Earning CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits is important whether you are a CPA, CIA, CFE, or any other professional. So, how are you going to plan your CPE? The answer is simple: Choose the right CPE Platform. To help you find the best CPE provider, you must be aware of a few essential features.
Thing, what are those features?
In this post, we have listed checkpoints you must consider when looking for a trusted and reliable CPE platform.
How To Choose the Best CPE Platform?
Below are 10 points you must look in CPE providers and pick the best:
1. Accreditation
Look for an accredited CPE platform from recognized institutions such as NASBA, IRS, Payroll.org, etc. This will make the courses more credible and ensure quality standards are met. Ensure that you have an endorsement from a reputable organization within your industry to get creditworthiness for CPE.
*For CPAs, every state has its own governing body.
Ex: New York - NYBOA; Ohio - Ohio - BOA, etc…
2. Course Format Diversity
Every person has a way of learning things. Go for a platform where there are different course formats like:
• Live Webinars
• On-Demand Courses
• E-books
• Podcast, etc.
This allows you to choose what suits your schedule and even how you would want to learn.
3. Extensive Course Catalog
A broad spectrum of courses guarantees Access to subjects relevant to your chosen profession. Select a platform that provides an extensive mix of programs for different subject areas and skill levels. This way, you can customize your learning experience based on specific requirements and interests.
4. Course Topics: Updated
In this fast-paced professional world, keeping up with the pace is vital. Find a CPE platform that regularly updates its course list to be at par with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. This will ensure you get recent content that enhances your skills and knowledge.
5. Courses in Ethics
Ethical values come into play in many professions; hence, one must take continuing education courses in ethics for licensure or certification. Choose a CPE provider offering comprehensive ethics course options that make it easy to stay compliant and maintain professionalism.
6. Speaker Background Checks
The quality of instruction can significantly impact your learning experience. Before enrolling in a course, research the background and credentials of the instructors. Look for platforms that vet their speakers rigorously and ensure they have the expertise and experience to deliver high-quality educational content.
7. Price Comparison
Price is a critical factor in the selection of a CPE platform. Compare the cost implications from various vendors to get the best value for your money. It should be noted that the cheapest may not necessarily be the best; therefore, think about the overall value proposition before deciding.
8. Flexibility in Course Access
Life can be unpredictable, and flexibility is important when balancing work, family, and education. When choosing a platform, look for mobile apps or other flexible options to access course materials. This will enable you to learn while on the go and fit your studies into your tight schedule.
9. Reviews & Ratings
It becomes essential to check the reviews and ratings of CPE course providers. It gives you an idea of whether other professionals would like the courses.
10. Responsive Customer Support
Customer support is crucial in online learning and must not be taken lightly. You can choose a platform that provides prompt customer response for handling issues or concerns, like having technical support or course content questions that they hold well. Knowing that help is just one click away might give you peace of mind, whether it's technical support or any questions regarding course content.
Conclusion
Choosing an appropriate Continuing Professional Education platform can significantly affect your career. Reflecting on these critical aspects will help you identify a platform that suits your requirements and enables you to achieve your professional objectives. Select a CPE platform today that helps you learn, grow, and succeed in your career.
So, are you looking for the top CPA CPE Course provider?
Read “10 Best Online CPE Course Providers: A Brief Comparison” to find the best one for you.
FAQs
1. How do I know if a CPE platform is accredited?
Accreditation information is always located prominently on the websites of accredited CPE platforms. It is also possible to ascertain accreditation by consulting relevant accrediting bodies or industry organizations.
2. Can I access courses on a CPE platform from my mobile device?
Many CPE platforms have mobile applications or mobile-friendly websites allowing users to access course materials using smartphones or tablets.
3. How often are courses updated on CPE platforms?
Depending on the platform, the course update frequency may vary. Some platforms update their courses frequently to match industry trends and practices, while others experience fewer updates.
4. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in courses on a CPE platform?
Prerequisites for different platforms and courses differ greatly. Check the course descriptions for prerequisites or customer support contact details.
5. How can I verify instructors' credentials on a CPE platform?
Typically, CPE platforms present information about their instructors' backgrounds. Researching an instructor’s credentials and experience online or directly contacting a platform is one way to verify their qualifications.
6. What if I encounter technical issues while accessing courses on a CPE platform?
Most CPE platforms provide technical assistance to help users deal with any problem that might arise as they access these course materials. To get technical help or answers regarding problems related to this field, email, call, or chat with technical support through live chat are made possible by most sites of this kind.