NASBA and AICPA Propose Changes to Continuing Professional Education Standards

What's Happening?

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) have released an exposure draft proposing revisions to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) standards. These proposed changes aim to address emerging learning methods, clarify credit-awarding mechanisms, and ensure that CPE remains relevant to the evolving needs of the accounting profession. The revisions are the result of collaborative efforts by the CPE Standards Working Group, NASBA's CPE Committee, and the Joint AICPA/NASBA CPE Standards Committee, with input from various stakeholders. The organizations are seeking public feedback on the draft, with the comment period set to close on December 16, 2025.

Why It's Important?

The proposed changes to CPE standards are significant as they reflect the need for the accounting profession to adapt to new learning technologies and delivery methods. By updating these standards, NASBA and AICPA aim to maintain the quality and integrity of CPE, which is crucial for CPAs to continue providing high-quality services. This initiative underscores the importance of lifelong learning in enhancing individual expertise and supporting resilient financial systems. The revisions could potentially impact how CPAs engage with ongoing education, ultimately influencing the broader accounting profession's ability to meet global financial challenges.

What's Next?

As the public comment period is open until December 16, 2025, stakeholders in the accounting profession are expected to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. This input will be crucial in finalizing the revisions to the CPE standards. Following the comment period, NASBA and AICPA will likely analyze the feedback and make necessary adjustments before implementing the new standards. The outcome of this process will determine how CPAs will engage with CPE in the future, potentially leading to more innovative and effective learning experiences.