Online Continuing Professional Education for CPAs will likely become mainstream when the American Institute of CPAs begins offering over 150 one- and two-hour self study courses over the Web by the middle of next year.

Speaking at its annual meeting this week, AICPA President Barry Melancon announced several bold Internet initiatives for the Institute, including the fulfillment of a vision of a completely web-based profession in several years time. It will take time, money and strategic partners or investors to deliver what Melancon wants to develop in the near future.

On its CPE initiative, Melancon indicated a need for the AICPA to stop selling hard-copy CPE products, and shift its current $10 million/year CPE business to the Internet. Members will enjoy a greatly discounted bundled rate for CPE, expected to be around $95 per year per member for access to over 1200 hours of training. State societies will benefit from access to many of the Institute's group study products as well.