPE requirements. However, they must not offer services to any third party:Colorado CPAs are exempt from the general CPE requirements. However, they must not offer services to any third party:

Retirees
Licensees who are unemployed
Members who have temporarily left the workforce
Any member who is "inactive"

Furthermore, CPAs who do not fall into any of the PAs who do not fall into any of the above categories ccategories can request waivers for the following reasons:for the following reasons: