Recorded vs. Online: What’s the Best Way to Get CPE Credits?

Recorded vs. Online: What’s the Best Way to Get CPE Credits?

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have a lot on their plates—managing audits, staying on top of complex tax laws, and juggling tight client deadlines. And just when you think you’ve caught a break, there’s another requirement looming over you—continuing professional education (CPE) credits. Ensuring compliance while maintaining your productivity is no easy feat, which is why choosing the right CPE format matters.
Should you go the traditional route with live sessions? Or are online courses better suited to your schedule? The answer? It depends on what you’re looking for. Both formats come with unique advantages that align with different professional rhythms. To help you choose, let’s break it down.

The Flexibility Advantage of Online CPE Courses

If you’ve got a demanding schedule, online CPE options might feel like a lifeline. Online courses fit around you. Whether you’re working late, traveling for client engagements, or simply prefer to tackle your learning at 10 p.m. with a cup of coffee, online courses provide unmatched flexibility.
You have the freedom to start, pause, or rewatch critical parts of a session without the pressure of “keeping up” during a fixed time slot. For CPAs working across industries that experience peak seasons—like tax season—this flexibility can be game-changing.
But flexibility isn’t the only selling point. Many online CPE platforms offer pre-recorded sessions, making it easier than ever to learn at your own pace, revisit tricky concepts, and focus on the material that really matters to you.

The Interactive Edge of Live CPE Courses

Prefer a more traditional, interactive learning environment? Live CPE courses might be the answer. These sessions provide real-time engagement—opportunities to ask questions, clarify complex issues, and hear varied perspectives from instructors and peers. This interaction can be particularly critical for CPAs navigating recent regulatory changes or client-specific challenges that require more nuanced understanding.
Additionally, some professionals thrive on accountability. Live courses meet at a scheduled time, creating structure and ensuring you stay on track with your continuing education requirements. For many CPAs, this real-time environment mirrors client-facing situations, making it easier to simulate the problem-solving dynamics of daily work.

How to Choose the Right Format for Your Needs

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your schedule, your learning preferences, and what motivates you to stick with your CPE goals. Here are a few questions to guide your decision:

• Are you balancing a hectic workload or personal responsibilities? If so, online courses are ideal.
• Do you prefer dynamic, discussion-led learning environments? Then live sessions may provide the support you need.
• Are you managing unpredictable deadlines? Online options provide the versatility to adapt to your changing schedule.

What’s important is not just meeting the minimum CPE requirements but maximizing the value you gain from the experience.

The Best of Both Worlds with BARBRI

Why choose between flexibility and interaction when you can have both? That’s where BARBRI comes in. We understand how challenging it is for CPAs to manage their professional development alongside their workload. That’s why we offer robust options for both online and live CPE courses—designed to fit into your life, not the other way around.
With BARBRI, you gain access to expertly designed programs, allowing you to meet your continuing education goals without missing a step in your professional commitments. Whether you need the convenience of on-demand learning or the engagement of live instruction, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t just earn credits—invest in your professional future. Explore BARBRI today and discover a partner that supports your success at every turn.