Just like you're driver's license, once you earn your CPA license, you have to renew it periodically. But to renew your license, you'll need to meet the state Board of Accountancy's guidelines, including taking continuing professional education courses. We're sharing the Missouri CPA CPE requirements, how to renew your license, course recommendations, and even tips on how to earn credits to help make the process a little easier.
How to renew your Missouri CPA license
License renewal is a biennial period that runs from October 1 to September 30 in odd numbered years. For example, you will need to renew your license by September 30, 2025, and the next cycle will run from October 1, 2025 until September 30, 2027.
To renew your license:
- Register or log in to your existing account with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Ensure your information is correct on your account
- Complete the renewal form and enter payment information for the renewal fee
- Finalize the transaction and print a copy for your records
Missouri CPE requirements
In Missouri, reporting CPE and renewing your license are somewhat separated. The CPE reporting period is annual while the license renewal period is biennial.
Here's a breakdown of the CPE requirements:
- Complete 40 hours of CPE every year between January 1 and December 31 though you can apply for a grace period to make up CPE through March 1
- Of the 40 hours, two hours must be ethics CPE
- Credits can come from group study, self-study, teaching a course, or taking a college or post-graduate course in accounting or a related field
- No more than two hours can come from authoring a relevant published article or book
- Credits can come from a relevant certification program earned during the reporting period, including the following:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification - 30 CPE hours
- Certified Fraud Examiner - 25 CPE hours
- Certified Management Accountant Exam - eligible for 20 CPE hours for each exam part
- Enrolled Agent designation - 20 hours
Becker's course, Ethics - Understanding and Applying the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, meets Missouri's CPE ethics requirement.
How to meet your Missouri CPA CPE requirements with Becker
Becker's CPE courses are designed to help you meet your requirements and gain valuable skills and knowledge.
- NASBA-approved CPE courses
- Over 700 on-demand courses, weekly CPE podcasts, and over 1,000 live webcasts annually
- Courses across 19 fields of study, including accounting, audit, taxation, IT, and personal growth
- Experienced, licensed instructors who teach using practical examples and real-world insights
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual update courses in accounting, audit, and tax to help you stay up to date on changes
Tips to meet your CPE requirements
Meeting your Missouri CPE requirements while balancing work, family, and life can be challenging. To streamline the process and ease the stress, here are some practical tips to help you stay on track and achieve compliance.
Find CPE that fits your schedule
One of the biggest hurdles to meeting your CPA CPE requirements is fitting it into your busy routine. On-demand courses are an excellent solution since you can watch them anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s during your lunch break, while waiting for a meeting to start, or even during downtime at home, these courses make it easy to stay consistent. Prefer listening instead of watching? Try CPE podcasts, where you can absorb materials while driving to work, doing chores, or even during a relaxing walk. The added convenience helps you earn CPE hours without needing to carve out large chunks of time.
Keep track of your progress
Missouri CPAs have unique requirements, such as completing 40 CPE hours annually between January 1 and December 31, including 2 hours of ethics CPE. To prevent scrambling at the end of the year, it’s important to track your progress. Using tools like Becker’s CPE Compliance Tracker can help you keep all your CPE hours organized—even hours earned from other providers. The tracker shows your completed hours, specific requirements like ethics, and allows you to plan by recommending relevant courses based on your interests.
Block out time each month
Don't wait until November to start working on your CPE, and instead, aim for three to four hours a month. Spreading out your CPE ensures you’re not rushing to meet deadlines and gives you the chance to explore courses that align with your career goals and personal interests.
Choose courses that match your goals
Instead of viewing CPE as a necessity, think of it as a way to grow. Consider what you want to learn and take courses that add value to your career. Whether you’re interested in specializing in areas like forensic accounting, IT auditing, or corporate finance, CPE courses can improve your skill set and open new doors.
Take advantage of flexible learning options
Missouri CPAs can earn credits through various formats, including self-study, group study, attending webinars, teaching courses, or taking college classes. Blending multiple learning methods can make meeting your CPE requirements more engaging and adaptable. Becker offers a wide variety of learning options, such as over 700 on-demand courses, weekly podcasts, and more than 1,000 live webcasts annually. These flexible solutions ensure you’ll find a format that suits your learning style and lifestyle.
Make Learning Part of Your Routine
By integrating CPE courses into your regular schedule, you’ll find it easier to stay consistent and avoid procrastination. Whether it’s setting aside time each weekend or dedicating part of your commute to listening to a podcast, building a habit of learning will make the process feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding routine.