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WESTERN CPE BLOG

Providing the latest tax news, information, and updates for tax and finance professionals

CPE Credit Packages vs. Subscriptions: Which is Right for Your Professional Development?

In the world of continuing professional education (CPE), staying up-to-date with your credits is crucial. But with various options available, how do you choose between traditional CPE subscriptions and a Western CPE Credit Package? Let’s dive into the key differences and help you make an informed decision for your professional development.

Understanding CPE Credit Packages

CPE Credit Packages are a flexible alternative to the traditional CPE subscription model. Instead of paying for unlimited access, you purchase a specific number of credits that you can use across our entire course catalog. This model allows professionals to:

  1. Pay only for the credits they need
  2. Access premium content without additional fees
  3. Choose from a variety of learning formats
  4. Avoid the pressure of “using up” a subscription

The Subscription Model: Pros and Cons

Standard CPE subscriptions have been a go-to option for many professionals for years. These models typically offer:

  • “Unlimited” access to courses
  • Often tiered access to content
  • Annual commitments

The appeal of subscriptions lies in their apparent simplicity and the promise of unlimited learning. For some professionals, particularly those in fields with high CPE requirements or those who genuinely enjoy exploring a wide range of topics, this model can be beneficial. It provides a predictable annual cost and the freedom to take as many courses as desired within the subscription period.

However, the subscription model is not without its drawbacks. While it can be beneficial for some, it often leads to:

  • Paying for more than you need
  • Limited access to premium content
  • Pressure to justify the cost by taking unnecessary courses

Many professionals find themselves in a situation where they’re paying for far more content than they actually need or have time to consume. This can lead to a sense of waste or pressure to “get their money’s worth” by taking courses that aren’t necessarily relevant to their practice or interests. Additionally, many subscription models use a tiered system, where premium content – often the most valuable and up-to-date material – is only available at higher, more expensive tiers.

Comparing Costs and Value

When evaluating online CPE options, consider your annual credit requirements. For example, if you need 20 credits per year:

  • A Credit Package might cost $690 for exactly 20 credits
  • A subscription could cost $500-$800 annually, regardless of how many credits you use

At first glance, the subscription model might seem cost-effective, especially if it’s at the lower end of the price range. However, this surface-level comparison doesn’t tell the whole story.

With a Credit Package, you’re paying for exactly what you need – no more, no less. This $690 investment gives you access to 20 credits worth of courses, and importantly, these can be any digital courses, Webcast or Self-Study, in our catalog. This includes premium content like our Federal Tax Updates, which are crucial for staying current in your field.

On the other hand, while a subscription might offer “unlimited” courses, there are often hidden limitations. Lower-tier subscriptions may not include access to the most valuable, up-to-date content, or may be limited to a single course format. To get access to premium courses, you might need to opt for a higher-tier subscription, pushing your costs to the upper end of the range or beyond.

The value of a subscription diminishes if you don’t use it to its full extent. If you only end up taking 15 credits worth of courses in a year, you’ve essentially overpaid. With a credit package, you’re ensuring that every dollar spent translates directly to usable, relevant CPE credits.

Flexibility and Learning Experience

Credit Packages offer:

  • Freedom to choose any course without restrictions
  • The ability to mix and match learning formats
  • Ability to focus on quality over quantity

The flexibility provided by credit packages is one of their most significant advantages. When you purchase a Credit Package, you’re not just buying credits; you’re investing in the freedom to curate your own learning experience. This model allows you to select courses based on your specific interests, career goals, and professional requirements without being confined by tiered access or subscription limitations.

For instance, if a new tax law is passed mid-year that’s particularly relevant to your practice, you can immediately access a course on this topic without worrying about whether it’s included in your subscription tier. This agility in learning can be crucial in fast-paced fields where staying current is essential to providing the best service to your clients.

Subscriptions, while offering a wide range of courses, may:

  • Limit access to certain content based on subscription tier
  • Create a “use it or lose it” mentality
  • Encourage quantity over quality in course selection

The subscription model, despite its apparent abundance of choices, can paradoxically limit your learning experience. The tiered access common in many subscriptions means that the most valuable, cutting-edge content is often reserved for higher-priced tiers. This can leave professionals either unable to access the content they need most or forced to overpay for a higher tier.

Meeting Specific CPE Requirements

Different professions and states have varying CPE requirements. Credit packages allow you to:

  • Purchase exactly the number of credits you need
  • Easily meet specific subject requirements (e.g., ethics, tax updates)
  • Avoid overpaying for credits you won’t use

The landscape of CPE requirements is diverse and complex, varying not only by profession but also by state and specific certifications. For example, a CPA in California might have different requirements than one in New York, and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) will have different needs than an Enrolled Agent (EA). Credit packages offer precision in meeting these varied requirements.

With a Credit Package, you can tailor your purchase to your exact needs. Need 40 credits, including 4 in ethics and 2 in California-specific tax law? A Credit Package allows you to meet these requirements precisely, without the excess that often comes with subscriptions. This isn’t only about convenience—it’s about efficient use of your time and financial resources.

Moreover, Credit Packages excel in helping professionals meet specific subject requirements. Many certifications and state boards mandate a certain number of credits in particular areas, such as ethics, regulatory updates, or specialized topics. With a Credit Package, you can ensure you’re meeting these specific requirements without dealing with content restrictions in CPE subscriptions. This is particularly valuable for professionals who hold multiple certifications or licenses, each with its own unique set of requirements.

Unlimited CPE is More Than You Need

While subscription models often boast about offering “unlimited CPE”, this can be a double-edged sword. For many professionals, there’s a clear upper limit to the number of CPE hours they need or can realistically complete in a year. Paying for a subscription that offers far more than you need is essentially paying for credits you’ll never use.

This overabundance can also lead to a dilution of focus. When faced with an unlimited buffet of courses, there’s a temptation to graze widely rather than focusing deeply on the areas most critical to your professional growth. In contrast, the deliberate choice involved in using Credit Packages encourages a more thoughtful, strategic approach to your continuing education.

In essence, Credit Packages offer a level of customization and efficiency that aligns more closely with the reality of diverse, specific CPE requirements across different professions and jurisdictions. They empower professionals to meet their obligations precisely while focusing their learning efforts where they matter most.

The Verdict: Tailored Learning vs. All-You-Can-Learn

Ultimately, the choice between CPE Credit Packages and unlimited subscriptions depends on your individual needs. Credit Packages offer a more tailored, cost-effective approach for professionals who:

  • Have a clear understanding of their annual CPE requirements
  • Value flexibility and access to premium content
  • Prefer to pay only for what they use

On the other hand, subscriptions might be suitable for those who:

  • Have varying or unpredictable CPE needs
  • Enjoy exploring a wide range of topics beyond requirements
  • Benefit from the structure of an “unlimited” model

As the CPE landscape evolves, our Credit Packages are emerging as a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional online CPE subscriptions. By carefully considering your professional development needs, budget, and learning style, you can choose the option that best supports your career growth and compliance requirements.

Remember, the goal of CPE is not just to meet requirements, but to enhance your professional knowledge and skills. Choose the model that allows you to focus on quality learning that truly benefits your career.

Explore our CPE Credit Packages and calculate your potential savings today!