No. 27019 (Amendment): R156-26a-303b. Renewal and Reinstatement Requirements - Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

DAR File No.: 27019
Filed: 03/29/2004, 04:35
Received by: NL

 

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Division is deleting the maximum portion of continuing education that can be obtained by self study. Since the implementation of amendments to this rule became effective in January 2004, the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA) has received a tremendous amount of comments regarding this limitation. Many comments stated they believe the self-study courses are just as effective if not more effective than seminar type courses, because a test is required at the end of the course. Testing is not required for live seminars. The self-study courses are important to some certified public accountants (CPAs) because of the convenience to schedule and can be completed without taking trips to seminar sites. This is particularly important to CPAs in more rural areas.

 

Summary of the rule or change:

In Subsection R156-26A-303b(3)(m)(iii), the maximum credit for self-study learning activities is being deleted.

 

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 58-26a-101, and Subsections 58-1-106(1)(a) and 58-1-202(1)(a)

 

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Division will incur minimal costs, of approximately $75, to reprint the rule once the proposed amendment is made effective. Any costs incurred will be absorbed in the Division's current budget. There may be some indirect savings with respect to continuing professional education costs for CPAs employed by the state if the state pays for some of the continuing professional education costs for those CPAs.

 

local governments:

The proposed amendment does not apply to local governments. However, there may be some indirect savings with respect to continuing professional education costs for CPAs employed by local governments if the local government pays for some of the continuing professional education costs for those CPAs.

 

other persons:

Licensed CPAs: As a result of the proposed amendment, there will be no cost increase. It is difficult to estimate the amount of savings as a result of the proposed amendment. The costs of continuing professional education courses are not likely to be much different between a self-study course and a live seminar course but because of convenience of location, there would likely be savings on indirect costs of attending a seminar such as gas, hotel and time off if courses are offered out of town. The Division is unable to determine an aggregate amount of potential savings due to such a wide range of courses available and the costs for those courses.

 

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Licensed CPAs: As a result of the proposed amendment, there will be no cost increase. It is difficult to estimate the amount of savings as a result of the proposed amendment. The costs of continuing professional education courses are not likely to be much different between a self-study course and a live seminar course but because of convenience of location, there would likely be savings on indirect costs of attending a seminar such as gas, hotel, and time off if courses are offered out of town.

 

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule change removes the provision that placed a cap on the allowable number of self-study continuing professional education (CPE) courses. The amendment resulted from comments received from the regulated industry. There appears to be no fiscal impact to businesses as a result of this rule change, although there may be savings to regulated CPAs. Klarice A. Bachman, Executive Director

 

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Occupational and Professional Licensing
HEBER M WELLS BLDG
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84111-2316

 

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Dan S. Jones at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6720, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

 

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

05/17/2004

 

Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:

5/05/2004 at 1:00 PM, 160 East 300 South, Conference Room 428 (Fourth floor), Salt Lake City, UT

 

This rule may become effective on:

05/18/2004

 

Authorized by:

J. Craig Jackson, Director

 

 

RULE TEXT

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing.

R156-26a. Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act Rules.

R156-26a-303b. Renewal and Reinstatement Requirements - Continuing Professional Education (CPE).

(1) All CPAs are required to maintain current knowledge, skills, and abilities in all areas in which they provide services in order to provide services in a competent manner. To maintain or to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities to competently provide services, a CPA may be required to obtain CPE above and beyond the 80 minimum CPE credits specified in Section 58-26a-304.

(a) The following standards have been broadly stated in recognition of the diversity of practice and experience among CPAs. They establish a framework for the development, presentation, measurement, and reporting of CPE programs and thereby help to ensure that CPAs maintain the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to competently provide services and to enable to the CPA to provide evidence of meeting the minimum CPE requirements specified under these rules.

(2) General Standards for CPAs.

(a) Standard No. 1. All CPAs must participate in CPE learning activities that maintain and/or improve their professional competence. This CPE must include a minimum of 80 hours of CPE in each two-year period as specified in Subsection 58-26a-304(1).

(i) The term "must", as used in these standards, means departure from those specific standards is not permitted. The term "should", as used in these standards, means that CPAs and CPE program sponsors are expected to follow such standards as written and are required to justify any departures from such standards when unusual circumstances warrant such departures.

