HTML Editor - Full Version When must I submit a request for a Chapter CPE Session (1-3 CPE credits)?
Chapter programs of 1 to 3 credits are submitted at least four weeks prior to the program date. A Chapter CPE Session Request Form (Attachment A) must be submitted to the FAE’s Virtual Learning Coordinator for review and approval. A course may not be promoted to the membership until it has been approved for CPE credit and assigned a course code number. Please note: A copy of the speaker bio and the program outline should be submitted along with the form.
Where can I find the Chapter CPE Session Request Form?
The Chapter CPE Session Request Form can be found on the NYSSCPA website. It is located on the Chapter homepage, or you may contact your Chapter Relations Manager or FAE at fae@nysscpa.org.
Can I post a save-the-date for a CPE course on the Chapter website before receiving a course code?
No, the program must be officially scheduled and approved by the FAE before the program can be advertised to the membership and general public. This includes the Chapter newsletters, website, and mailers.
What documents are provided for the administration of a CPE course?
The following documents are sent by e-mail to the sponsoring committee prior to the course. These documents should be completed and returned to the FAE’s Virtual Learning Coordinator no later than two weeks following the presentation of the program:
- Roster/Sign-in Sheet
- Technical Review Form
When and what documents should I return to the Society after the program?
You should return the following documents no later the 2 weeks after the program date: the Roster/Sign-in Sheet, the Technical Review Form, and the evaluations. Additionally, the Chapter should also submit a copy of the presentation materials.
Who signs the Technical Review Form?
For programs under 3 CPE credits, the technical review may be conducted by a Chapter representative who holds active CPA license and has expertise in the subject area and who is someone other than the preparer. The form is signed by the reviewer. If there is no one in the Chapter with sufficient expertise in the subject, the material should be sent to the FAE’s Virtual Learning Coordinator to arrange a review, prior to the program.
What are the financial aspects of Chapter CPE Sessions (1-3 CPE credits)?
FAE will process and record all the financial transactions for each program. The program is then reconciled, and all outstanding invoices are paid. The share of profits, if any, are then issued to the Chapter as per the following terms:
- Chapters will receive all profits from the live in-person CPE sessions.
- If the chapter’s live in-person CPE event is also live virtually via webcast. The chapter will receive all profits from the live in-person portion of the event, while FAE will retain the profits from the virtual live webcast.
- If the event is held virtual only via live webcast the profits will be split at 50/50 between the chapter and FAE.
How do participants receive the program evaluation survey and CPE certificates?
After the program roster has been returned and reconciled, the participants will receive an e-mail instructing them to complete the program survey and download their certificates, which are posted in their account.
What if a person is not a NYSSCPA member—can they still download their certificate?
Yes, an account is created for everyone who registers with us. All records pertaining to their purchases are kept in their account, including CPE certificates and posted course materials. Program certificates can be found by clicking on the past registration tab in the CPE store. Anyone needing assistance in retrieving his or her certificate can contact Member Services at 800-537-3635.
Can the Chapter use a different evaluation form from the one supplied by FAE?
No, the FAE evaluations are specially designed to capture the information that FAE needs to effectively evaluate its programming.
Who is responsible for delivering Chapter CPE information to FAE?
The Chapter CPE liaison/coordinator or committee representative should forward this information to the FAE’s Virtual Learning Coordinator. Permanent records of all Chapter CPE programs will maintained at the Society’s office as required by the New York State Board for Public Accountancy.
Can a Chapter co-sponsor CPE with any other organization?
No, FAE reserves the right to be the sole CPE sponsor for all programs produced by its Chapters. All CPE given at a Chapter function must be administrated under FAE’s sponsor number.
Why is FAE so concerned about how the term “sponsor” is used in relation to their programs?
FAE is committed to providing Society members with the highest-quality education content and instructors at all educational events. The FAE’s Board of Trustees has determined that the best way to meet this guarantee is to have sole control over CPE compliance issues; to this end, FAE reserves the right to be the sole sponsor of all its programs.
Under what circumstance can a Chapter obtain a sponsor for its programs?
The Chapter may obtain a sponsor for any portion of the program that is not CPE related—for example, the meal or the hall rental. In addition, all advertisements or signage referring to the sponsor should state that they are a contributor to or host of that portion of the program only.
Are Chapter CPE programs tax-exempt?
CPE courses administered by FAE are exempt from the sales tax. A certificate can be obtained from the FAE’s Virtual Learning Coordinator.
Can the Chapter keep the profits from CPE events?
