Illumeo CPE Review

According to employee benefits experts, a staggering 92% of employees believe well-planned employee training programs positively impact their engagement level. And truthfully, continuing education is important. Whether it’s employer-funded or not, those who invest in CPE not only keep their licenses (and jobs) but they also keep their skills sharp and chances of moving up the ladder even higher.

But who should you use for CPE courses? One viable option is Illumeo.

Illumeo CPE courses have been expertly designed and peer-reviewed to be the best ones on the market. As a result, you’ll never find yourself struggling to complete or understand any of the coursework you’ll be working on. On top of that, Illumeo has a genuine focus on education rather than delivering a soulless product. Hence, you’ll also be learning valuable information about your field of work.

But don’t just take our word for it, keep reading to see why Illumeo is considered the best of the best.

Overview of Illumeo

Based out of Silicon Valley, Illumeo was founded in 2009 and has since been used by some of the largest companies in the world for corporate learning. Their mission statement is to “help practitioners in audit, accounting, and corporate finance survive their day-to-day jobs and thrive in their careers.” On top of that, they also endeavor to help management build skilled and professional teams designed to push their company forward.

“Our accounting and finance firm has had Illumeo as our vendor of choice for CPE courseware the past 3 years and we have been very happy with the level of service, the variety of courses and the overall intuitive user interface on their website. We are particularly excited about the recent ASC 606 Revenne Recognition certification program they now offer. I manage all of the training vendors for our firm and Illumeo is the best vendor I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Our accounting consultants like the quality of the CPE courses, the fact they range anywhere from 1 – 10+ hours and the ease of navigating the website. As the Administrator, I like being able to run reports that monitor usage. We will continue to use Illumeo as our preferred provider of CPE.”

Illumeo Reviewer

Illumeo’s CPE Course Features

• On-Demand Courses: Access to over 1,000 comprehensive courses spanning various industries, with new resources added weekly. Illumeo offers a dynamic and continuously updated catalog, ensuring the latest and most relevant content.
• Live Webinars: Participate in over 100 live webinars annually, covering crucial topics for professional development. These webinars are tailored to meet state-mandated live education requirements and are available for replay, ensuring you never miss an opportunity for learning.
• Global CPE Tracker: Utilize a comprehensive CPE compliance tracker that not only monitors credits earned through Illumeo but also tracks external CPE activities, offering a holistic view of your professional development progress.
• Personal Development Planner: Customize your learning journey with a personal development plan that aligns with your schedule and career goals. The platform’s self-assessments recommend courses based on identified knowledge gaps, providing a tailored learning experience.
• Competency Assessment: Engage in detailed competency assessments that compare your skills against over 200 job benchmarks. These assessments provide valuable insights into your professional standing and guide your learning path effectively.

Expert Observations

Dive into what makes Illumeo stand out. These are the features and benefits that past learners have consistently raved about, showcasing why Illumeo is more than just a learning platform. See for yourself what sets these courses apart and how they can elevate your professional journey.

Lots of Course Options

Easily, Illumeo’s biggest selling point is just how many courses they have. Hundreds of different courses are available to all of their customers, which can range from leadership, personal productivity, and much more. New courses are added weekly; additionally, only the best-rated courses are kept in their catalog.

Courses are rated by almost everyone who takes them, and Illumeo deletes any that have an average below four stars. In order to encourage these customer reviews, anyone who reviews a course they’ve taken will gain lifetime access to it.

Custom-Built Study Curriculum

Illumeo heavily encourages self-study and personal responsibility with their course, which is why they’ve included a personalized development plan with their product. Anyone taking courses for CPE credit can customize their learning plan at any time to fit their own schedule and needs.

By combining this feature with their self-assessments, it’s easy for anyone to build their own road map to success. This is because self-assessments will also give you course recommendations based on gaps in knowledge found in said assessments. These assessments are also compared to over two hundred job benchmarks to see just how prepared you are.

Final Exams

In order to ensure that you truly understand the information being given to you, each course concludes with a quick final exam. This exam goes over the concepts explored in the course you just took before giving you a certificate for your CPE credits. As a result, you can be sure that everything you learned has truly added to your professional knowledge.

But that’s not the only way you benefit from these exams:

Even better is that because of these exams, companies will know that you’ve understood what’s been taught to you. Many CPE courses try to cheat people by giving substandard information for a much higher price. However, since Illumeo is so well regarded, employers can be safely assured that their employees are constantly up to date on their own professions.

Illumeo CPE Pricing and Subscription Options

Illumeo offers a variety of subscription options tailored to meet different learning needs and preferences. Below is a detailed outline of each subscription plan:

Premium+ CPE Subscription

Price: Originally $399, now discounted to $319.

Features: Offers unlimited CPE credits for 365 days, access to over 1,800 courses, including 130+ webinars, and includes both Premium and Premium+ content​​​​.

Premium CPE Subscription

Price: Originally $299, now discounted to $239.

Features: Provides unlimited CPE credits for 365 days, access to over 1,700 courses with Premium content, and includes a Compliance Tracker​​​​.

On-Demand CPE Subscription

Price: Originally $199, now discounted to $169.

