Given the unprecedented nature of COVID-19 and the government-imposed business closures and social distancing, CPAs are now performing their responsibilities to clients in a virtual manner. These professionals continue to seek out relevant, quality education on a variety of technical and non-technical topics. Event facilities and travel restrictions have forced conferences to be cancelled and postponed, causing an increasing demand for virtual learning events.

The National Registry team has been receiving a constant stream of emails and calls from CPE providers looking for information and guidance regarding CPE requirements and the acceptance of CPE events that are changing due to COVID-19.

We have communicated with CPE providers that are approved on the National Registry for the Group Live delivery method only with a need to convert live training events to online presentations. We have communicated with CPE providers that are approved for the Group Internet Based delivery method that are seeking flexibility in adhering to the Standards during these special circumstances. We have provided details on specific requests and how the sponsor should document any deviations from the Standards.

We have received numerous inquiries from Boards of Accountancy, CPE providers and licensees about upcoming CPE reporting deadlines. After careful consideration and after consultation with the AICPA, NASBA recommended to Boards of Accountancy that have CPE reporting years ending on or before October 31, 2020, to consider offering a grace period for those licensees to meet their CPE requirements until October 31, 2020. This is NASBA’s recommendation; however, each Board of Accountancy has the final authority on the CPE requirements and requirements for licensure renewal.

We have reached out to State Boards of Accountancy (boards) to gather information and guidance regarding the CPE requirements and the acceptance of CPE events that are changing due to COVID-19.

We have accumulated all of our communications regarding COVID-19 as well as the responses from the boards and have posted that information on our website. https://www.nasbaregistry.org/impact-of-covid-19

If you have an event planned in the very near future and you have a concentration of CPA attendees in a particular state, we recommend that you reach out directly to that board for guidance. You may find the contact information for each of the State Boards of Accountancy at the following link: https://nasba.org/stateboards/

We understand the challenges you face as you navigate these difficult times and appreciate your patience as we try to assist you and the CPAs you serve. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Registry team. The most effective way to reach us during these times is by email at cpe@nasba.org.