All profits from CPE events must be spent on budgeted Chapter programs within that fiscal year. However, in order to have new initiatives considered, the Chapter must file a budget amendment with the NYSSCPA comptroller, and the program must meet NYSSCPA strategic goals. Please contact your Chapter Relations Manager for further information.
What is the difference between the following options offered by FAE?
• $1,600 Basic Services Package
• $5,500 Premium Services Package
| SERVICE | FAE | CHAPTER |
| Program Development (Instructors/Content) | | √ |
| Program Quality Control Review | √ | |
| Facility Selection/Negotiations | | √ |
| Event Set-up | √ | |
| Marketing/Promotion | | √ |
| On-site Registrations (Sign-in Sheets/Roster), Transfers, Cancellations | | √ |
| Program Materials/Manual | | √ |
| Onsite Event Management | | √ |
| Attendance Reconciliation | √ | |
| Maintain CPE Compliance/Records | √ | |
Premium Fee - $5,500
| SERVICE | FAE | CHAPTER |
| Program Development (Instructors/Content) | √ | |
| Program Quality Control Review | √ | |
| Facility Selection/Negotiations | √ | |
| Event Set-up | √ | |
| Marketing/Promotion | √ | |
| On-site Registrations (Sign-in Sheets/Roster), Transfers, Cancellations | √ | |
| Program Materials/Manual | √ | |
| Onsite Event Management | √ | |
| Attendance Reconciliation | √ | |
| Maintain CPE Compliance/Records | √ | |
Please note the following:
- All direct expenses associated with the services provided under Basic and Premium packages will be billed to the Chapter i.e., instructor, F&B, AV, etc;
- Any additional requests beyond this list of services will be quoted separately i.e. webcasting of event (AV staff, streaming platform).
How do I let FAE know which option I have chosen?
This is done by completing the Chapter Conference Request Form (Attachment B) for Chapter programs of 3 or more credits, indicating the title, the date you would like to hold the program, and which option you have selected.
How are the financial aspects of Chapter conferences handled?
FAE will process and record all the financial transactions for each program. The program is then reconciled, and all outstanding invoices are paid. The share of profits, if any, are then returned to the Chapter as per the following terms:
- Chapters will receive all profits from the live in-person conferences: FAE will apply the $1,600 or $5,500 administration fee.
- If the chapter’s live in-person conference is selected by FAE to be live webcast. The chapter will receive all profits from the live in-person portion of the event, while FAE will take the profits from the webcast. FAE will waive the $1,600/$5,500 administration fee.
- Profits from conferences held only via virtual live-webcast will be split 50/50 between the chapter and FAE. FAE will waive the $1,600/$5,500 administration fee.
- If two or more chapters hold a joint conference only via virtual live-webcast, chapters will receive profits from members affiliated with their appropriate chapter with all non-member profits going to FAE.
- If the conference is held live in-person without a simultaneous-live-webcast by FAE, chapters will share costs of admin fees as well.
Profits from Chapter programs can only be used for preapproved budgeted expenses. However, the chapter can submit an amended budget to cover new programs developed during the fiscal year. Please note that a copy all bills, invoices, and sponsorship funds that the Chapter receives should be forwarded to FAE to assure proper documentation and tracking of all program expenses.
What materials must the Chapter supply to FAE after a conference?
The following materials should be returned to the FAE Conference Manager within one week of the conference:
• Roster/Sign-in Sheet
• A Copy of the Program Manual
• Speakers Bios
• Evaluations
• Discussion Leader Form
• A Copy of All Program Expenses
Chapter’s must use FAE’s online registration process, and be aware that the materials, evaluations, and course certificates will be distributed electronically.
How are CPE credit hours calculated? Is lunch included in the credit hours?
All programs are measured in terms of 50-minute contact hours. A 3-credit course will have 150 contact hours, a 4-hour CPE program will have 200 contact hours, and an 8-hour CPE program will have 400 contact hours. Q&A sessions, announcements, lunch, and breaks cannot be counted as contact hours.
How many credits is a discussion leader entitled to?
Discussion leaders or speakers who present a learning activity for the first time may receive CPE credit for actual preparation time up to 2 times the number of CPE credits to which participants would be entitled, in addition to the time for presentation, subject to regulations and maximums established by the boards of accountancy. For example, for learning activities in which participants could receive 8 CPE credits, instructors may receive up to 24 CPE credits (16 for preparation plus 8 for presentation). For repeat presentations, CPE credit can be claimed only if it can be demonstrated that the learning activity content was substantially changed, and such change required significant additional study or research.
How does the discussion leader obtain credits?
Speakers wishing to receive presentation credits for a Chapter’s 1- to 3-credit programs should contact the FAE’s Virtual Coordinator. For conferences of 4 and more CPE credits, contact person is the FAE’s Conference Manager.
