NASBA and AICPA Propose Revisions to CPE Standards

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) today issue proposed revisions to the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs (Standards) for public comment. Published jointly by NASBA and the AICPA, the Standards provide a framework for the development, presentation, measurement and reporting of CPE programs.

Last revised in 2012, among the most significant of the proposed revisions is the addition of nano-learning and blended learning, two new delivery methods for continuing professional education programs. The proposed Standards also require CPE providers to maintain the license information and status of CPA, tax attorney and/or enrolled agent used in the development of accounting, auditing and tax programs. Additionally, the program descriptive materials must now be maintained for all programs, regardless of the field of study classification.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the hard work of the CPE Committee and CPE Working Group on this endeavor and the additive approach taken to these revisions,” said Maria Caldwell, Esq., NASBA’s chief legal officer and director of compliance services. “The currently available delivery methods have remained, but the new nano-learning and blended learning delivery methods reflect the need for learning that is more personalized and on demand. More and more students and professionals are learning this way and expect continuing professional education to keep pace. We believe the changes included in these revised Standards will help keep CPE relevant and meaningful to CPAs,” Caldwell continued.

“The proposed revisions to the CPE Standards will continue to expand and enhance the opportunities available to CPAs and underscore the profession’s commitment to lifelong learning,” said Clar Rosso, AICPA vice president of member learning and competency. “The new learning options are in line with the findings of the AICPA’s Future of Learning Task Force and reflect the realities of the shifting workplace dynamics. We encourage all stakeholders to review the updated Standards and provide their feedback.”

Review of the 2012 Standards began in April 2014. The proposed revisions are the outcome of extensive reviews and evaluations of the Standards by the CPE Standards Working Group and the Joint AICPA/NASBA CPE Standards Committee. The Board of Directors of both NASBA and the AICPA approved the proposed revisions for exposure draft during their April 2015 meetings.