(ii) Selection of CPE learning activities should be a thoughtful, reflective process addressing the individual CPA's current and future professional plans, current knowledge and skills level, and desired or needed additional competence to meet future opportunities and/or professional responsibilities.

(iii) A CPA's field of employment does not limit the need for CPE. CPAs performing professional services need to have a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Thus, the concept of professional competence should be interpreted broadly. Accordingly, acceptable continuing education encompasses programs contributing to the development and maintenance of both technical and non-technical professional skills.

(iv) Acceptable CPE subjects include accounting, assurance/auditing, consulting services, specialized knowledge and applications, management, taxation, and ethics. Other subjects, including personal development, may also be acceptable if they maintain and/or improve the CPA's professional competence. Such subjects may include, but are not limited to: accounting and auditing, taxation, management advisory services, information technology, communication arts, mathematics, statistics, probability and quantitative analysis, economics, business law and litigation support, functional fields of business such as finance, production, marketing, personnel relations, development and management, business management and organizations, social environment of business, and specialized areas of industry such as film industry, real estate, or farming.

(v) To help guide their professional development, CPAs may find it useful to develop a learning plan. The learning plan can be used to evaluate learning and professional competence development.

(A) A learning plan means a structured process that helps guide CPAs in their professional development. A learning plan is used to evaluate and document learning and professional competence development. A learning plan should be reviewed regularly and modified as a CPA's professional competence needs change. A learning plan should include:

(I) a self-assessment of the gap between current and needed knowledge, skills, and abilities;

(II) a set of learning objectives arising from this assessment; and

(III) learning activities to be undertaken to fulfill the learning plan.

(b) Standard No 2. CPAs should comply with all applicable CPE requirements and should claim CPE credit only for CPE programs when the CPE program sponsors have complied with the Standards for CPE Program Presentation (Nos. 8 - 11) and Standard for CPE Program Reporting No. 17.

(i) In addition to minimum CPE requirements specified in these rules, CPAs are responsible for compliance with all applicable CPE requirements, rules, and regulations of other state licensing bodies, other governmental entities and other professional organizations or bodies who have standard setting authority. CPAs should contact each appropriate entity to which they report to determine its specific requirements or any exceptions it may have to the standards presented herein.

(ii) Periodically, CPAs may participate in learning activities which do not comply with all applicable CPE requirements, for example specialized industry programs offered through industry sponsors. If CPAs propose to claim credit for such learning activities, they should retain all relevant information regarding the program to provide documentation to the Division, other state licensing bodies, and/or all other professional organizations or bodies showing that the learning activity is equivalent to one which meets all these or other applicable Standards.

(c) Standard No. 3. CPAs are responsible for accurate reporting of CPE credits earned and should retain appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities, including: name and contact information of CPE program sponsor, title and description of content, date of program, location and number of CPE credits, all of which should be included in documentation provided by the CPE program sponsor.

(i) Although CPAs are required to document a minimum level of CPE hours, through periodic reporting of CPE, the objective of CPE must always be maintenance/enhancement of professional competence, not just attainment of minimum credits.

(ii) Compliance with regulatory and other requirements mandates that CPAs keep documentation of their participation in activities designed to maintain and/or improve professional competence. In the absence of legal or other requirements for longer retention, a CPA must retain documentation for a minimum of five years from the end of the year in which the learning activities were completed.

(iii) Participants must document their claims of CPE credit. Examples of acceptable evidence of completion include:

(A) For group and independent study programs, a certificate or other verification supplied by the CPE program sponsor.

(B) For self-study programs, a certificate supplied by the CPE program sponsor after satisfactory completion of an examination.

(C) For instruction credit, a certificate or other verification supplied by the CPE program sponsor.

(D) For a university or college course that is successfully completed for credit, a record or transcript of the grade the participant received.

(E) For university or college non-credit courses, a certificate of attendance issued by a representative of the university or college.

(F) For published articles, books, or CPE programs, (1) a copy of the publication (or in the case of a CPE program, course development documentation) that names the writer as author or contributor, (2) a statement from the writer supporting the number of CPE hours claimed, and (3) the name and contact information of the independent reviewer or publisher.

(d) Standard No. 4. CPAs who complete sponsored learning activities that maintain or improve their professional competence should claim the CPE credits recommended by CPE program sponsors.

(i) CPAs may participate in a variety of sponsored learning activities, such as workshops, seminars and conferences, self-study courses, Internet-based programs, and independent study. While CPE program sponsors determine credits, CPAs should claim credit only for activities through which they maintained or improved their professional competence. CPAs who participate in only part of a program should claim CPE credit only for the portion they attended or completed.