It is the responsibility of the speaker to provide the required evidence that the program is presented for the first time or was substantially updated in the case of repeat presentations.
What are the qualifications of a Chapter CPE discussion leader?
Discussion leaders must meet the following requirements:
- Teaching/Speaking Experience
- Previous experience teaching or conducting formal presentations to CPAs
- Achieving satisfactory evaluation ratings as indicated by summary evaluation reports or personal reference checks
- Work Experience
- Assigned to positions involving high-level supervisory or management-level skills in the subject areas being taught
- Minimum of five years’ work experience (at all levels) in related subject areas
- Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree required and CPA or law degree preferred, depending on subject matter
- Advance educational achievement at the master’s level and beyond is preferred
Please note the following FAE guidelines:
- Chapters are prohibited from hiring and/or using outside professional CPE speakers or vendors.
- Chapters may contract with FAE for speakers.
What is the FAE policy on chapter CPE pricing?
1. Chapter will determine member pricing for any 1-3-hr live in-person program. FAE will set nonmember pricing per the following chart:
1-hr – Non-member price: Chapter determined member price + $50
2-hr – Non-member price: Chapter determined member price + $100
3-hr – Non-member price: Chapter determined member price + $100
2. Pricing for any 1-3-hr live webcast (virtual) CPE sessions will follow FAE committee tech-sessions pricing as set below:
1-hr – Member price: free / Non-member price: $50
2-hr – Member price: $25 / Non-member price: $125
3-hr – Member price: $50 / Non-member price: $150
3 Chapters will determine member pricing for any 4-8 hr live in-person conference. These programs will be subject to the $1,600 / $5,500 administration fee. FAE will determine a nonmember pricing by adding a $100 nonmember differential to the chapter's pricing set for members.
4. Pricing for 4-8 hr live webcast (virtual) conferences will be set per the FAE Conference Webcast Pricing. $1,600 / $5,500 administration fee will be waived for these programs.
4-hr - Members $149, nonmembers $249
8-hr - Members $299, nonmembers $399
How many CPE credits do I need to take each year?
Based on the new Accountancy Reform Law, the continuing professional education (CPE) reporting year has changed. Beginning January 1, 2009, the CPE reporting year will run from January 1 through December 31. During that period, you can choose to complete either 24 or 40 contact hours of acceptable formal continuing education completed from January 1st through December 31st of each calendar-year (24 if concentrated in one of the recognized subject areas or 40 if in any combination of recognized subject areas).
You are also required to complete 4 contact hours of acceptable professional ethics completed during every three calendar years. These 4 credits of ethics may be counted toward your 24 or 40 CPE credits in the calendar year that you actually complete the ethics course.
For more information, visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) website at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/cpace.htm
When do newly licensed CPAs begin taking continuing education?
Newly licensed NY State CPAs who were licensed before January 1, 2020 become subject to the continuing education requirements on the January 1st immediately following the last day of their initial registration period. The requirements apply to the first full calendar-year in their second registration period.
I am a CPA in Industry do I need to take CPE?
Yes, the new Accountancy Reform Law, signed by Gov. David A. Paterson on January 27, 2009, makes sweeping changes to the state’s regulations for the accounting profession, including requiring CPAs using their professional skills or competencies in private industry to complete CPE courses. The new law took effect on July 26, 2009. All New York-licensed CPAs and public accountants will need to register with the SED, unless they file a statement for inactive status declaring that they are not practicing public accountancy or using their CPA title. As a registered CPA, you must complete 40 hours of general studies or 24 hours of concentrated study in one recognized area of study during each calendar reporting year.
For more information, go to http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/cpalaw.htm and http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/part70.htm
I am licensed in New York State, but my registration is inactive. Do I need to complete continuing education before I can reactivate my registration and return to practice?
Yes. To reactivate your registration you will need to certify at a minimum that you completed 24 hours of acceptable CPE in the 12 month period immediately prior to the date you file to reactivate the registration. If you were practicing during the period while you were registered inactive, you may need to complete additional CPE. To return to practice complete Section 4 of the Registration Renewal Addendum http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/cparegrenewal.pdf
How many credits in ethics do I need to take in a year?
You are also required to complete 4 contact hours of acceptable professional ethics completed during every three calendar years. These 4 credits of ethics may be counted toward your 24 or 40 CPE credits in the calendar year that you actually complete the ethics course.
For more information, visit the New York State Education Department (NYSED) website at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/cpace.htm
Members who do not know their triennial registration period can find it on the NYSED Office of the Professions’ website at www.op.nysed.gov/opsearches.htm