Rhode Island CPA CPE Requirements (2026): 120 Hours Every 3 Years
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Requirements Overview
Rhode Island operates on a triennial CPE cycle from July 1 to June 30, requiring 120 hours with 6 hours devoted to professional ethics covering the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and related ethical codes. There is no documented annual minimum, but the delivery method restrictions shape how you plan your hours.
Self-study courses are limited to 80 of the 120 hours and must be QAS-approved or interactive. Personal development and marketing courses are capped at 24 credits per reporting period. Instruction and authorship credits are each limited to 60 hours over the three-year cycle, with preparation time for instruction limited to twice the presentation time.
Non-residents can satisfy Rhode Island's requirements by meeting the CPE standards of their principal place of business state. CPE credits are accepted in 0.2, 0.5, or 1-hour increments, with nano learning restricted to 0.2-hour increments only.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethics | 6 | Every renewal | Six hours in subjects devoted to professional ethics every three years, covering the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and related professional/ethical codes. |
Exemptions
- Non-Resident Reciprocity — Non-residents may satisfy requirements by meeting CPE standards in their principal place of business state.Must meet CPE standards of their principal place of business state
How You Can Complete Your CE
Rhode Island CPE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Rhode Island that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Carry-over — No carry-over provision documented in available sources for Rhode Island.
- Triennial renewal on June 30. Reporting period: July 1 – June 30.
- Self-study limited to 80 hours per 3-year cycle; must be QAS approved or interactive.
- Personal Development and Marketing limited to 24 credits per reporting period.
- Instruction credit limited to 60 hours over 3 years; equals presentation time plus preparation (prep limited to 2x presentation).
- Authorship credits limited to 60 hours over 3 years.
- CPE credits accepted in 0.2, 0.5, or 1 hour increments.
- Nano learning credit accepted only in 0.2 increments.
- Qualifying subjects: Accounting & Auditing, Technical Business Subjects, Personal Development & Marketing, Ethics.
Provider Requirements
Rhode Island Board accepts CPE credits for programs offered by National Registry (NASBA) sponsors. Self-study must be QAS approved or interactive.
Tips for Rhode Island CPAs
- Self-study is capped at 80 hours — you need at least 40 hours from group programs, live webinars, or other interactive formats.
- Personal development and marketing courses have a tight 24-hour cap. Focus on technical and ethics subjects for the bulk of your hours.
- Non-residents working primarily in another state can use their home state's CPE to satisfy Rhode Island requirements.
- Self-study courses must be QAS-approved or interactive. Verify this before enrolling to ensure your credits count.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
CPA Requirements in Nearby States
Other Professions in Rhode Island
All CPA CPE Requirements by State
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