Can I Get CPE for That? for Members Not in Public Practice, the Options for CPE Are as Diverse as the Members Themselves
How can you get continuing professional education credits if your employer won't allow time off for class attendance? Can you receive CPE for teaching a course? How do the new American Institute of CPAs CPE rules compare with government "yellow book" requirements? The new AICPA requirements on CPE went into effect on January 1, 1990, and many members -- particularly those in industry, government and education -- have questions about what they mean for them. Even those what they mean for requirements may not be sure how they apply to the varied professional needs of members not in public practice. When an AICPA task force decided to survey those not in public practice about their CPE priorities, they received useful feedback on how these members keep current and improve their skills. But along with the survey responses came many questions about what qualifies under the new requirement. This article answers some of those questions and offers ideas on how members can best enhance their professional competence through CPE. The questions are organized based on their interest to members in industry, government or education, and each section begins with a profile of members in these fields. MEMBERS IN INDUSTRY Member profile: Percentage licensed to practice: Of those surveyed, 60% are licensed to practice public accounting in their states. Preferred subject areas: The most important CPE subject areas for industry members are specialized financial areas of industry, accounting, specific industry sectors and finance as well as current business issues. Preferred type of course: Industry members are most likely to take one-day seminars sponsored by state CPA societies. Industry members represent a diverse group, ranging from chief executive officers to staff members and work in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, finance, serice and wholesale and retail trade. Industry members surveyed are interested in learning about the unique problems affecting their industries. They want to know about special requirements they or their businesses must meet, about problems in managing and financing companies and about specific regulatory issues. Q Will courses related to a specific industry qualify under the new requirements? A Yes. AICPA members have wide latitude in selecting CPE suitable to their professional activities. Traditional subject areas such as accounting, auditing and taxation qualify for CPE, but so do programs that contribute to the development and maintenance of a wide variety of other professional skills. Examples include communication, ethics, quantitative methods, behavioral sciences, statistics, management and programs related to specific jobs. Members should remember that while the AICPA is accepting a very wide latitude of subject areas, many of these subjects may not meet state requirements. Some states also may require minimum hours of accounting and auditing CPE. Since state licensing authority and state CPA society requirements may differ from the Institute's all members should consult their state boards of accountancy or societies. Q I work in the fashion industry. My employer wants me to attend a conference sponsored by a professional association of fashion executives. A fellow CPA in my company's marketing department wants to attend a marketing seminar. Will either qualify for CPE? A Yes. Members can select programs suitable to their professional activities because they contribute to a member's professional competence and are formal programs of learning as defined by the AICPA Statement of Standards for Formal Group and Formal Self-Study Programs. CPAs will find many associations offer conferences and seminars. Employers often are very supportive of opportunities to gain industry expertise. Q I'm completing courses for an MBA. One of my colleagues is attending law school. …