California
Certified Public Accountant CE & renewal requirements in California (2026)
80 CPE per renewal, on a 24-month renewal cycle with California Board of Accountancy.
Renewal cycle
Every 24 months
Biennial; license expires on an individual expiration date set by the Board
Continuing education
80 CPE per renewal
80 CPE hours per 2-year cycle, min 20 hrs/year (incl. 12 technical each year); 4 hrs ethics; if subject to A&A requirement, 24 hrs A&A + 4 hrs fraud; 2-hr Regulatory Review required if 6+ years since last completed
- Ethics
- Regulatory Review (every 6 years)
- Accounting & Auditing (if applicable)
Source: California Board of Accountancy · Verified July 5, 2026
Rules change — always confirm current requirements with your board before relying on this page. Visit California Board of Accountancy
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Browse all statesFrequently asked questions
- How often do cpas renew their license in California?
- Biennial; license expires on an individual expiration date set by the Board
- How many CPE do I need in California?
- 80 CPE per renewal. 80 CPE hours per 2-year cycle, min 20 hrs/year (incl. 12 technical each year); 4 hrs ethics; if subject to A&A requirement, 24 hrs A&A + 4 hrs fraud; 2-hr Regulatory Review required if 6+ years since last completed
- Where do I renew my Certified Public Accountant license in California?
- Through California Board of Accountancy. We verified these details on 2026-07-05 — always confirm with the board before your deadline.
- Is this page official?
- No — Credlark is an independent organizational tool, not the licensing board. This page cites its source and check date; use it to plan, then confirm with your board.