How many hours of pre-license education does California require for tax preparers?

60 hours for CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP); 15 hours for CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP), as set by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

Is an exam required to get licensed in California?

Our research of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) rule does not show a required exam alongside the education hours. Confirm with the board before you apply.

Can I complete these hours online?

Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

How to get a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP) license in California

The California Tax Education Council (CTEC) sets the education you must complete before it will license you. Here is the exact requirement, by license class.

California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

Required hours by license class

CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP)

60 required hours

Who this applies to: New applicants, including previously registered CTEC preparers whose registration expired and who must re-take the course to register as a new applicant

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: California Tax Education Council (CTEC) · verified 2026-09-03

CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP)

15 required hours

Who this applies to: Experience in lieu applicants

We have researched this requirement and are building the course now.

Source: California Tax Education Council (CTEC) · verified 2026-09-03

Common questions

How many hours of pre-license education does California require for tax preparers?: 60 hours for CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP); 15 hours for CTEC Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP), as set by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
Is an exam required to get licensed in California?: Our research of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) rule does not show a required exam alongside the education hours. Confirm with the board before you apply.
Can I complete these hours online?: Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.

Already licensed? This page covers getting your first license. If you already hold one, California tax preparers renewal requires 20 hours of continuing education — see California tax preparers continuing education.