Self-Study CPE Rules
Self-study CPE limits: how many hours can you earn online
Self-study is the most flexible way to complete CPE — no scheduling around a live webinar, no travel, just learn on your own time. But a number of states cap how much of your total requirement can come from self-study alone. Here’s how those caps generally work, which states have removed them entirely, and how to find your state’s exact rule.
The 50% rule — the most common limit
Among states that cap self-study CPE, the most common limit restricts self-study to 50% of your total required hours for the cycle. So if your state requires 40 hours per year, you could complete up to 20 of those through self-study and would need to fill the remainder through live or group-based formats. Some states use a different threshold, and a growing number have eliminated the cap altogether — which is why checking your specific state’s rule matters more than relying on a general rule of thumb.
States that have removed their self-study cap entirely
The trend in several states has been to loosen or eliminate self-study restrictions over time:
- Florida does not require any specific percentage of CPE to be completed live or in person — CPAs can complete all required hours through self-study, provided the courses meet the state’s subject area and QAS standards.
- South Carolina has lifted its cap on self-study hours, though all self-study CPE must still be registered with NASBA’s Quality Assurance Service (QAS) program to qualify.
Why some caps are calculated differently
Not every self-study cap is a simple flat percentage. A few states distinguish between interactive self-study — courses that include built-in checks for engagement, like review questions throughout — and non-interactive formats. Interactive self-study sometimes faces a looser limit, or none at all, while non-interactive formats are capped more tightly. This is also part of why NASBA’s QAS (Quality Assurance Service) program exists specifically for self-study sponsors: QAS standards require programs to build in genuine interaction and assessment, which is what allows many state boards to treat QAS-registered self-study as equivalent to other CPE formats in the first place.
What counts as “self-study” for these limits
Self-study generally refers to any course completed independently and at your own pace — video, text, or a combination, typically followed by a final exam. It’s distinct from group internet-based courses (live webinars with real-time instructor interaction) and group live events (in-person seminars), which are usually not subject to the same percentage caps since they involve real-time participation.
Find your state’s exact limit
Because the exact percentage — or absence of a cap — varies by state and changes periodically, the most reliable source is always your specific state board. Visit our CPE requirements by state guide to find your state’s current hour requirements, self-study rules, and ethics mandates in one place. And if you’re already past your deadline, see what happens if you miss your CPE deadline for next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Does self-study include video courses, or just reading?
Both. Self-study covers any independently completed format — video lessons, text-based courses, or a mix — as long as it’s followed by an assessment to verify completion.
Are LearnCPE courses subject to my state’s self-study cap?
Yes — LearnCPE courses are self-study, so they count toward whatever self-study limit your state applies, the same as any other provider’s self-study content. Your state board determines the cap; we don’t have any special exemption from it.
What happens if I accidentally exceed my state’s self-study limit?
The hours beyond the cap typically won’t count toward your requirement, which can leave you short even though you technically completed enough total hours. It’s worth checking your state’s limit before you plan your CPE mix for the cycle, rather than after.
Plan your CPE mix with confidence
Once you know your state’s self-study limit, pick exactly the hours you need — no subscription required. Browse the course catalog or check your state’s full CPE requirements.