(ii) In order to qualify as CPE, an Internet-based program must qualify as a group program as provided in Subsection R156-26a-303b(3)(b)(i) or as a self-study program as provided in Subsection R156-26a-303b(3)(g).

(e) Standard No. 5. CPAs may engage in independent study under the direction of a CPE program sponsor who has met the applicable standards for CPE program sponsors when the subject matter and level of study maintain or improve their professional competence.

(i) Independent study is an educational process designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject under the guidance of a CPE program sponsor one-on-one. Participants in an independent study program should:

(A) Enter into a written learning contract with a CPE program sponsor who must comply with the applicable standards for CPE program sponsors.

(B) Accept the written recommendation of the CPE program sponsor as to the number of credits to be earned upon successful completion of the proposed learning activities. CPE credits will be awarded only if:

(I) all the requirements of the independent study as outlined in the learning contract are met;

(II) the CPE program sponsor reviews and signs the participant's report;

(III) the CPE program sponsor reports to the participant the actual credits earned; and

(IV) the CPE program sponsor provides the participant with contact information.

(ii) The credits to be recommended by an independent study CPE program sponsor should be agreed upon in advance and should be equated to the effort expended to improve professional competence. The credits cannot exceed the time devoted to the learning activities and may be less than the actual time involved.

(iii) Retain the necessary documentation to satisfy regulatory requirements as to the content, inputs, and outcomes of the independent study.

(iv) Complete the program of independent study in 15 weeks or less.

(3) Standards for CPE Program Sponsors (Standard 1), Standards for CPE Program Development(Standards 2-7), Standards for CPE Program Presentation (Standards 8-11), Standards for Program Measurement (Standards 12-16), and Standards for CPE Program Reporting (Standards 17-18). "CPE sponsor", as used herein, means the individual or organization responsible for setting learning objectives, developing the program materials to achieve such objectives, offering a program to participants, and maintaining the documentation required by these standards. The term "CPE program sponsor" may include associations of CPAs, whether formal or informal, as well as employers who offer in-house programs.

(a) Standard No. 1. CPE program sponsors are responsible for compliance with all applicable standards and other CPE requirements.

(i) In addition to the minimum requirements under these rules, CPE program sponsors may have to meet specific CPE requirements of other state licensing bodies, other governmental entities, and/or other professional organizations or bodies. CPE program sponsors should contact the appropriate entity to determine requirements.

(b) Standard No. 2. Sponsored learning activities must be based on relevant learning objectives and outcomes that clearly articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be achieved by participants in the learning activities.

(i) Learning activities, meaning an educational endeavor that improves or maintains professional competence, provided by CPE program sponsors for the benefit of CPAs, should specify the level, content, and learning objectives so that potential participants can determine if the learning activities are appropriate to their professional competence development needs. Learning activity levels include, for example, basic, intermediate, advanced, update, and overview as defined as follows:

(A) Advanced. Learning activity level most useful for individuals with mastery of the particular topic. This level focuses on the development of in-depth knowledge, a variety of skills, or a broader range of applications. Advanced level programs are often appropriate for seasoned professionals within organizations; however, they may also be beneficial for other professionals with specialized knowledge in a subject area.

(B) Basic. Learning activity level most beneficial to CPAs new to a skill or an attribute. These individuals are often at the staff or entry level in organizations, although such programs may also benefit a seasoned professional with limited exposure to the area.

(C) Intermediate. Learning activity level that builds on a basic program, most appropriate for CPAs with detailed knowledge in an area. Such persons are often at a mid-level within the organization, with operational and/or supervisory responsibilities.

(D) Overview. Learning activity level that provides a general review of a subject area from a broad perspective. These programs may be appropriate for professionals at all organizational levels.

(E) Update. Learning activity level that provides a general review of new developments. This level is for participants with a background in the subject area who desire to keep current.

(c) Standard No. 3. CPE program sponsors should develop and execute learning activities in a manner consistent with the prerequisite education, experience, and/or advance preparation of participants.

(i) To the extent it is possible to do so, CPE program sponsors should make every attempt to equate program content and level with the backgrounds of intended participants. All programs must clearly identify prerequisite education, experience, and/or advance preparation, if any, in precise language so that potential participants can readily ascertain whether they qualify for the program.

