What Does It Take to Become a CPE Sponsor?

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Author: Ashlee Baker, Manager, National Registry
Posted: Aug. 3, 2023

The National Registry of CPE Sponsors is a program offered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to recognize organizations or individuals who provide continuing professional education (CPE) programs in accordance with nationally recognized standards. Becoming a CPE Sponsor involves meeting specific criteria and going through an application process. Here are the general steps and requirements:

Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for membership on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, your organization must have offered at least one educational program in the past. The program does not have to have been offered for the CPA profession or awarded for CPE credit. The eligibility requirement is to ensure that companies have experience developing and presenting educational or training programs, either internally or externally.

Application Process: The first step to becoming a National Registry Sponsor is to submit an Interest Form indicating the delivery methods your organization plans to offer. The delivery methods include group live, group internet based, QAS self study, blended learning and nano learning. An email containing a link to the online initial application will be sent to the contact listed on the Interest Form.

The contact for your organization should review the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs and gather the required supporting documentation to submit as part of the initial application.

The application will require you to provide detailed information about your organization, content development and administrative policies, program materials, and for certain delivery methods, course access.

Course Review: NASBA will review one course in each delivery method you plan to offer to ensure the required standards for content, instructional design and delivery methods have been met.

Fees: There are fees associated with the application review process. Be sure to check the current fee structure on the NASBA website.

Agreement and Compliance: As an approved sponsor, you must sign an agreement with NASBA committing to comply with their rules and regulations for CPE programs.

Retention and Reporting: As a National Registry CPE Sponsor, you will be required to maintain records of participation of CPAs who complete your courses. CPAs are required to report CPE credit to the State Board of Accountancy in which they hold their license.

Renewal: CPE Sponsor status is usually valid for a certain period, after which you must apply for renewal, demonstrating your ongoing commitment to maintaining quality CPE programs.

To learn more about the National Registry of CPE Sponsors and the application process, visit https://www.nasbaregistry.org.