Frequently Asked Questions: CPE

Expand all Collapse all

• How many hours must I complete in a calendar year?

  North Carolina CPAs must take 40 hours of CPE between January 1 and December 31 each year to maintain their North Carolina certificate. Those 40 hours must include and two hours of group study or self-study in an ethics course.

• How is CPE credit calculated?

  CPE programs are measured by program length, with one 50-minute period being equal to one CPE credit. Participants must round down, not up.

  • Half-hour credits will be accepted for CPE after the first full hour of credit is earned. A half hour is equal to 25 minutes; a full hour is equal to 50 minutes.  
  • CPE self-study is limited to 32 hours per year and is computed on an hour-for-hour basis.  
  • As part of the annual CPE requirement, all active CPAs must complete two hours of ethics in a group study format or in a self-study format.  
  • Refer to the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners for questions regarding CPE regulations.

• Where can I find if a program sponsor is approved to offer CPE in North Carolina?

  Please visit the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners' website. 

• Have the rules regarding CPE changed?

  CPE rules change frequently. For the most up-to-date information, log onto the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners' website.

• How long must I retain my CPE records?

  CPE records must be retained for at least five years. NCACPA retains members’ records for all NCACPA courses for five years.

• How do I register for NCACPA-sponsored CPE events?

  We offer four convenient registration options:

  1. Register online at www.ncacpa.org.
  2. Mail your registration form, with payment (by check or credit card), to NCACPA, PO Box 80188, Raleigh, NC 27623-0188.
  3. Call the NCACPA’s Member Service Center at (800) 469-1352. 
  4. Fax your registration form and credit card information to (919) 378-2000.

• I want to take a self-study course. Is there a problem if I complete the work this year but do not send in my test until late December?

  Maybe. The sponsor’s certificate of completion is the only independent verification of the completion date for the self-study course. If the certificate of completion is dated in January, you cannot claim credit for the CPE for the previous calendar year.

• How and where do I register for self-study or CPE webcasts?

  Click here to learn more about webcasts and self-study offered by NCACPA.

• Why has NCACPA introduced the early bird pricing structure?

  It Pays to Plan—Increase Your CPE Value! As the price of everything from gas to groceries rises, NCACPA is committed to providing top-notch CPE at competitive rates. You’ve taken advantage of Early Bird pricing for conference programs for the past several years and based on member input, we’re offering Early Bird pricing for seminars!
  
  There is value in planning ahead! Take advantage of our consistent rates by registering early. Early Bird pricing is a win-win—it enables members to stretch their CPE dollars and the association to appropriately plan for facility space, materials, and food and beverage.
  
  Registration will remain open through the day of the program**; however an administrative rate will apply for those received within two weeks of the program.

  **Early Bird pricing does not apply to web-based programming.

• Where can I find more information about Webcasts, Webinars, and Self Study?

  Click here to view information about alternative programming.

• Is group viewing available for web-based programming?

  Yes you can view a webcast in a group setting. Click here to find out more about group viewing.

• If a NC licensee holds a CPA certificate and lives in a state with a less-than-annual ethics requirement, would they be in compliance with our annual requirement? (Example: 4 hours of ethics every 3 years.)

  Yes. If a CPA complies with the other state’s ethics requirement, they are in compliance with NC. Using the example above, by taking 4 hours of ethics, the CPA would be in compliance with both states for three years.

• Do I need my online password to browse NCACPA’s CPE offerings?

  No, you will only need your password when you actually begin the registration process for an event.

• Does NCACPA offer onsite CPE or customized training for firms?

  Yes. Please contact Marie Little at (800) 722-2836, Ext. 150 or mlittle@ncacpa.org.

• What CPE do you offer?

  NCACPA offers:

  • 16 conferences and over 500 seminars
  • Customized onsite training programs
  • Self-study programs
  • Webcasts and Webinars
  • Please check the CPE catalog for a complete listing of our CPE curriculum 

• How do I receive information about my online password?

  NCACPA members:
  The online registration system prompts you to enter the following:

  • Login = email address
  • Password = Member ID number
  • If you do not know your password, click on “forgot your password?”
  • Put in email address and click on “Go.”
  • An email will be sent to you.
  • If you do not have an email address, please contact the NCACPA Member Service Center at (800) 469-1352 for instructions.
    

  Non-members:
  If you have previously attended an NCACPA event, please contact the NCACPA’s Member Service Center at (800) 469-1352 for instructions and your password. Please do not create a new account.

• Guidance on GAGAS Requirements for Continuing Professional Education

  Visit the GAO's website.

• I have been put on a wait list for an upcoming class. What happens next?

  If a space becomes available, you will automatically be taken off the wait list and moved into the event. An email confirmation will be sent to notify you of this change.

• How do I know the status of an event in situations of inclement weather?

  Our Inclement Weather Line, (800) 722-2836, Ext. 122, is available 24 hours a day and will be updated with event information in the case of inclement weather. NCACPA will attempt to contact members in advance for cancellations or delays, when possible.

• How do I obtain my NCACPA CPE transcript?

  Both members and non-members may log onto the “My Membership” section, click on “My Account.” Login, then select “Print my NCACPA CPE Transcript History.” NCACPA courses taken during the current CPE reporting year will be available by January 31. Transcripts may not be accurate prior to this date and are subject to change.

• How much do I save on CPE with membership?

  Members of the association generally save $100 on every eight-hour program or more, and $50 on four-hour programs.

• What if I have a dietary requirement or special need?

  If you have special needs, indicate them on your registration form or call NCACPA at (800) 469-1352 one week prior to the program.

• What is the dress code?

  Our dress code is business casual. Meeting room temperatures are difficult to control. For your comfort, we recommend dressing in layers to accommodate typical variations in meeting room temperatures. 

• Do NCACPA programs qualify for other continuing education credits?

  For more information, visit this section of our website.

• Where can I find information about hotel accommodations close to my course?

  Visit the Hotel/Facility Information page in the CPE & Events section.

• Are you interested in carpooling?

  A participant list will be emailed to you prior to each course so that you can arrange carpooling.