The Registry’s Role in CPE Acceptance by Boards

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Author: Jessica Luttrull, Associate Director-National Registry and Technical Research
Posted: Nov. 6, 2023

The NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors plays a significant role in the acceptance of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses by state boards of accountancy in the United States. The primary role of the National Registry is to maintain a centralized list of CPE sponsors that meet the specific requirements of the Statement on Standards for CPE Programs (Standards), jointly issued between NASBA and the AICPA. This registry helps streamline the process of approving CPE courses for licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in various states. Here’s how it works: 

1. Standards and Requirements: NASBA sets requirements and uses the Standards as the framework that CPE sponsors must meet to become part of the National Registry. These Standards ensure that the CPE courses provided are of high quality, relevant and meet the needs of CPAs. 

2. Application and Review: CPE sponsors who wish to be included in the National Registry must apply and undergo a review process. NASBA assesses their educational materials, instructors and processes to determine if they meet the established criteria. 

3. Inclusion in the Registry: Once a CPE sponsor is approved for a specific instructional delivery method, they are listed in the NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors. This means that their courses are considered pre-approved in terms of meeting the CPE requirements for CPAs. 

4. Acceptance by State Boards: State boards of accountancy often rely on the National Registry when evaluating whether to accept CPE courses for CPA license renewal. If a CPE course is offered by a sponsor listed in the National Registry, it is more likely to be accepted by the state board. 

5. Reporting and Compliance: CPE sponsors in the National Registry must adhere to specific reporting and compliance requirements. They must maintain records of attendees, monitor participation and provide transcripts or certificates to CPAs who complete their courses. 

By providing this centralized registry, NASBA helps ensure that CPAs have access to high-quality and relevant CPE courses that meet the specific requirements of their state board. It also streamlines the administrative process for both CPE sponsors and state boards of accountancy. 

It’s important to note that while the National Registry of CPE Sponsors can facilitate the acceptance of CPE courses, individual state boards of accountancy may have their own additional requirements or specific criteria for CPE course approval. Therefore, CPAs should always check with their state board for the most up-to-date information on CPE requirements and accepted courses.