OAR 801-040-0030: Programs that Qualify for CPE Credit

(1) Qualifying programs . In order to qualify for CPE credit under these rules, a CPE program must be a formal program of learning that contributes directly to the professional competence of the licensee. It is the obligation of each licensee to select a course of study that contributes to the licensee's professional competence in public accountancy. The licensee may take programs in a variety of topics that are relevant to their practice. (2) Program requirements . CPE programs must meet the following requirements to qualify for CPE credit: (a) An outline of the program is prepared in advance and preserved; (b) A record of attendance is maintained by the sponsor for a period of five (5) years and evidence of completion is provided to participating licensees; and (c) The program is conducted by a qualified instructor whose background, training, education or experience qualifies the person to teach or lead a discussion on the subject matter of the particular program. (3) Eligible programs. The following programs will qualify for CPE credit provided they also meet the requirements of section (2) of this rule: (a) Programs presented by national, state or local accounting organizations; (b) Programs offered by a firm to licensees; (c) Programs sponsored by organizations that provide professional educational programs on a regular basis; (d) Accredited university or college courses in technical subjects as stated in OAR 801-040-0040(2) are eligible for CPE credit at the rate of 15 CPE hours for each semester hour credit and 10 CPE hours for each quarter hour credit. University or college courses that do not earn college credit are eligible for one CPE hour for each classroom hour of learning; (e) Distance learning programs offered by a regionally accredited university or college are eligible for CPE credit as described in subsection (3)(d), without meeting the requirement of NASBA National CPE Registry approval described in section (4) of this rule. (f) Other programs may qualify for CPE credit if the program meets the requirements of section 2 of this rule. (4) Individual study programs (self-study) . Correspondence courses or other individual study programs do not qualify for CPE credit unless the CPE sponsor is approved by the NASBA National CPE Registry. The sponsor registry number must be identified. (5 ) Blended Learning is an educational program incorporating different learning or instructional delivery methods, an educational program incorporating multiple learning formats such as lectures, discussion, guided practice, reading, games, cases studies, and simulation. (6) Nano-learning Program . Nano-learning program means a tutorial program designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject in a minimum 10 minute and less than 20 minute time frame through the use of electronic media and without interaction with a real-time instructor. (a) A nano-learning program differs from a self-study program in that it is typically focused on a single learning objective and is not paper-based. (b) A nano-learning program is not a group program. (c) Nano-learning is not a substitute for comprehensive programs addressing complex issues. (d) As evidence of satisfactory completion of the course, CPE program sponsors of nano-learning programs must require participants to successfully complete a qualified assessment with a passing grade of 100 percent before issuing CPE credit. (e) Assessments may contain questions of varying format. (f) Nano-learning credits must include a minimum of two questions. (g) True and False questions are not permissible on the qualified assessment. If the participant fails the qualified assessment, then the participant must re-take the nano-learning program. (h) The number of re-takes permitted a participant is at the sponsor’s discretion. (7) Programs not eligible for CPE credit . The following programs do not qualify for CPE credit: (a) Courses taken to fulfill the requirements for licensure as a certified public accountant or public accountant; (b) Ethics courses that were taken to fulfill the Ethics exam requirement for licensure; and (c) CPA Exam Review.