(d) Standard No. 4. CPE program sponsors must use activities, materials, and delivery systems that are current, technically accurate, and effectively designed, and include discussions of ethical issues that may apply to the subject matter. CPE program sponsors must be qualified in the subject matter.

(i) To best facilitate the learning process, sponsored programs and materials must be prepared, presented and updated in a timely manner. Learning activities must be developed by individuals or teams having expertise in the subject matter. Expertise may be demonstrated through practical experience or education.

(ii) CPE program sponsors must review the course materials periodically to ensure that they are accurate and consistent with currently accepted standards relating to the program's subject matter.

(e) Standard No. 5. CPE program sponsors of group and self-study programs must ensure learning activities are reviewed by qualified persons other than those who developed them to ensure that the program is technically accurate and current and addresses the stated learning objectives. These reviews must occur before the first presentation of these materials and again after each significant revision of the CPE programs.

(i) Individuals or teams qualified in the subject matter must review programs. When it is impractical to review certain programs in advance, such as lectures given only once, greater reliance should be placed on the recognized professional competence of the instructors or presenters. Using independent reviewing organizations familiar with these standards may enhance quality assurance.

(f) Standard No. 6. CPE program sponsors of independent study learning activities must be qualified in the subject matter.

(i) A CPE program sponsor of independent study learning activities must have expertise in the specific subject area related to the independent study. The CPE program sponsor must also:

(A) Review, evaluate, approve and sign the proposed independent study learning contract, including agreeing in advance on the number of credits to be recommended upon successful completion.

(B) Review and sign the written report developed by the participant in independent study.

(C) Retain the necessary documentation to satisfy regulatory requirements as to the content, inputs, and outcomes of the independent study.

(g) Standard No. 7. Self-study programs must employ learning methodologies that clearly define learning objectives, guide the participant through the learning process, and provide evidence of a participant's satisfactory completion of the program.

(i) To guide participants through a learning process, CPE program sponsors of self-study programs must elicit participant responses to test for understanding of the material, offer evaluative feedback to incorrect responses, and provide reinforcement feedback to correct responses. To provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the course, CPE program sponsors of self-study programs must require participants to successfully complete a final examination with a minimum-passing grade of at least 70 percent before issuing CPE credit for the course.

(A) Evaluative feedback, as used in this subsection, means: specific response to incorrect answers to questions in self-study programs. Unique feedback must be provided for each incorrect response, as each one is likely to be wrong for differing reasons.

(B) Reinforcement feedback, as used in this subsection, means: specific responses to correct answers to questions in self-study programs. Such feedback restates why the answer selected was correct.

(ii) Examinations may contain questions of varying format (for example, multiple-choice, essay and simulations.) If objective type questions are used, at least five questions per CPE credit must be included on the final examination. For example, the final examination for a five-credit course must include at least 25 questions.

(iii) Self-study programs must be based on materials specifically developed for instructional use. Self-study programs requiring only the reading of general professional literature, IRS publications, or reference manuals followed by a test will not be acceptable. However, the use of the publications and reference materials in self-study programs as supplements to the instructional materials could qualify if the self-study program complies with each of the CPE standards.

(h) Standard No. 8. CPE program sponsors must provide descriptive materials that enable CPAs to assess the appropriateness of learning activities. To accomplish this, CPE program sponsors must inform participants in advance of: learning objectives, prerequisites, program level, program content, advance preparation, instructional delivery methods, recommended CPE credit, and course registration requirements. Instructional delivery methods, as used in this subsection, means: delivery strategies such as case studies, computer-assisted learning, lectures, group participation, programmed instruction, teleconferencing, use of audiovisual aids, or work groups employed in group, self-study, or independent study programs.

(i) For potential participants to effectively plan their CPE, the program sponsor should disclose the significant features of the program in advance (e.g., through the use of brochures, Internet notices, invitations, direct mail, or other announcements). When CPE programs are offered in conjunction with non-educational activities, or when several CPE programs are offered concurrently, participants should receive an appropriate schedule of events indicating those components that are recommended for CPE credit. The CPE program sponsor's registration policies and procedures should be formalized, published, and made available to participants.

(ii) CPE program sponsors should distribute program materials in a timely manner and encourage participants to complete any advance preparation requirements. All programs should clearly identify prerequisite education, experience, and/or advance preparation requirements, if any, in the descriptive materials. Prerequisites should be written in precise language so that potential participants can readily ascertain whether they qualify for the program.