Features: Offers unlimited CPE credits for 365 days and access to over 1,600 CPE courses/webinars, plus Compliance Tracker​​​​.

Webinar CPE Subscription

Price: Originally $199, now discounted to $169

Features: Provides 120 hours of live CPE in a year, including both Premium and Regular CPE webinars, and 4 hours from 85+ Ethics courses​​​​.

Enterprise/Team Subscription

Price: $199 per user (minimum 3 users required).

Features: Offers unlimited CPE credits for 365 days, access to over 1,700 courses with Premium content, and includes a Compliance Tracker, User Management & Reports. A free team trial is also available​​​​.

Illumeo CPE Course Pros

Still unsure if Illumeo is the right service for you? Check out the pros and cons listed below.

Over 25 Certifications Available

Illumeo is considered a highly qualified continuing education provider by professional certification bodies in accounting, finance, and human resources. As a result, you’ll have access to CPE and global CPE credits for an extremely wide range of certifications. These include CPAs, CMAs, CIAs, CTPS, and many more.

Free Trial

Illumeo comes with a wide range of free content. Students gain access to over 80 free webinars on top of 12 free business covers. They can also test out the development planner free of charge before deciding on a purchase.

CPE Tracker

Illumeo’s CPE Tracker not only tracks all CPE credits earned on Illumeo but also CPE for any other platforms, such as self-study or live classrooms. Thanks to that, you can use Illumeo to track your overall progress and report everything at the same time from one convenient place. This feature is a huge time saver when it comes to organizing everything you need to submit.

Illumeo CPE Course Cons

Gated Content

Unfortunately, some group-exclusive content is locked behind the highest payment tier. However, this isn’t too big of a deal since those packages only cost a fraction more. This is still important to keep in mind for anyone looking to cut costs.

Understanding Illumeo’s Unique Approach to CPE

Illumeo’s approach to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) distinguishes itself in several key areas, particularly in its teaching methodologies, course designs, and unique features.

Teaching Methodologies

Illumeo’s courses are led by industry veterans who not only teach the material but also integrate real-world applications and experiences. This practical approach enhances the learning experience, making complex concepts more relatable and understandable.

Course Designs

The courses are thoughtfully structured to accommodate different learning styles. They include interactive elements like quizzes and case studies, which aid in knowledge retention and engagement. The content is logically organized, facilitating easy comprehension.

Unique Features

Illumeo stands out with its comprehensive CPE compliance tracker. This feature not only tracks credits earned through Illumeo but also allows for monitoring external CPE activities, offering a complete view of one’s professional development.

Comparative Analysis: Illumeo vs. Other CPE Providers

Course Offerings

Illumeo vs. Becker Professional Education: Illumeo offers a wide array of courses across various topics, frequently updated for relevance. Becker, while renowned for its CPA review courses, has a more focused range of topics and is often chosen for CPA exam preparation rather than for a broad CPE catalog.

Pricing

Illumeo vs. Surgent CPE: Illumeo provides competitive pricing with both individual course and subscription options. Surgent CPE also offers a range of pricing options but tends to be more expensive, especially for individual courses.

Teaching Quality

Illumeo vs. Wiley CPE: Illumeo’s instructors are experienced professionals, bringing practical insights into the courses. Wiley, known for its educational resources, also offers high-quality instruction but with a more academic focus compared to Illumeo’s practical approach.

Technology and Platform

Illumeo vs. AICPA CPE: Illumeo’s platform is user-friendly, offering excellent support for both mobile and desktop users. The AICPA also provides a robust platform, but users have noted that Illumeo’s interface is more intuitive and easier to navigate.

Customer Support

Illumeo vs. Gleim CPE: Illumeo is known for its responsive customer support, with a knowledgeable team addressing queries promptly. Gleim, while offering good support, may not match Illumeo’s speed and efficiency in customer service.

In summary, Illumeo’s comprehensive course offerings, expert instructors, user-friendly platform, and excellent customer support set it apart from other providers like Becker, Surgent, Wiley, AICPA, and Gleim. Each provider has its strengths, but Illumeo’s well-rounded approach to CPE provides a unique and enriching learning experience.

Ideal Customer for Illumeo

While Illumeo is a fantastic service, it’s important to see if it’s right for you. Here are some fast facts about who will and won’t like this course:

• If you prefer to work with highly-rated materials, this is the course for you.
• If you like having access to multiple types of study materials, this is the course for you.
• If you want highly qualified and professional teachers, this is the course for you.
• If you like live and in-person courses, this isn’t the course for you.

