CPA Observation Post

NASBA, AICPA Approve Revised CPE Standards (via @AccountingToday)

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of CPAs have both given their final approval to a revised set of standards for providers of continuing professional education programs for accountants. Read More>>

IRS Announces Standards for Continuing Education Providers and Accrediting Organizations

The Internal Revenue Service today announced the standards to become an IRS-approved Continuing Education (CE) Provider and the requirements to become an IRS CE Accrediting organization.  The guidance paves the way for the implementation of new CE requirements for certain tax return preparers starting next year. Read More>>

AICPA asks IRS not to require pre-approval of CE courses (via @AccountingToday)

The AICPA submitted a letter to the Internal Revenue Service requesting that it not require pre-approval of continuing education courses for tax preparers from accredited continuing education providers. "We believe that by not mandating a course-by-course pre-approval process, the IRS will ensure that continuing education courses are timely and that the ultimate system for monitoring course quality will allow the IRS to effectively manage its limited resources," AICPA Tax Executive Committee chair Patricia Thompson wrote. Read More>>

NASBA, AICPA Propose Changes in CPE Standards

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the AICPA have proposed revising continuing professional education standards, calling for the first update since 2002. The proposed changes lay the groundwork for future developments in outcome-based learning. More immediately, they would introduce changes such as flexibility with online learning and self-study programs. Read More>>