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How many CPE hours does a Texas CPA need?

A Texas CPA's CPE requirement is at least 120 credits in each three-year period and at least 20 in each one-year period, with separate rules for new licensees and non-residents. New licensees phase in, with none at first and 120 from the fifth license period. A non-resident meets it with the CPE rules of the state of their principal place of business, or with Texas rules if that state has none.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
At least 120 credits in each three-year period, 20 in each one-year periodThe rule sets a three-year total and a yearly floor.
Verified. texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Ethics course
A 4-credit Board-approved ethics course every 2 yearsThe Board approves the course under Board Rule 523.131.
Verified. www.tsbpa.texas.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Renewal deadline
Annually, by the last day of your birth monthRenewal and CPE reporting go through the Board's Online Services portal.
Same source and date as above
New licensees
None at first, then 20, 60 and 100 credits, then 120 from the fifth license periodThe first license period runs from certification to the last day of your birth month.
Same source and date as above
Non-residents
Meeting the CPE rules of the state where their principal place of business isA non-resident signs a statement of compliance when renewing, and if that state has no CPE rules, the Texas rules apply.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check what applies to you. A licensee completes at least 120 CPE credits in each three-year period and at least 20 in each one-year period. A new licensee starts with none, then reports 20, 60 and 100 credits, and reaches 120 from the fifth license period. A non-resident meets the requirement with the CPE rules of the state of their principal place of business, or with the Texas rules if that state has none. Renew every year by the last day of your birth month, through the Board's Online Services portal. Unused credits do not carry over.

  2. Step 2. Choose courses the Board will count. All CPE courses completed, except as provided by Board rule, must be taken from a sponsor registered by the Board and/or the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Sponsors registered by the Board can be selected from a list as the course is submitted. You can't claim more than 50% of your credit hours from a non-registered sponsor in a three-year reporting period. You also decide whether a course is technical or non-technical based on its benefit to your current area of employment, and you can't claim more than 50% of the total CPE credit hours required as non-technical.

  3. Step 3. Take the ethics course. Every licensee must complete a 4-credit ethics course that the Board approves under Board Rule 523.131, on a 2-year cycle (every other year). The Board publishes a list of Board-Approved Ethics Courses.

  4. Step 4. Report your courses and renew. You can begin submitting information on your renewal six weeks prior to the submission deadline. You can report CPE courses throughout the year as you complete a course, and then track your remaining CPE requirement. Submit your renewal with fee payment prior to the deadline.

Before you pay

Check that the sponsor is registered by the Board or NASBA before you pay. Hours from a non-registered sponsor are capped at 50% of your credit hours in a three-year reporting period.

Pick the ethics course from the Board's approved list. The Board approves the 4-credit ethics course under Board Rule 523.131.

Count your credits by year as well as by period, because at least 20 must fall in each one-year period. The Board says unused credits do not carry over.

We haven't confirmed what sponsors charge or which courses are self-study, so ask the sponsor.

Questions

Can I still renew online after the deadline?

The Board says that if you have not submitted your renewal prior to the deadline, you can still complete your renewal online.

What if my course sponsor isn't registered?

If the course was taken from a non-registered sponsor, the licensee must submit the form called Claiming Continuing Professional Education Credits From a Non-Registered Sponsor to the Board.

Is there a limit on certificate programs?

No more than 50% of the total credits required in a three-year reporting period can be from the successful completion of certificate programs, such as a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, other related financial certifications, and/or related financial security licenses.

Can I count credits for writing or teaching a course?

Within limits. Up to 10 credits in any one reporting period may have "Author" as the method, and up to 20 credits in any one reporting period may have "Instructor" as the method.

What CPE does a revoked license need to be reinstated?

A former licensee whose certificate or registration was revoked for not paying the license fee pays the required and late fees. They report at least 120 credits from the 36 months before applying, and at least 20 of those from the last twelve months.

What to do next

Start with the Board's license renewal page. Know first how many hours you have already reported and when the last day of your birth month falls.

www.tsbpa.texas.gov

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