(i) Standard No. 9. CPE program sponsors must ensure instructors are qualified with respect to both program content and instructional methods used.

(i) Instructors are key ingredients in the learning process for any group program. Therefore, it is imperative that CPE program sponsors exercise great care in selecting qualified instructors for all group programs. Qualified instructors are those who are capable, through training, education, or experience of communicating effectively and providing an environment conducive to learning. They should be competent and current in the subject matter, skilled in the use of the appropriate instructional methods and technology, and prepared in advance. As used in this subsection, Group Program means: An educational process designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject through interaction with an instructor and other participants either in a classroom or conference setting or by using the Internet.

(ii) CPE program sponsors should evaluate the instructor's performance at the conclusion of each program to determine the instructor's suitability to serve in the future.

(j) Standard No. 10. CPE program sponsors must employ an effective means for evaluating learning activity quality with respect to content and presentation, as well as provide a mechanism for participants to assess whether learning objectives were met.

(i) The objectives of evaluation are to assess participant satisfaction with specific programs and to increase subsequent program effectiveness. Evaluations, whether written or electronic, should be solicited from participants and instructors for each program session, including self-study, to determine, among other things, whether:

(A) Stated learning objectives were met.

(B) If applicable, prerequisite requirements were appropriate.

(C) Program materials were accurate.

(D) Program materials were relevant and contributed to the achievement of the learning objectives.

(E) Time allotted to the learning activity was appropriate.

(F) If applicable, individual instructors were effective.

(G) Facilities and/or technological equipment was appropriate.

(H) Handout or advance preparation materials were satisfactory.

(I) Audio and video materials were effective.

(ii) CPE program sponsors should periodically review evaluation results to assess program effectiveness and should inform developers and instructors of evaluation results.

(k) Standard No. 11. CPE program sponsors must ensure instructional methods employed are appropriate for the learning activities. Instructional methods means: delivery strategies such as case studies, computer-assisted learning, lectures, group participation, programmed instruction, teleconferencing, use of audiovisual aids, or work groups employed in group, self-study, or independent study programs. Learning activities should be presented in a manner consistent with the descriptive and technical materials provided.

(i) CPE program sponsors should evaluate the instructional methods employed for the learning activities to determine if the delivery is appropriate and effective. Integral aspects in the learning environment that should be carefully monitored include the number of participants and the facilities and technologies employed in the delivery of the learning activity.

(ii) CPE program sponsors are expected to present learning activities that comply with course descriptions and objectives. Appropriate supplemental materials may also be used.

(l) Standard No. 12. Sponsored learning activities are measured by program length, with one 50-minute period equal to one CPE credit. One-half CPE credit increments (equal to 25 minutes) are permitted after the first credit has been earned in a given learning activity.

(i) For learning activities in which individual segments are less than 50 minutes, the sum of the segments should be considered one total program. For example, five 30-minute presentations would equal 150 minutes and should be counted as three CPE credits.

(ii) When the total minutes of a sponsored learning activity are greater than 50, but not equally divisible by 50, the CPE credits granted should be rounded down to the nearest one-half credit. Thus, learning activities with segments totaling 140 minutes should be granted two and one-half CPE credits.

(iii) While it is the participant's responsibility to report the appropriate number of credits earned, CPE program sponsors must monitor group learning activities to assign the correct number of CPE credits.

(iv) For university or college credit courses that meet these CPE Standards, each unit of college credit shall equal the following CPE credits: semester system 15 credits; quarter system 10 credits.

(v) For university or college non-credit courses that meet these CPE standards, CPE credits shall be awarded only for the actual classroom time spent in the non-credit course.

(vi) Credit is not granted to participants for preparation time.

(vii) Only the portions of committee or staff meetings that are designed as programs of learning and comply with these standards qualify for CPE credit.

(m) Standard No. 13. CPE credit for self-study learning activities must be based on a pilot test of the average completion time.

(i) A sample of intended professional participants should be selected to test program materials in an environment and manner similar to that in which the program is to be presented. The sample group of at least three individuals must be independent of the program development group and possess the appropriate level of knowledge before taking the program.

(ii) The sample does not have to ensure statistical validity. CPE credits should be recommended based on the average completion time for the sample. If substantive changes are subsequently made to program materials, further pilot tests of the revised program materials should be conducted to affirm or amend, as appropriate, the average completion time.[

(iii) The maximum credit for self-study learning activities cannot exceed 25 percent of the CPE requirement.]

