All CPAs need to take continuing professional education courses and renew their license periodically to maintain compliant. To help you plan accordingly, we're sharing the Washington, D.C. CPE requirements along with steps to renew your license and complete coursework on time.
How to renew your CPA license in Washington, D.C.
All CPAs licensed in Washington, D.C. must renew their license before December 31 of even numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc). To renew your license, complete the following steps;
- Complete your CPE requirements and fill out the reporting form
- Create an account or login to your existing account with Access DC
- Complete the renewal application and submit your reporting form
- Pay the renewal fee and finalize the transaction
- Print out the confirmation
The window to renew your license opens on October 1 and goes through December 31. Late renewals are subject to additional fees.
Washington, D.C. CPE requirements
The Washington, D.C. Board of Accountancy requires all CPAs earn 80 hours of CPE during each two-year reporting period. Credits must come from the following subject areas:
- Accounting and auditing
- Taxation
- Management
- IT and computer science
- Communication arts related to accounting
- Mathematics, statistics, probability, and quantitative applications in business
- Economics
- Business law
- Business fields related to accounting, such as personnel relations, finance, and marketing
- Administrative practice, such as an accountant's legal liability and professional ethics
- Specialized areas of accounting within a specific area, such as oil and gas, farming, or construction
Of these 80 hours, you must meet these CPE requirements:
- Four hours of professional ethics CPE
- Up to 40 hours of CPE is allowed for instruction
- Up to 20 hours can come from researching, writing, and reviewing published materials
- Up to 20 hours can relate to non-approved subject areas, if you can show that the subjects support your professional competence as a CPA
Becker's CPE course, Ethics, Integrity, and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct (Expanded Version) will meet your CPE requirements for Washington, D.C.
How Becker can help you meet your CPE requirements
- NASBA-approved courses
- Flexible formats, including live webcasts, on-demand courses, and weekly CPE podcasts
- Expert instruction from licensed CPAs with both practical and instructional experience
- CPE courses from 19 different fields of study, including accounting, audit, taxation, IT, and ethics
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual update courses in tax, audit, and accounting
Tips to Meet Your Washington, D.C. CPE Requirements
Navigating your CPE requirements in Washington, D.C., doesn't have to be overwhelming. With work and life pulling you in multiple directions, meeting your requirements can feel like a challenge. To help make the process simpler, here are some tips tailored specifically for CPAs in Washington, D.C.
Find CPE Options That Fit Your Lifestyle
Time is often the biggest hurdle for CPAs balancing professional and personal obligations. Fortunately, Washington, D.C., allows flexibility in how you earn your hours. Consider opting for on-demand CPE courses that you can complete at your own pace. Prefer something more engaging? Try a CPE-accredited accounting podcast that provides both development and convenience.
Stay on Top of Your Progress
Tracking your completed hours and understanding what’s still required (e.g., ethics training) can be tricky. Tools like the Becker CPE Compliance Tracker can simplify this process by consolidating all your CPE hours—even from multiple providers—in one place. With automated credit tracking, you'll know exactly what you’ve earned and what you still need to complete.
Block Time Each Month
Washington, D.C., requires at least 20 CPE hours annually, with a total of 80 hours every two years. To avoid a last-minute scramble closer to deadlines, pace yourself. Aim for four to five hours per month, or adjust to seven or eight hours during slower seasons if you’d like to enjoy a break during your busiest periods. Regularly dedicating time will make the process manageable and give you the chance to choose courses most beneficial to your career growth.
Focus on Topics That Interest You
Instead of treating CPE as a renewal checklist, think of it as an opportunity to enhance your skills and expertise. Consider where you want to grow professionally. Interested in transitioning from corporate taxation to estate planning? Looking to deepen your understanding of the nonprofit sector? Choosing courses aligned with your goals will not only help you meet your requirements but also advance your career in meaningful ways.
Following these tips will make fulfilling your Washington, D.C. CPE requirements feel less daunting and more rewarding. CPE is an opportunity to stay sharp, grow professionally, and increase your value as a CPA. And with the right planning and tools, you’ll meet your requirements with ease while advancing your career simultaneously.