Alaska CPA CPE Requirements (2026): 80 Hours Every 2 Years
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Requirements Overview
Alaska requires 80 hours of continuing professional education per biennial renewal cycle, with a minimum of 20 hours earned each year. The renewal period ends December 31 of odd-numbered years. At least 4 of the 80 hours must be in ethics. Online and self-study courses are accepted without limits on delivery method.
CPAs who are not actively practicing may renew on inactive status and skip the CPE requirement entirely. However, reactivation requires completing all outstanding CPE. Licensees whose license has lapsed for one to three years must complete 120 hours in the prior 36 months to reinstate, while those lapsed over three years must also pass an AICPA ethics course and exam.
Alaska conducts random CPE audits. If selected, you have 30 days to submit proof of completed courses. There is no carry-over of excess hours between renewal cycles.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethics | 4 | Every renewal | At least 4 hours of the required CE must cover ethics per biennial renewal cycle. |
First Renewal vs. Standard Renewal
Exemptions
- Inactive Status — CPAs not in active practice may renew as inactive by paying inactive license fee. Exempt from CPE while inactive.Cannot practice on an inactive licenseMust complete CPE to reactivate
How You Can Complete Your CE
Alaska CPE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Alaska that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Annual minimum — at least 20 hours must be completed each year of the cycle, not just by the renewal deadline.
- Carry-over — No carry-over provision is documented on the Board's website. The 80 hours must be completed within the two-year concluding licensing period.
- All licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years.
- No grace period to practice on an expired license.
- Random mandatory CPE audits; 30 days to submit proof if selected.
- Reinstatement (lapsed 1-3 years): 120 hours CPE in prior 36 months.
- Reinstatement (lapsed 3+ years): 120 hours CPE in prior 36 months plus AICPA ethics course/exam.
- New licenses issued within 90 days of expiration date are issued to next biennium.
Provider Requirements
Alaska requires 'approved continuing education' but does not specify a list of approved providers on its CPE page. The Board references 12 AAC 04 regulations for detailed requirements.
Tips for Alaska CPAs
- Mark your calendar for December 31 of odd-numbered years — Alaska offers no grace period, and practicing on an expired license is prohibited.
- Keep all CPE certificates organized and accessible. Alaska runs random audits with only a 30-day response window.
- If you let your license lapse beyond three years, reinstatement requires 120 hours of CPE plus the AICPA ethics course and exam.
- Consider inactive status if you stop practicing temporarily — it exempts you from CPE while preserving your license.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the Alaska Board of Public Accountancy
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
Other Professions in Alaska
All CPA CPE Requirements by State
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