(n) Standard No. 14. Instructors or discussion leaders of learning activities should receive CPE credit for both their preparation and presentation time to the extent the activities maintain or improve their professional competence and meet the requirements of these CPE standards.

(i) Instructors, discussion leaders, or speakers who present a learning activity for the first time should receive CPE credit for actual preparation time up to two times the number of CPE credits to which participants would be entitled, in addition to the time for presentation. For example, for learning activities in which participants could receive 8 CPE credits, instructors may receive up to 24 CPE credits (16 for preparation plus 8 for presentation).

(ii) For repeat presentations, CPE credit can be claimed only if it can be demonstrated that the learning activity content was substantially changed and such change required significant additional study or research.

(iii) The maximum credit for instructors, discussion leaders or speakers cannot exceed 50 percent of the CPE requirement.

(o) Standard No. 15. Writers of published articles, books, or CPE programs should receive CPE credit for their research and writing time to the extent it maintains or improves their professional competence.

(i) Writing articles, books, or CPE programs for publication is a structured activity that involves a process of learning. For the writer to receive CPE credit, the article, book, or CPE program must be formally reviewed by an independent party. CPE credits should be claimed only upon publication.

(ii) The maximum credit for books or articles cannot exceed 25 percent of the CPE requirement.

(p) Standard No. 16. CPE credits recommended by a CPE program sponsor of independent study must not exceed the time the participant devoted to complete the learning activities specified in the learning contract.

(i) The credits to be recommended by an independent study CPE program sponsor should be agreed upon in advance and should be equated to the effort expended to improve professional competence. The credits cannot exceed the time devoted to the learning activities and may be less than the actual time involved.

(q) Standard No. 17. CPE program sponsors must provide program participants with documentation of their participation, which includes the following: CPE program sponsor name and contact information, participant's name, course title, course field of study, date offered or completed, if applicable, location, the name of the CPE registry issuing approval, and the approval number assigned to that program by the Registry, type of instructional/delivery method used, amount of CPE credit recommended, verification by CPE program sponsor representative.

(i) CPE program sponsors should provide participants with documentation to support their claims of CPE credit. Acceptable evidence of completion includes:

(A) For group and independent study programs, a certificate or other verification supplied by the CPE program sponsor.

(B) For self-study programs, a certificate supplied by the CPE program sponsor after satisfactory completion of an examination.

(C) For instruction credit, a certificate or other verification supplied by the CPE program sponsor.

(D) For a university or college course that is successfully completed for credit, a record or transcript of the grade the participant received.

(E) For university or college non-credit courses, a certificate of attendance issued by a representative of the university or college.

(F) For published articles, books, or CPE programs: (1) a copy of the publication (or in the case of a CPE program, course development documentation) that names the writer as author or contributor, (2) a statement from the writer supporting the number of CPE hours claimed, and (3) the name and contact information of the independent reviewer(s) or publisher.

(r) Standard No. 18. CPE program sponsors must retain adequate documentation for five years to support their compliance with these standards and the reports that may be required of participants.

(i) Evidence of compliance with responsibilities set forth under these Standards which is to be retained by CPE program sponsors includes, but is not limited to: records of participation, dates and locations, instructor names and credentials, number of CPE credits earned by participants, and results of program evaluations.

(ii) Information to be retained by developers includes copies of program materials, evidence that the program materials were developed and reviewed by qualified parties, and a record of how CPE credits were determined.

(iii) For CPE program sponsors offering self-study programs, appropriate pilot test records must be retained regarding the following:

(A) When the pilot test was conducted.

(B) The intended participant population.

(C) How the sample was determined.

(D) Names and profiles of sample participants.

(E) A summary of participants' actual completion time.

(4) Programs or Activities Which Do Not Qualify. The following activities do not satisfy the standards for programs of this section and are not eligible for satisfaction of CPE requirements:

(a) Personal study: personal study includes reading professional journals and publications, studying and researching matters such as tax code revisions, practicing software programs on a computer and watching video movies of a conference; and

(b) Committee meetings, dinner and luncheon meetings, firm meetings or other activities that do not meet the standards outlined in this section.

