How Do Attendees Receive Certificates from Completing a CPE Program? 

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Author: Ashlee Baker, Manager, National Registry
Posted: April 22, 2024

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is an integral part of professional growth and development for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). CPE programs keep professionals updated with the latest trends, regulations and best practices across the industry. Ensuring that CPE credits are recognized by State Boards of Accountancy and fulfill licensure requirements hinges on the adherence to rules and regulations such as those outlined in the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (Standards). 

The CPA should verify that a learning activity is offering CPE credits with the CPE program sponsor before registering or attending and completing the learning activity. Many CPE program sponsors include that information in the course announcement or registration materials. 

CPE program sponsors are responsible for providing participants with documentation, be it electronic or paper-based, that issue CPE credits earned for a CPA’s successful completion of the learning activity based on meeting attendance criteria or attaining a passing grade on assessments as mandated by the Standards. This documentation should be promptly delivered to participants, ideally within 60 days following completion of the learning activity, to enable timely reporting of earned CPE credits.  

CPAs should participate in learning activities that maintain or improve their professional competence and must claim credit only for activities that meet that criterion. CPAs are responsible for accurately reporting the correct number of CPE credits earned to State Boards of Accountancy, along with retaining the appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities. CPAs should stay apprised of regulations set forth by their State Boards of Accountancy to ensure their CPE requirements are met.