Yes, 60 credit hours does seem extensive, but Tax Preparation is a broad topic and California has many different areas that differ from Federal Tax Law. The CTEC 60 hour course is broken down into 3 areas of focus: Federal Tax Law, Ethics, and California Tax Law topics. Each area has individual courses separated out into digestible-sized topic categories, and each category has its own downloadable PDF resource guide, comprehensive video walkthrough training of the subject matter, and review questions to ensure mastery of the content.

Required California, Federal, and Ethics Qualifying Education topics delivered via convenient video format. Listen and learn wherever and whenever your schedule permits! Need to take a break? No problem, just start the CTEC 60 hour qualifying education course back up right where you left off!

This CTEC QE course includes 3 unique exams that are delivered online in your Preparer Training portal. Exams cover Federal Tax Law, Ethics, and California Tax Law. Exams consist of multiple choice questions and are available for completion once you have viewed the underlying content. Exams are "Open-Book" and multiple attempts are allowed for achieving a 70% passing grade.

Once you have completed the CTEC 60 credit QE course there are some important next steps you need to take. Register for a CTEC preparer number, pay the enrollment fee, complete a background check, get a surety bond and get your PTIN from the IRS. For more details visit our page: "How to become a CTEC Registered Return Preparer."

Every year CTEC Registered Tax Preparers must renew their license by taking 20 hours of continuing education and paying the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) an annual fee. The last day to renew to be a licensed tax preparer for this year was January 15th 2025. If you missed this deadline, this California CTEC Qualifying Education 60-Credit bundle is what you must complete before CTEC will renew your license.