(5) Reporting Requirements. Each licensee applying for license renewal shall report, by January 31 of each even numbered year, demonstrating completion of at least the minimum number of credits required in Section 58-26a-304 for qualified continuing professional education hours completed for the preceding two calendar years. Each person applying for license reinstatement shall file a report at the time of application demonstrating completion of the CPE required under Subsection R156-26a-307.

(a) Such report shall be by means of one of the following:

(i) certification from an approved continuing professional education registry of the hours of qualified continuing education completed; or

(ii) a report to the Division for review and approval of continuing professional education.

(b) It is the responsibility of the applicant or licensee to demonstrate to the Division that the applicant or licensee successfully completed all CPE reported and meets the requirements of this section or that the CPE has been approved by an approved continuing professional education registry and that reported courses maintained or increased the professional competence of the applicant or licensee.

(6) Continuing Professional Education Registry. To obtain approval as a continuing professional education registry, an organization shall:

(a) be a professional association primarily consisting of individuals licensed as certified public accountants;

(b) be organized and in good standing according to the laws of the state;

(c) enter into a written agreement with the Division under which the organization agrees to:

(i) review and approve only those programs which meet the standards set forth under this section;

(ii) publish and disseminate to their members or other CPAs on request, listings of continuing professional education programs which meet the standards and are approved for qualified continuing professional education credit;

(iii) maintain accurate records of qualified continuing professional education completed by each of its registrants and provide each of its registrants with a certificate on a timely basis to permit the registrant to file that certificate with the registrant's application to the division for renewal or reinstatement of his license as a certified public accountant. The certificate shall contain the name of the instructor, the date of the program, location of the program, title of the program, the name of the sponsor, the name of the CPE registry issuing approval, and the approval number assigned to that program by the Registry, and the number of CPE hours granted; and

(iv) make records of approved of qualified continuing professional education programs and records of qualified continuing professional education completed by registrants available for audit by representatives of the division, the board or peer advisory committees of the board.

(7) Fees. A registry may charge a reasonable fee to registrants for services provided for approval of courses. Sponsors of approved courses may charge a lower fee to members of the sponsoring association for participation as a registrant than it charges to non-members of the association.

(8) Other CPE requirements and failure to complete CPE requirements.

(a) Interim Licensure CPE requirements. Those individuals who become licensed or certified between renewal periods shall be required to complete CPE based upon ten hours per calendar quarter for the remaining quarters of the reporting period.

(b) Carry Forward Provision. A licensee who completes more than 80 hours of CPE during the two year reporting period may carry forward up to 40 hours to the next succeeding reporting period.

(c) Failure to comply with CPE requirements.

(i) Failure to meet the 80 hour requirement. An individual holding a current Utah license who fails to complete the required 80 hours of CPE by the reporting deadline will not be allowed to renew their license unless they complete and report to the division at least 30 days prior to their expiration date two times the number of CPE hours the license holder was short for the reporting period (penalty hours). The penalty hours shall not be considered to satisfy in whole or part any of the CPE hours required for subsequent renewal of the license.

(ii) Non-Qualifying or Disqualified CPE hours. An individual who reports nonqualifying hours or who has hours disqualified by the Utah Board of Accountancy shall not be allowed to renew their license unless they complete and report to the division, within 60 days of receiving notification by the division of their shortage and the relevant penalty hours requirement under R156-26-303b(8)(c)(i).

(iii) Waiver for Medical Reasons. A licensee may request the board to waive the requirements or grant an extension for continuing professional education on the basis that the licensee was not able to complete the continuing professional education due to medical or related conditions confirmed by a qualified health care provider. Such medical confirmation shall include the beginning and ending dates during which the medical condition would have prevented the licensee from completing the continuing professional education, the extent of the medical condition and the effect that the medical condition had upon the ability of the licensee to continue to engage in the practice of accountancy. The board in determining whether the waiver is appropriate shall consider whether or not the licensee continued to be engaged in the practice of accountancy practice on a full or part time basis during the period specified by the medical confirmation. Granting a waiver of meeting the minimum CPE hours shall not be construed as a waiver of a CPA being required to provide services in a competent manner with current knowledge, skill and ability. When medical or other conditions prevent the CPA from providing services in a competent manner, the CPA shall refrain from providing such services.

 

KEY: accountants, licensing, peer review, continuing professional education

[January 6, ]2004

Notice of Continuation April 15, 2002

58-26a-101

58-1-106(1)(a)

58-1-202(1)(a)