R156-26a-303b. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

This section describes the qualified CPE requirements under Section 58-26a-304. (1) A CPA shall complete at least 80 hours of CPE during each two-year licensure cycle ending on December 31 of each even-numbered year, except that no CPE hours are required at the first renewal after initial licensure. (2) As part of a CPA's 80 hours of CPE, a CPA shall complete: (a) at least one hour that covers Title 58, Chapter 26a, the Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act, and Rule R156-26a, the Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act Rule; and (b) at least three hours of ethics education that covers at least one of the following areas: (i) the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct; (ii) case-based instruction focusing on real-life situational learning; (iii) ethical dilemmas faced by accounting professionals; or (iv) business ethics. (3) This subsection describes the duties of a CPA to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities. (a) A CPA shall maintain current knowledge, skills, and abilities in each area in which the CPA provides services to provide services in a competent manner. (b) A CPA may be required to obtain more than the 80 hours of CPE credits required under Section 58-26a-304 to meet the requirements of Subsection (3)(a). (4) A CPA licensed under this rule shall complete the 80 hours of CPE required under Subsection (2) through courses that meet the requirements of the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs, revised January 2024, that is published by AICPA and NASBA, which is incorporated by reference. (5) This subsection describes CPE reporting requirements to the Division. (a) The license renewal deadline and the CPE hours reporting period deadline shall be December 31 of each even-numbered year. (b) Except as otherwise authorized by the Division, a licensee shall enter each earned CPE hour into the CPE Audit Service for online reporting and auditing of CPE compliance. (c) A licensee applying for license renewal shall provide evidence to the Division that the licensee has met the CPE hours requirements under Section 58-26a-304 and this section. (d) At the time of application for reinstatement, an individual or firm applying for license reinstatement shall provide evidence to the Division that the individual or firm has met the CPE hour requirements under Section R156-26a-307. (e) If a licensee provides evidence to the Division that the licensee has met the CPE hour requirements under Section 58-26a-304 and this section and renews the license before December 31 of an even-numbered year, then any additional CPE hour completed by that licensee through the remainder of the even-numbered year may be reported and carried forward toward the next succeeding CPE reporting period subject to Subsection (6). (6) This subsection describes the carry forward provisions of the CPE program. (a) A licensee who completes more than the required hours of CPE during the reporting period may carry forward up to 40 hours to the next succeeding reporting period. (b) CPE hours obtained in the current reporting period and CPE hours carried forward from the previous reporting period shall qualify as general CPE hours only for the current reporting period. (7) This subsection describes the impact of a CPA to failing to comply with CPE requirements. (a) A licensee who fails to complete the required minimum CPE hours by the reporting deadline may not renew the license until the licensee completes the required CPE hours and reports the CPE hours to the Division. (b)(i) Under Subsection 58-26a-304(4), a licensee may request that the Division in collaboration with the Board waive the CPE hours requirements or grant an extension for CPE hours on the basis that the licensee was not able to complete the continuing professional education due to medical condition or a related condition confirmed in writing by a qualified health care provider. (ii) The qualified health care provider under Subsection (7)(b)(i) shall include the following in the written medical confirmation: (A) the beginning and ending dates during which the licensee's medical condition would have prevented the licensee from completing the CPE hours; (B) the extent of the licensee's medical condition; and (C) the effect that the licensee's medical condition had upon the ability of the licensee to continue to engage in the practice of accountancy; (iii) The Division in collaboration with the Board shall review the applicant's request for CPE waiver and shall consider whether the licensee continued to be engaged in the practice of accountancy on a full time or part time basis during the period specified by the medical confirmation under Subsections (7)(b)(i) and (ii). (iv) If the Division waives the minimum CPE hours for a licensee, the licensee shall still be required to provide services: (A) in a competent manner; and (B) with current knowledge, skill, and ability. (v) If a medical condition or another condition prevents a licensee from providing services that meet the requirements of Subsections (7)(b)(iv)(A) and (B), the CPA shall refrain from providing such services.