Choosing a continuing professional education (CPE) course should be more than just Googling the term “CPE” within a 50-mile radius of where you live.  CPE is a valuable learning experience which keeps you and your firm up-to-date on the latest accounting issues and provides insight into best practices of the industry as a whole.  So, how do you go about choosing the best CPE for you?  Here’s five of the top things to consider:

1. Reputation. The saying that your reputation precedes you goes a long way when it comes to choosing CPE.  Providers with good reputations generally get high marks from participants regarding course selection, experienced trainers, reliability, cost and a host of others.  In today’s digital marketplace, it’s easy to find out a firm’s reputation – and that’s where a Google search can help…
2. Quality of instructors. The quality of an instructor can make for a really good – or really bad – teaching experience.  We all remember a former professor whose teaching style made simply getting to class a struggle – never mind sitting there for hours on end.  Always look for dynamic instructors who know their stuff and love teaching it.  Google them, ask your colleagues or check out industry boards and social media.
3. Variety of courses. Let’s face it; no one wants to take the same courses over and over to simply meet state CPE requirements.  Continuing education should be more than that.  It should not only provide you with key regulatory updates or new takes on best practices, but inspire you to be the best at what you do. Having a variety of courses to choose from provides all of that – and makes learning much more interesting.
4. Format of courses. Finding a course taught by a fantastic instructor is great.  However, if it’s only being taught in San Diego and you live in Boston, then it’s probably not an option.  Choosing a CPE provider who offers courses in a variety of formats including live seminars, webinars, individual learning and others gives you a greater opportunity to formulate a learning plan which works for you.
5. Cost. Cost is always a consideration when it comes to CPE – and it should be. Everyone is on a tight budget. While jetting off to Puerto Rico for a CPE and spa weekend would be great, that’s just not in the cards for most of us.  Look for CPE providers who charge reasonable rates, package deals and offer webinars and other forms of instruction that keep costs down.

At Surgent, we have been providing quality CPE courses for over 30 years. Our reputation is second to none – as is the quality of our instructors.  Don’t take our word for it. We know we’re biased. We invite you to Google us. You’ll like what you see.

We work hard to continually provide our customers with a variety of courses on the latest issues facing the accounting industry, in a variety of formats to accommodate everyone – and at a cost that doesn’t break the bank. Try a Surgent CPE course today.