If you're looking for self-study CPE, two of the most popular learning formats are on-demand courses and live webcasts. Both can help you earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits, stay compliant with licensing requirements, and build valuable skills. Learn about on-demand vs live webcast CPE options to understand the most advantageous use-case for each.
Summary
Compare on-demand vs live webcast courses as two primary methods for earning continuing professional education (CPE). While on-demand options offer maximum flexibility and self-paced learning, live webcasts provide real-time instructor interaction and help satisfy specific state board requirements that may limit self-study CPE.
What Is On-Demand CPE?
On-demand CPE refers to credit-earning courses that you complete independently and at your own pace, without real-time interaction with an instructor.
Becker's on-demand CPE catalog includes hundreds of NASBA, IMA, The IIA®, and IRS-approved courses that allow professionals access to learning on their schedule and in their area of focus.
These self-study CPE courses guide learners, at their own pace and on their schedule, through pre-recorded videos and an interactive learning platform.
What Is Live Webcast CPE?
Live webcast CPE takes place in real time through an online platform. Participants attend a scheduled session led by an instructor and may have opportunities to engage through polls, chat functions, and Q&A discussions.
Becker offers more than 1,000 live webcasts annually, including weekday, evening, and weekend options during peak CPE seasons.
Unlike self-study CPE, live webcasts provide a structured environment with scheduled attendance and instructor interaction.
Pros and Cons of On-Demand CPE
Because on-demand courses offer a self-study CPE option, they come with specific advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of On-Demand CPE
- Maximum flexibility: The biggest advantage of self-study CPE is convenience. You can complete coursework when and where it fits your schedule, whether that's before work, during lunch, or after the kids go to bed.
- Learn at your own pace: Need extra time to understand a complex topic? Want to skip ahead through material you're already familiar with? Self-study CPE allows you to control the pace of your learning.
- Easier deadline management: Because courses are available on demand, self-study CPE can be especially helpful when approaching a license renewal deadline and you need to complete credits quickly.
- Large course selection: Becker's on-demand library covers topics across accounting, audit, tax, ethics, technology, leadership, and more, helping professionals build customized learning plans aligned with their goals.
Potential Drawbacks of Self-Study CPE
- Less real-time interaction: Since there is no live instructor, you won't have immediate opportunities to ask questions or discuss concepts with peers.
- Requires self-discipline: The flexibility of self-study can be both a benefit and a challenge. Learners must stay motivated and manage their own schedules to avoid procrastination.
- State board limitations: Especially when considering CPA CPE requirements, some state boards limit how much of your required CPE can come from self-study CPE. In states with these restrictions, you may need to earn a portion of your credits through live or group-based learning formats rather than completing your entire requirement through self-study alone.
Because CPE regulations vary by jurisdiction and can change over time, professionals should always review their specific state board requirements to ensure that their courses meet their location’s and credential’s requirements.
Pros and Cons of Live Webcast CPE
Advantages of Live Webcasts
- Real-time instructor access: One of the most significant benefits of live webcasts is the opportunity to engage with experts. You can ask questions, seek clarification, and gain additional context while concepts are being presented.
- Structured learning experience: Having a scheduled session helps many professionals stay accountable and avoid postponing their continuing education.
- Stronger engagement: Many learners find that participating in a live event improves focus and retention compared with completing courses independently.
- Helpful for states with self-study restrictions: If your state limits the amount of self-study CPE you can earn, live webcasts provide an easy way to diversify your credits and remain compliant.
Potential Drawbacks of Live Webcasts
- Less scheduling flexibility: Unlike on-demand courses, live webcasts require attendance at a specific date and time.
- Can be harder to fit into busy schedules: Busy professionals balancing client work, deadlines, and personal commitments may find it more difficult to commit to scheduled sessions.
- Pace is determined by the instructor: Since everyone participates together, you typically cannot accelerate or slow down the presentation to match your learning style.
On-Demand CPE vs Live Webcasts: A Quick Comparison
Schedule Flexibility
- On-Demand: Excellent
- Live Webcast: Moderate
Learn at Your Own Pace
- On-Demand: Yes
- Live Webcast: No
Real-Time Instructor Interaction
- On-Demand: No
- Live Webcast: Yes
Structured Learning Environment
- On-Demand: Limited
- Live Webcast: Strong
Best for Busy Schedules
- On-Demand: Yes
- Live Webcast: Sometimes
May Count Toward State Live Requirements
- On-Demand: Not always
- Live Webcast: Often
Ideal for Last-Minute CPE
- On-Demand: Yes
- Live Webcast: Depends on availability
Why Many Professionals Use Both On-Demand & Webcast CPE
Rather than choosing one format exclusively, many CPAs and accounting professionals combine self-study CPE with live webcast learning.
For example, you might:
- Complete most of your annual learning through on-demand and podcast courses.
- Attend live webcasts for complex topics, regulatory updates, or areas where instructor interaction is valuable.
- Use live sessions to satisfy any state-specific requirements that limit self-study credits.
This blended approach often delivers the best balance of flexibility, engagement, and compliance.
Get Both with Becker
Becker CPE subscriptions include multiple formats designed to fit your career and schedule.
With Becker CPE, you'll find:
- Hundreds of on-demand self-study courses available 24/7
- More than 1,000 live webcasts annually
- CPE podcasts that offer another self-study CPE option in a flexible, on-the-go-friendly format
- Courses across 19 fields of study
- State board-approved ethics options
- A personalized CPE Compliance Tracker
- Learning paths aligned to today's accounting, audit, tax, and finance professions
Whether you prefer the convenience of self-study CPE, the engagement of a live webcast, or a beautiful blend of both, Becker provides the flexibility to earn credits your way while staying current in a rapidly changing profession. Choose Becker Prime CPE for unlimited credit earning on both self-study CPE and live webcast options!
Unlock Unlimited CPE with a Prime Subscription
Becker makes it easy to meet your CPE requirements, gain new skills, and stay aware of critical updates and changes in the industry!
With Prime, you can access over 1,700 courses for a full year and earn unlimited CPE credits.
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