How many CE hours does a North Carolina Certified Public Accountant need?

40 CE contact hours every year, per the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners. North Carolina CPE is annual: 40 hours every calendar year, including 1 ethics hour. Always confirm with the board.

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CE requirements › North Carolina CPA

North Carolina Certified Public Accountant: CE & renewal requirements

40 CE contact hours every year

ANNUAL — 40 hours each calendar year (no multi-year averaging); the license renews by July 1.

Source: North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners · confirmed 2026-06. Requirements change — always verify with the board.

Required topics

At least 1 hour (50 minutes) of ethics annually, from a NASBA-registry sponsor

First renewal & exemptions

Inactive-status holders are exempt while inactive; new CPAs prorate in their year of certification.

If your license lapses

A first shortfall may draw a warning; a second can deny renewal ≥30 days, and referral can mean forfeiting the certificate for a year plus a $1,000 penalty.

How CE is tracked

Self-report on the annual renewal (due July 1) via the NC Board portal; subject to audit.

Watch out: This is 40 hours EVERY YEAR (not per cycle). Up to 20 carryover hours are allowed, but they can't satisfy the next year's ethics requirement.

Are you on track? Check free

Enter your license expiration and CE hours completed — see what you still owe, the pace to finish, and your reminder schedule. No signup.

Informational only, based on the numbers you enter — not legal or licensing advice, and not an official record. Confirm your exact requirement and current status with the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners.