As CPAs, we are considered trusted advisors to our clients and leaned on for expertise that spans many disciplines. Seemingly never-ending changes in tax legislation as well as technology drive the need for regular training and education across a multitude of topics in addition to the learning hours required by our industry to maintain our professional licensure (Georgia State Board of Accountancy, AICPA and GSCPA). That’s why you hear my team share the details of educational conferences and events that we routinely attend.

Certified Public Accountants are required to obtain a minimum of 80 CPE (Continued Professional Education) credit hours every two years. A minimum of 20 CPE hours must be earned each year and a minimum of 8 per year must be in A & A (auditing and accounting) subjects. Many other professions require CEUs (Continuing Education Units) or CEs (Continuing Education) to maintain their licensure but you may be surprised to find that CPAs have the most robust requirement of the lot. Take heed:

Attorneys in Georgia* have an annual CLE (Continued Legal Education) requirement to complete a minimum of 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education annually with at least 1 credit hour on Legal Ethics and another credit hour on Professionalism.

Insurance Agents in Georgia** with fewer than 20 years of experience need 24 hours of insurance CE, including 3 hours of ethics, in order to renew each 2-year license term.

Physicians and Physicians Assistants in Georgia*** are mandated by The Georgia Composite Medical Board Requirements to complete 40 contact hours biennially.

Dentists in Georgia**** must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. Dental hygienists must complete 22 hours of continuing education.

Licensed Massage Therapists in Georgia***** are each required to obtain 24 Contact Hours of Continuing Education prior to the expiration date of their license (which occurs on October 31 of every even-numbered year).