Oct 14 / Rob Persons

How Many Yellow Book CPE Hours Do You Need? | Federal Finance CPE

How Many Yellow Book CPE Hours Do I Need? (It Depends on What You Do)

If you work in federal financial management or accounting for governmental agencies, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Yellow Book CPE.” Maybe during onboarding, your trainer mentioned needing 80 hours. Maybe your accounting unit chief reminded you that not all CPE counts toward it.
So, how many hours do you need? The answer depends on what you do.

What Is CPE?

CPE, or Continuing Professional Education, is how accountants, auditors, and financial managers stay current on laws, standards, and best practices. If you really want to dig into it, CPE supports the generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS) requirements for competence. Which is to have the skills and abilities to proficiently apply relevant governmental auditing knowledge on GAGAS engagements.
Imagine a federal auditor who needs to conduct an audit for a large government contract. Prior to participating in specific CPE courses focused on contract compliance and internal controls, the auditor found it challenging to accurately assess the contract's adherence to governmental standards. After completing these targeted CPE courses, the auditor was able to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective measures effectively, which not only improved the auditing process but also added significant value to the organization.
Think of it as your professional “refresher training.” Most certified professionals, like CPAs , are required to earn CPE hours every year to keep their licenses active.

What Is “Yellow Book CPE”?

The Yellow Book is shorthand for the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). And yes, if you can find a physical copy, its cover is yellow.
These standards apply to auditors who review federal, state, or local government programs—or anyone performing audits that use federal funds.
“Yellow Book CPE” refers to continuing education specifically tied to those standards: topics like government auditing, internal controls, ethics, and professional judgment in a federal or grant environment.

Now that CPE and Yellow Book CPE are clear, let's look at who needs Yellow Book CPE and how many hours are required.

The Yellow Book’s CPE requirements are straightforward but role-dependent.

If You Perform Government Audits or engagements conducted in accordance with GAGAS

You are required to complete 80 hours of CPE every two years.
Think of it as: 80 hours = 24 core + 56 elective.
Of those 80 hours:
  • 24 hours must be directly related to government auditing, the environment in which the audited entity operates, or your specific government function.
  • The remaining 56 hours can cover other professional development  that directly enhances your professional expertise to conduct GAGAS engagements.
This applies to federal auditors, Inspector General offices (OIG), and contractors performing audits under the Yellow Book. Learn more about courses that count toward your 24-hour requirement here.

Who Doesn’t Need Yellow Book CPE

Not everyone in government financial management falls under the Yellow Book. If You Work in Internal Audit or Financial Management
If you don’t issue audit reports under the Yellow Book but still support internal controls or financial reporting, you may not be required to meet the 80-hour standard (Check with your Unit lead or contract to verify)
Still, earning 24 or more hours of relevant governmental accounting CPE is a smart way to strengthen your credibility, especially during external audits or internal controls reviews. While it might not be a formal requirement, courses in federal accounting standards, OMB Circular A-123, and GAO internal controls help ensure audit readiness and professional confidence.
If your work is strictly budget formulation, policy, or administrative (a.k.a you don’t perform audits or attestations) you typically don’t need to meet the 80-hour Yellow Book requirement.
That said, many agencies encourage ongoing CPE to maintain expertise and keep up with federal standards. And who really wants to be the person with outdated knowledge?

Do I Need Yellow Book CPE?

Use this quick checklist to see whether the Yellow Book applies to your work.

Step 1. Do you perform or oversee audits?

☐ I issue audit reports or opinions on financial statements.
☐ I conduct performance or compliance audits using GAO or OIG standards.
☐ I work for an Office of Inspector General (OIG), the GAO, DCAA, or a similar audit organization.

➡️ If you checked any of these, you likely meet the Yellow Book CPE requirement  of 80 hours every two years, with 24 in government-related topics.

Step 2. Do you support or participate in audited financial statements?

☐ I help prepare financial statements that are audited under the Yellow Book.
☐ I support internal controls assessments (OMB A-123, SOC 1, etc.).
☐ I work in a consulting or federal support role tied to external audit readiness.

➡️ You may not be formally required, but earning Yellow Book-aligned CPE strengthens your audit readiness and credibility. Aim for at least 24 hours of relevant CPE to stay on top of current changes in the industry.

Step 3. Do you work in government finance but not in auditing?

☐ I manage budgets, contracts, or grants but do not perform audits.
☐ I focus on policy, operations, or administrative financial management.

➡️ You likely don’t need Yellow Book CPE. However, maintaining ongoing governmental accounting CPE helps you stay current on standards and compliance trends.

How to Stay Compliant (and Sane)

If your organization performs Yellow Book audits, track your hours carefully. The 80-hour requirement runs on a rolling two-year basis. Take responsibility for your career and monitor your compliance.
When choosing courses, ask:
  • Is the content directly related to government auditing or financial management?
  • Does it strengthen my understanding of internal controls, ethics, or compliance?
  • Is it offered by a qualified CPE provider?

Final Thoughts

So, how many Yellow Book CPE hours do you need?
  • Government Auditors: 80 every two years (with 24 in government-related topics).
  • Financial managers or analysts: As many as you need to stay credible and audit-ready.
  • Everyone else: It never hurts to stay current, especially in a field that changes as quickly as federal financial management.
At Federal Finance CPE, our on-demand courses are specifically designed for federal accountants, auditors, and consultants, covering topics such as OMB A-123, FASAB standards, internal controls, and Yellow Book essentials. Check out the latest NASBA-approved CPE at www.federalfinancecpe.com
Stay compliant. Stay confident. And stay ahead.