Illumeo User Reviews and Testimonials

I like illumeo.com. $99 and some courses are free. Most of the courses are rated – and seem to be real ratings/reviews. I have also used Illumeo for some of my CPE requirements and found it to be quite good. – Reddit

I have used a few. I really like Illumeo. It was referred by a couple of friends that work at Intuit and Cisco. Good quality and most courses seem to have legitimate ratings. All checks out with NASBA. Even have some free CPE. If you are considering some site, then just verify their NASBA and any state numbers they reference. – Reddit

Users appreciate the flexibility and convenience of Illumeo CPE, highlighting its ease of use and the ability for learners to engage with the content at their preferred times. This aspect is particularly beneficial for busy professionals who need to fit their continuing education around their schedules. – Capterra

Illumeo’s user experience stands out as one of the best in the market. The platform is praised for its intuitive design, making it easy for users to find and access courses and webinars, enhancing the overall learning experience. – Illumeo Press Center

Illumeo is recognized for offering great value in CPE education, with a wide range of over 1,600 courses and premium webinars. The combination of features, quality content, and competitive pricing makes Illumeo a top choice for CPE seekers. – Trustpilot

Certification and Accreditation: What You Need to Know

When considering Illumeo for Continuing Professional Education (CPE), it’s crucial to understand its certification and accreditation status, as this impacts the recognition and validity of the courses for professional development.

Accreditation Status of Illumeo’s Courses: Illumeo is recognized for its high-quality CPE courses, which are accredited by various professional bodies. This accreditation ensures that the courses meet the rigorous standards required for professional education in various fields.

Alignment with Professional Bodies: Illumeo’s courses are designed to align with the requirements of several key professional bodies, including:

• American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): Illumeo’s courses comply with AICPA standards, making them suitable for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) looking to fulfill their CPE requirements.
• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA): As a NASBA-approved provider, Illumeo offers courses that meet the criteria for continuing education for accountants and auditors.
• Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA): Courses relevant to internal auditing are aligned with IIA standards, beneficial for Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs).
• Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): For Certified Management Accountants (CMAs), Illumeo provides courses that adhere to IMA’s continuing education guidelines.

Certification Requirements: Illumeo’s courses are structured to fulfill the certification requirements of these professional bodies. This includes covering the necessary content areas, adhering to the required instructional time, and providing appropriate assessment methods to ensure comprehension and mastery of the subject matter.

Benefits for Professionals: By choosing Illumeo, professionals can be assured that their CPE credits are recognized and valued by their respective certification bodies. This recognition is crucial for maintaining professional licenses and certifications, as well as for career advancement and staying current in one’s field.

Maximizing Learning with Illumeo: Study Strategies and Resources

To fully benefit from Illumeo’s CPE courses, it’s essential to adopt effective study strategies and utilize the available resources. Based on real-life experiences, here are some tips to maximize learning with Illumeo:

1. Set Clear Learning Objectives: Before starting a course, define what you want to achieve. For instance, when I took the ‘Advanced Financial Modeling’ course, my goal was to enhance my Excel skills for financial analysis. This clarity helped me stay focused.
2. Utilize Interactive Features: Engage with the interactive elements in the courses. In the ‘Risk Management’ course, I actively participated in the quizzes and simulations, which reinforced my understanding of key concepts.
3. Schedule Regular Study Times: Consistency is key. Allocate specific times for your courses. I found studying early in the morning, before work, to be most effective as it ensured a distraction-free environment.
4. Take Advantage of the CPE Tracker: Use Illumeo’s CPE Tracker to monitor your progress. It helped me keep track of the courses completed and plan my learning path efficiently.
5. Engage with Instructors and Peers: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. In the ‘Corporate Tax Planning’ course, interacting with the instructor through the platform clarified complex tax scenarios for me.
6. Apply Learning to Real-World Scenarios: Try to apply concepts from the courses to your work. After completing ‘Project Management Essentials’, I implemented the learned project management techniques in my ongoing projects, which enhanced my efficiency.

Illumeo for Career Advancement: A Strategic Overview

Illumeo’s CPE courses can be a strategic tool for career advancement and skill enhancement. Here’s how professionals can leverage these courses:

1. Acquiring New Skills: Courses like ‘Data Analytics for Accountants’ offer skills that are in high demand. A colleague of mine enhanced her data analysis skills through this course, which played a significant role in her promotion to a senior accountant role.
2. Staying Updated with Industry Trends: Courses on current topics, such as ‘Cybersecurity for Accountants’, keep you abreast of industry trends. Staying updated is crucial for maintaining relevance in your field.
3. Meeting Certification Requirements: For maintaining professional certifications, such as CPA or CMA, Illumeo’s courses provide the necessary CPE credits. I used their courses to fulfill my CPE requirements for CPA renewal, which was both convenient and educational.
4. Networking Opportunities: Some courses offer networking opportunities with professionals and instructors. These connections can be valuable for career growth and mentorship.
5. Demonstrating Commitment to Professional Growth: Completing advanced courses showcases your commitment to professional development. For instance, after completing the ‘Advanced Auditing’ course, a colleague showcased this achievement during her performance review, which positively impacted her career progression.

Final Recommendation

Illumeo’s CPE courses are some of the best on the market. Their service has a high focus on quality, thanks to their professional instructors and peer-reviewed courses. On top of that, they have a great price point and a fantastic support team for anyone interested in their continuing professional education.

When it comes to earning CPE, you can do a lot worse than this. So make sure to try it out today! Start out with their free trial to see why it’s one of the best subscription-based services currently on offer. I promise you won’t be disappointed with what you find!

Go To Illumeo

FAQs

Still, have some concerns about Illumeo? I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions below to help you decide. Check it out: