DAR File No. 44081
This rule was published in the October 1, 2019, issue (Vol. 2019, No. 19) of the Utah State Bulletin.
Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing
Rule R156-26a
Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act Rule
Notice of Proposed Rule
(Amendment)
DAR File No.: 44081
Filed: 09/16/2019 04:01:54 PM
RULE ANALYSIS
Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:
The purpose of this rule filing is to make changes recommended by the Utah Board of Accountancy, which include adding definitions; clarifying education requirements for licensure; further defining the statutory change enacted by H.B. 159, passed in the 2019 General Session, that allows candidates to sit for the qualifying exams at 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours, clarifying other exam requirements; updating the previously adopted reference, Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews, to the December 2017 edition; adopting, by reference, the AICPA/NASBA Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE); further clarifying CPE reporting requirements; and making nonsubstantive technical changes throughout the rule to reorganize and renumber the rule for clarity.
Summary of the rule or change:
In Section R156-26a-102, the proposed amendments define CPA mobility, accepted university accreditations, and CPA-related acronyms which are used throughout the rule. In Section R156-26a-201, the proposed amendments update citations and make nonsubstantive formatting changes for clarity. In Section R156-26a-302a, the proposed amendments in this section delete current education language and insert language with an easier to understand format to clarify the education requirement. The proposed amendments also provide an additional educational pathway, with board approval of each individual case, for candidates who earn undergraduate degrees from universities without an accepted accreditation if they go on to earn a graduate degree from an accredited institution. In Section R156-26a-302b, the proposed amendment updates the reference to the 2007 Uniform Accountancy Act to the Eighth Edition, January 2018. In Section R156-26a-302c, the proposed amendment aligns this rule with the statutory change enacted by H.B. 159 (2019) which took effect May 14, 2019, allowing Utah CPA candidates to sit for the AICPA Uniform Accountancy Exam at 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours). This language defines what those hours must include for eligibility. New language also clarifies other exam requirements required for licensure. In Section R156-26a-303a, the proposed amendment updates the previously adopted reference, Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews, to the April 2019 edition. In Section R156-26a-303b, this proposed amendment deletes the current language outlining CPE standards and adopts, by reference, the AICPA/NASBA Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE). The proposed amendments also further clarify the CPE reporting requirements. Section R156-26a-305 is a new section that clarifies, defines, and establishes the mobility practice privilege included in Section 58-26a-305 regarding exemptions from licensure. In Section R156-26a-307, the proposed amendments make nonsubstantive formatting changes for clarity. In Section R156-26a-501, the proposed amendment updates the reference to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct to the August 31, 2016, edition.
Statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:
- Section 58-26a-101
- Subsection 58-1-106(1)(a)
- Subsection 58-1-202(1)(a)
This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:
- Updates AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, published by AICPA, 08/31/2016
- Adds AICPA/NASBA Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education, published by AICPA/NASBA, August 2016
- Updates AICPA Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews, published by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), 04/01/2019
- Updates Uniform Accountancy Act, published by National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), January 2018
Anticipated cost or savings to:
the state budget:
These proposed amendments are not expected to directly impact state government revenues or expenditures because the amendments only add new definitions, redefine and clarify the education requirements, clarify the requirements to comply with the statutory change for examination eligibility, adopt references pertinent to the CPA profession and clarify CPE reporting requirements. State government is not affected by this process. The amendments also make technical, nonsubstantive changes. However, these proposed amendments to Rule R156-26a will necessitate written notification to all licensees. Currently, there are approximately 5,400 CPA licensees and 695 CPA firms. At a printing/mailing cost of approximately $1 per licensee, this will be a one-time cost of $6,095. There will also be a minimal cost to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (Division) of approximately $75 to print and distribute the rule once the proposed amendments are made effective. Any indirect impacts cannot be estimated.
local governments:
These proposed amendments are not expected to impact local governments' revenues or expenditures because the amendments only add new definitions, redefine and clarify the education requirements, clarify the requirements to comply with the statutory change for examination eligibility, adopt references pertinent to the CPA profession and clarify CPE reporting requirements. Local governments are not affected by this process. The amendments also make technical, nonsubstantive changes.
small businesses:
These proposed amendments are expected to have no fiscal benefit or cost impact to small businesses. Small businesses that provide the services of certified public accountants (NAICS 541211 ? Offices of Certified Public Accountants) will not see an increase or a decrease in service costs as a result of these proposed amendments. The Division estimates that this could result in a fiscal neutrality for the approximately 682 small businesses (NAICS 541211 ? Offices of Certified Public Accountants) in the state of Utah. Any indirect impact cannot be estimated.
persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:
These proposed amendments are expected to have no fiscal benefit or cost impact to other persons utilizing the services of individuals who hold a license as a certified public accountant. Any indirect impact cannot be estimated.
Compliance costs for affected persons:
The proposed amendments are expected to have no fiscal benefit or cost impact to individuals licensed as a certified public accountant or certified public accounting firms. Any indirect impact cannot be estimated.
Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:
Small Businesses: The proposed amendments are expected to have no fiscal benefit or cost impact to small businesses. Small businesses that provide the services of certified public accountants (NAICS 541211 ? Offices of Certified Public Accountants) will not see an increase or a decrease in service costs as a result of these proposed amendments. The Division estimates that this could result in a fiscal neutrality for the approximately 682 small business (NAICS 541211 ? Offices of Certified Public Accountants) in the State of Utah. Any indirect impacts cannot be estimated. Non-Small Businesses: The proposed amendments have no fiscal impact to non-small business. Non-small businesses (NAICS 541211-Offices of Certified Public Accountants) will not see an increase or a decrease in service costs as a result of these proposed amendments. The Division estimates that this could result in a fiscal neutrality for the approximately 13 non-small businesses (NAICS 541-211-Offices of Certified Public Accountants) which employ more than 50 employees within the state of Utah. Any indirect impacts cannot be estimated.
Francine A. Giani, Executive Director
The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Office of Administrative Rules, or at:
CommerceOccupational and Professional Licensing
HEBER M WELLS BLDG
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-2316
Direct questions regarding this rule to:
- Robyn Barkdull at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6727, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at rbarkdull@utah.gov
Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:
10/31/2019
Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:
- 10/09/2019 01:30 PM, 160 East 300 South, Conference Room 402 (4th floor), Salt Lake City, Utah
This rule may become effective on:
11/07/2019
Authorized by:
Mark Steinagel, Director
RULE TEXT
Appendix 1: Regulatory Impact Summary Table*
Fiscal Costs |
FY 2020 |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
State Government |
$6,170 |
$0 |
$0 |
Local Government |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Small Businesses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Non-Small Businesses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Other Person |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Total Fiscal Costs: |
$6,170 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Benefits |
|
|
|
State Government |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Local Government |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Small Businesses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Non-Small Businesses |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Other Persons |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
Total Fiscal Benefits: |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
|
|
|
Net Fiscal Benefits: |
($6,170) |
$0 |
$0 |
*This table only includes fiscal impacts that could be measured. If there are inestimable fiscal impacts, they will not be included in this table. Inestimable impacts for State Government, Local Government, Small Businesses and Other Persons are described above. Inestimable impacts for Non-Small Businesses are described below.
Appendix 2: Regulatory Impact to Non-Small Businesses
These proposed amendments have no fiscal impact on non-small businesses. Non-small businesses (NAICS 541211-Offices of Certified Public Accountants) will not see an increase or a decrease in service costs as a result of these proposed amendments. The Division estimates that this could result in a fiscal neutrality for the approximately 13 non-small businesses (NAICS 541-211-Offices of Certified Public Accountants) which employ more than 50 employees within the state of Utah. Any indirect impact cannot be estimated.
The head of the Department of Commerce, Francine Giani, has reviewed and approved this fiscal analysis.
R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing.
R156-26a. Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act Rule.
R156-26a-102. Definitions.
In addition to the definitions in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 26a, as defined or used in this rule:
(1) "Administering organization" means an organization approved by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Accountancy which will administer peer reviews in the Peer Review Program.
(2) ["AICPA" means American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants.]"Accepted university accreditations" mean the
following:
(a) the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business ("AACSB");
(b) the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ("ACBSP"); or
(c) an institution receiving "regional accreditation", meaning an institution receiving accreditation through:
(i) the Northwest Accreditation Commission ("NAC");
(ii) the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools ("NCA");
(iii) the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools ("MSA");
(iv) the New England Association of Schools and Colleges ("NEASC");
(v) the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ("SACS"); or
(vi) the Western Association of Schools and Colleges ("WASC").
(3)
"Mobility", a practice privilege included in Section
58-26a-305 regarding exemptions from licensure, is defined and
further clarified in Section R156-26a-305.["Incidental to regular practice" as defined in
Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(b) is further defined to
mean:
(a) An individual or a firm licensed as a certified
public accountant or equivalent designation in any other state,
district, or territory of the United States or any foreign
country may perform services in this state for a client whose
principal office or residence is located outside of this state as
long as the services are incidental to primary services being
performed outside of this state for that client.
(b) An individual or firm licensed in another
jurisdiction, as incidental to their practice in such other
jurisdiction, may advertise in this state that their services are
available by any means including, but not limited to television,
radio, newspaper, magazine or Internet advertising provided such
representations are not false, misleading or deceptive; and
provided that such individual or firm does not establish a
CPA/Client relationship to perform services requiring a CPA
license or CPA firm registration with any individual, business or
other legal entity having its principal office or residence in
this state without first obtaining a CPA license and CPA firm
registration in this state.
(c) Incidental to regular practice in another jurisdiction
includes a licensed CPA or equivalent designation continuing a
CPA/Client relationship with an individual which originated while
the client's residence was located outside of this state but
thereafter the client moved their residence to this
state.]
(4) "Qualified continuing professional education (CPE)" as used in this rule means continuing education that meets the standards set forth in Section R156-26a-303b.
(5) "Standard setting bodies"
means [the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Government
Accounting Standards Board, the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board and other]any generally recognized
accounting standard setting bodies.
(6) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 26a, is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(e), in Section R156-26a-501.
(7) "Year of review" means the calendar year during which a peer review is to be conducted.
R156-26a-201. Advisory Peer Committees Created - Membership - Duties.
(1) There is created in accordance with
Subsection 58-1-203(1)(f)[,] the Education Advisory Committee to the Utah
Board of Accountancy, consisting of one full-time faculty
member from each of five or more colleges or universities in
Utah which has an accredited program as set forth in [Section]Subsections R156-26a-302a(1)(a)
through (c), a majority of which [committee are to]shall be licensed CPAs.
(2) The Education Advisory Committee shall be appointed and serve in accordance with Section R156-1-205. The duties and responsibilities of the Education Advisory Committee shall include assisting the Division in collaboration with the Board in their duties, functions, and responsibilities and shall include:
(a) advising the Board as to the acceptability of an educational institution;
(b) assisting the Board to make a final
determination pursuant to R156-26a-302a([4]5)(c) of whether an applicant is qualified to sit for the
AICPA examination; and
(c) advising the Board regarding proposed changes to rules.
(3) The committee shall consider, when advising the Board of the acceptability of the educational institution, the following:
(a) the institution's accreditation;
(b) the acceptability by other state licensing boards;
(c) the faculty qualifications; and
(d) other educational resources.
(4) There is created in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(f), the Peer Review Committee to the Utah Board of Accountancy consisting of not more than ten licensed CPAs. The committee shall be appointed and serve in accordance with Section R156-1-205.
(5) The duties and responsibilities of the Peer Review Committee shall be advising the Board on peer reviews matters and shall include:
(a) reviewing the results of peer reviews administered by approved organizations and requiring corrective action of firms with significant deficiencies noted in the review process when considered necessary in addition to those required by the administering organization;
(b) evaluating compliance of CPE programs;
(c) performing random audits to determine compliance with the CPE requirements and the standards for CPE programs;
(d) reviewing complaints and recommending whether certain acts, practices or omissions violate the ethical standards of the profession;
(e) providing technical assistance to the Division; and
(f) serving as expert witnesses at administrative hearings.
R156-26a-302a. Qualifications for CPA Licensure - Education Requirements.
The education requirements for CPA licensure in Subsection 58-26a-302(1)(d) are defined, clarified, or established as follows:
(1) An applicant shall submit transcripts
showing completion of course work consisting of a minimum of 150
semester hours (225 quarter hours), and one of the following[as follows]:
(a) [a graduate or undergraduate program within an institution
whose business or accounting education program is accredited by the
Association of Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), or
the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
(ACBSP), from which the applicant received one of the
following:]a graduate degree in accounting or taxation from an institution
whose business education is accredited by the AACSB or the
ACBSP;
(b) a Master of Business Administration degree from an institution whose business education program is accredited by the AACSB or the ACBSP and which includes no less than:
(i) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in upper division or graduate level accounting courses covering the following subjects:
(A) financial accounting;
(B) auditing;
(C) taxation; and
(D) management accounting;
(ii) 15 semester hours (23 quarter hours) graduate level accounting courses covering the following subjects:
(A) financial accounting;
(B) auditing;
(C) taxation; and
(D) management accounting; or
(iii) an equivalent combination of graduate and upper division accounting courses covering the subjects of financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting, with one hour of graduate level course work being equivalent to 1.6 hours of upper division course work;
(c) a baccalaureate degree in business or accounting from an institution whose business education program is accredited by the AACSB or the ACBSP, and which includes no less than:
(i) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in upper division or graduate level accounting courses covering at least one course in each of the following subjects:
(A) financial accounting;
(B) auditing;
(C) taxation; and
(D) management accounting; and
(ii) 30 additional hours in graduate or upper division accounting and business courses; or
(d) A baccalaureate or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body with no less than:
(i) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in non-accounting business or related courses providing a minimum of two semester hours (three quarter hours) in each of the following subjects:
(A) business law;
(B) computers;
(C) economics;
(D) business ethics;
(E) finance;
(F) business statistics and quantitative methods;
(G) written and oral business communications;
(H) business administration such as marketing, production, management, policy or organizational behavior;
(ii) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in upper division or graduate level accounting courses with a minimum of two semester hours (three quarter hours) in each of the following subjects:
(A) auditing;
(B) finance;
(C) managerial or cost;
(D) systems; and
(E) taxes; and
(iii) 30 additional hours in graduate or upper division accounting and business courses.
(2) The Division in collaboration with the Board or the Education Advisory Committee may accept a baccalaureate degree in business or accounting from an institution not having an accepted accreditation as defined in Subsection R156-26a-102(4), if the applicant:
(a) has obtained a graduate degree in accounting from an institution whose business education program is accredited by the AACSB or the ACBSP;
(b)(i) has obtained a graduate degree in taxation or a Master of Business Administration from an institution whose business education program is accredited by the AACSB or the ACBSP; and
(ii) meets the requirements in Subsection R156-26a-302a(1)(b)(i), (ii), or (iii); or
(c)(i) has obtained a graduate degree in accounting, taxation, or a Master of Business Administration from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body; and
(ii) meets the requirements in Subsection R156-26a-302a(1)(d).
[(i) a graduate degree in accounting;
(ii) a graduate degree in taxation, or a master of
business administration degree which includes not less
than:
(A) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in upper
division accounting courses covering the subjects of financial
accounting, auditing, taxation, and management
accounting;
(B) 15 semester hours (23 quarter hours) graduate level
accounting courses covering the subjects of financial accounting,
auditing, taxation, and management accounting;
(C) an equivalent combination of graduate and upper
division accounting courses covering the subjects of financial
accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting with
one hour of graduate level course work being equivalent to 1.6
hours of upper division course work; or
(iii) a baccalaureate degree in business or accounting
and 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) beyond the requirements
for a baccalaureate degree which includes not less than:
(A) 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in upper
division accounting courses, which when combined with the
accounting courses listed in Subsection (B) below, have at least
one course with a minimum of two semester hours (three quarter
hours) each covering the subjects of financial accounting,
auditing, taxation, and management accounting;
(B) eight semester hours (12 quarter hours) in graduate
level accounting courses, which when combined with the accounting
courses listed in Subsection (A) above, have at least one course
each covering the subjects of financial accounting, auditing,
taxation, and management accounting;
(C) 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in upper
division non-accounting business courses;
(D) 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in graduate
level business or accounting courses; and
(E) 10 semester hours (15 quarter hours) of either
graduate or upper division accounting or business
courses.
(b) a graduate or undergraduate program from an
institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges
and Universities, North Central Association of Colleges and
Schools, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New
England Association of Colleges and Schools, Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and
Colleges from which the applicant received a baccalaureate or
graduate degree with not less than:
(i) 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in business or
related courses providing a minimum of two semester hours (three
quarter hours) in each of the following subjects:
(A) business law;
(B) computers;
(C) economics;
(D) ethics;
(E) finance;
(F) statistics and quantitative methods;
(G) written and oral communications; and
(H) business administration such as marketing,
production, management, policy or organizational
behavior;
(ii) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in upper
division accounting courses with a minimum of two semester hours
(three quarter hours) in each of the following subjects:
(A) auditing;
(B) finance;
(C) managerial or cost;
(D) systems; and
(E) taxes; and
(iii) 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) beyond the
requirements for a baccalaureate degree of additional business
related course work including not less than:
(A) eight semester hours (12 quarter hours) in graduate
accounting courses;
(B) 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in graduate
accounting or graduate business courses; and
(C) 10 semester hours (15 quarter hours) of additional
business related hours shall be taken in upper division
undergraduate or graduate level courses.]
([2]3) The Division in collaboration with the Board or the [education subcommittee of the board]Education Advisory Committee may make a written finding for
cause that a particular accredited institution or program is not
acceptable.
([3]4) The Division in collaboration with the Board or the [education subcommittee of the board]Education Advisory Committee may accept education of a
person who holds a license as a certified public accountant or
equivalent designation in a foreign country, if the applicant has
obtained from [the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
(]NASBA[)] verification of compliance with the terms of an
agreement for reciprocal licensure between the foreign country and
the International Qualifications Appraisal Board of NASBA, which
agreement provides the applicant's examinations, education and
experience is determined to be substantially equivalent to the [2007]Eighth Edition, January 2018 Uniform Accountancy Act
licensure requirements or a version of the Uniform Accountancy Act
having substantially equivalent requirements.[
(4) In accordance with Section 58-26a-306, the
qualifications to sit for the AICPA examination are clarified or
supplemented as follows:
(a) In accordance with Subsection 58-26a-306(1)(a), the
form of application approved by the Division shall be the
application that CPA Examination Services (CPAES) requires in
order to sit for the examination.
(b) In accordance with Subsection 58-26a-306(1)(b), the
fee shall be the fee charged by CPAES. No additional fee shall be
due to the Division.
(c) In accordance with Subsections 58-26a-306(1)(c) and
(d), the Board has approved CPAES to make the determination of
whether the applicant has met the education requirements, provided
however that, if an applicant disputes the finding of CPAES, the
Board shall make a final determination of whether the applicant is
qualified to sit for the AICPA examination.]
R156-26a-302b. Qualifications for Licensure - Experience Requirements.
In accordance with Subsections 58-1-203(1)(b) and 58-1-301(3), the experience requirements for licensure in Section 58-26a-302 are clarified, or supplemented as follows:
(1) The Division in collaboration with the
board may accept experience of a person who holds a license as a
certified public accountant or equivalent designation in a foreign
country, if the applicant has obtained from [the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
(]NASBA[)] verification of compliance with the terms of an
agreement for reciprocal licensure between the foreign country and
the International Qualifications Appraisal Board of NASBA, which
agreement provides the applicant's examinations, education and
experience is determined to be substantially equivalent to the [2007]Eighth Edition, January 2018 Uniform Accountancy Act
licensure requirements or a version of the Uniform Accountancy Act
having substantially equivalent requirements.
R156-26a-302c. Qualifications for Licensure - Examinations.
The examination requirements in Subsection 58-26a-306 are defines, clarified, or established as follows:
(1) In accordance with Subsection 58-26a-306(1)(a), the form of application approved by the Division shall be the application that CPA Examination Services ("CPAES") requires to sit for the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination.
(2) In accordance with Subsection 58-26a-306(1)(b), the fee shall be the fee charged by CPAES. No additional fee shall be due to the Division.
(3) In accordance with Subsection 58-26a-306(1)(c) and (d), the Board designates CPAES as the organization that shall determine whether an applicant has met the education requirements and is approved to sit for the AICPA examinations. However, if an applicant disputes CPAES's determination, the Board shall make the final determination.
(4) In accordance with Subsection 58-26a-306(1)(c), the minimum 120 semester hours (180 quarter hours) of the education requirement that an applicant shall complete before sitting for the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination, shall include completion of at least the following requirements as described in Section R156-26a-302a:
(a) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in upper division or graduate level accounting courses covering the following subjects:
(i) financial accounting;
(ii) auditing;
(iii) taxation; and
(iv) management accounting; and
(b) 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in non-accounting business or related courses covering the following subjects:
(i) business law;
(ii) computers;
(iii) economics;
(iv) business ethics;
(v) finance;
(vi) business statistics and quantitative methods;
(vii) written and oral business-related communications; and
(viii) business administration such as marketing, productions, management, policy or organizational behavior.
(5) An applicant for licensure as a certified public accountant shall also pass:
(a) the AICPA Examination of Professional Ethics for CPAs with a score of at least 90%; and
(b) the Utah (CPA) Laws and Rules Examination with a score of at least 75%.
(6) The Division in collaboration with the Board may accept
testing of a person who holds a license as a certified public
accountant or equivalent designation in a foreign country, if the
applicant has obtained from [the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
(]NASBA[)] verification of compliance with the terms of an
agreement for reciprocal licensure between the foreign country and
the International Qualifications Appraisal Board of NASBA, which
agreement provides the applicant's examinations, education and
experience is determined to be substantially equivalent to the [2007]Eighth Edition, January 2018 Uniform Accountancy Act
licensure requirements or a version of the Uniform Accountancy Act
having substantially equivalent requirements.
R156-26a-303a. Renewal Requirements - Peer Review.
(1) General.
In accordance with Subsections 58-1-308(3)(b) and 58-26a-303(2)(b), there is created a peer review requirement as a condition for renewal of licenses issued under the Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act, providing for review of the work products of CPA and CPA firm licensees.
(a) The purpose of the program is to monitor compliance with professional standards.
(b) The program shall emphasize education and may include other remedial actions when non-compliance is found.
(c) If a licensee is unwilling or unable to comply with or intentionally disregards professional standards, the administering organization shall refer the matter to the Division for consultation and determination of appropriate action.
(2) Scheduling of the Peer Review.
(a) A firm's initial peer review shall be assigned a due date to require that the initial review be started no later than 18 months after the date of the issuance of its initial report as defined in Subsection 58-26a-102(20).
(b) [Not less than]At least once [in each]every three years a firm engaged in the practice of public
accounting shall undergo, at its own expense, a peer review
commensurate in scope with its practice.
(c) The administering organization [will]shall assign the year of review.
(d) A portion of the peer review may be
performed by a regulatory body if the [Utah ]Board [of Accountancy ]approves the regulatory body as an
administering organization. This does not by itself satisfy the
peer review requirement unless the other standards as specified in
this rule are fulfilled by the regulatory body.
(3) Selection of a Peer Reviewer or inspector in the case of inspections mandated by law or regulatory bodies.
A firm scheduled for peer review shall
engage a reviewer qualified to conduct the peer review. Regulatory
bodies [will]shall assign inspectors.
(4) Qualifications of a Peer Reviewer and inspectors.
(a) Peer reviewers must provide evidence of one of the two following minimum qualifications to the administering organization:
(i) acceptance as a peer reviewer by the AICPA; or
(ii) compliance with the qualifications required by the AICPA to qualify as a peer reviewer.
(b) Peer reviewers [must]shall be licensed or hold a permit to practice as a CPA in [the state of ]Utah or another state or
jurisdiction of the United States.
(c) The administering organization [will]shall approve reviewers for [those ]reviews not administered by the AICPA.
(d) Regulatory bodies [will]shall determine the qualifications of inspectors.
(5) Conduct of the Peer Review or inspection. Peer reviews shall be conducted as follows:
(a) Peer reviews shall be conducted
according to the "Standards for Performing and Reporting on
Peer Reviews" promulgated by the AICPA, effective April
2019[1, 2017 as amended], which are hereby incorporated
by reference and adopted as the minimum standards for peer reviews
of all firms. This section shall not require any firm or licensee
to become a member of the AICPA or any administering
organization.
(b) The [Utah ]Board [of Accountancy ]may review the standards used by
the regulatory body to determine if those standards are sufficient
to satisfy all or part of the peer review requirements, or what
additional review may be required to meet the peer review
requirements under this rule.
(6) If an administering organization finds that a peer review was not performed in accordance with this rule or the peer review results in a pass with deficiencies or fail report, the Peer Review Committee may require remedial action to assure that the review or performance of the CPA or CPA firm being reviewed meets the objectives of the peer review program.
(7) Review of Multi-State Firms.
(a) With respect to a multi-state firm, the Division may accept a peer review based solely upon work conducted outside of this state as satisfying the requirement to undergo peer review under this rule, if:
(i) the peer review is conducted during the year scheduled or rescheduled under R156-26a-303a(2);
(ii) the peer review is performed in accordance with requirements equivalent to those of this state;
(iii) the peer review:
(A) studies, evaluates , and reports on the quality control system of the firm as a whole in the case of system reviews; or
(B) results in an evaluation and report on selected engagements in the case of engagement reviews;
(iv) the firm's internal inspection procedures require that the firm's personnel from another office outside the state perform the inspection of the office located in this state not less than once in each three year period; and
(v) at the conclusion of the peer review, the peer reviewer issues a report equivalent to that required by R156-26a-303a(5) or in the case of an approved regulatory body, a report is issued under their standards.
(b) A multi-state firm seeking approval under R156-26a-303a(7)(a) shall submit an application to the administering organization by February 1 of the year of review establishing that the peer review it proposes to undergo meets all of the requirements of R156-26a-303a(5).
(8) A firm which does not perform services
encompassed in the scope of minimum standards as set out in
R156-26a-303a(5)(a) or (b) is exempt from peer review and shall
notify the Division[of Occupational and Professional Licensing] of the
exemption at the time of renewal of its registration. A firm which
begins providing these services must commence a peer review within
18 months of the date of the issuance of its initial report as
defined in Subsection 58-26a-102(16).
(9) Mergers, Combinations, Dissolutions or Separations.
(a) Mergers or combinations: [In the event that]If two or more firms are merged or sold and combined, the
surviving firm shall retain the year of review of the largest
firm.
(b) Dissolutions or separations: [In the event that]If a firm is divided, the new firms shall retain the year of
review of the former firm. [In the event that]If this period is less than 12 months, a new year shall be
assigned so that the review occurs after 12 months of
operation.
(c) Upon application to the administering organization and a showing of hardship caused solely by compliance with R156-26a-303a(10), the Division may authorize a change in a firm's year of review.
(10) If [the]a firm can demonstrate that the time established for the
conduct of a peer review will create an unreasonable hardship upon
the firm, the Division may approve an extension not to exceed 180
days from the date the peer review was originally scheduled[.], as follows:
(a) A request for extension shall be addressed in writing by the firm to the Division with a copy to the administering organization responsible for administration of that firm's peer review.
(b) The written request for extension [must]shall be received by
both the Division and the administering organization [not less than]at least 30 days prior to the date of scheduled review or
the request will not be considered.
(c) The Division shall inform the administering organization of the approval of any extension.
(11) Retention of Documents Relating to Peer Reviews.
(a) All documentation necessary to
establish that each peer review was performed in conformity with
peer review standards adopted by the Board, including the peer
review working papers, the peer review report, comment letters and
related correspondence indicating the firm's concurrence or
nonconcurrence, and any proposed remedial actions and related
implementation
, shall be [maintained.
(b) The documents described in R156-26a-303a(11)(a) shall
be] retained for [a period of time corresponding to the designated retention
period of ]the relevant administering organization
's designated retention period or 120 days, whichever is
longer.[In no event shall the retention period be less than 120
days.]
(12) Costs and Fees for Peer Review.
(a) All costs associated with firm-on-firm reviews will be negotiated between the firm and the reviewer and paid directly to the reviewer. All costs associated with committee assigned review team (CART) reviews will be set by the administering organization. The administering organization will collect the fees associated with CART reviews and pay the reviewer.
(b) All costs associated with the
administration of the review process [will]shall be paid from fees charged to the firms. The fees [will]shall be collected by the administering organization. The
schedule of fees [will]shall be included in the administering organization's
proposal. The fee schedule [will]shall specify how much is to be paid each year and [will]shall be based on the firm size.
(13) All financial statements, working papers, or other documents reviewed are confidential. Access to those documents shall be limited to being made available, upon request, to the Peer Review Committee or the technical reviewer for purposes of assuring that peer reviews are performed according to professional standards.
R156-26a-303b. Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
The continuing professional education (CPE requirements in Section 58-26a-304 are defined, clarified, or established as follows:
(1) A CPA shall complete at least 80 CPE hours in each two-year licensure cycle ending on December 31 of each even-numbered year, except that no CPE hours are required at a first renewal after initial licensure.
(2) CPE hours shall include at least:
(a) one hour of CPE that covers Title 58, Chapter 26a, the Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act, and Rule R156-26a, the Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act Rule; and
(b) three hours of ethics education that cover one or more of the following areas:
(i) the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct;
(ii) case-based instruction focusing on real-life situational learning;
(iii) ethical dilemmas faced by accounting professionals; or
(iv) business ethics.
(3) A CPA shall maintain current knowledge, skills, and abilities in all areas in which the CPA provides services, in order to provide services in a competent manner. To maintain or to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to competently provide services, a CPA may be required to obtain CPE above and beyond the 80 minimum CPE credits specified in Section 58-26a-304.
(4) The Division incorporates and adopts by reference the AICPA/NASBA Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs, revised August 2016. These standards have been broadly stated in recognition of the diversity of practice and experience among CPAs. They establish a framework for the development, presentation, measurement, and reporting of CPE programs and thereby help to ensure that CPAs maintain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to competently provide services and to enable the CPA to provide evidence of meeting the minimum CPE requirements.
[(1) All CPAs are required to maintain current knowledge,
skills, and abilities in all areas in which they provide services
in order to provide services in a competent manner. To maintain or
to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities to competently
provide services, a CPA may be required to obtain CPE above and
beyond the 80 minimum CPE credits specified in Section
58-26a-304.
The following standards have been broadly stated in
recognition of the diversity of practice and experience among
CPAs. They establish a framework for the development,
presentation, measurement, and reporting of CPE programs and
thereby help to ensure that CPAs maintain the required knowledge,
skills and abilities necessary to competently provide services
and to enable to the CPA to provide evidence of meeting the
minimum CPE requirements specified under this rule.
(2) General Standards for CPAs.
(a) Standard No. 1. All CPAs must participate in CPE
learning activities that maintain and/or improve their
professional competence. This CPE must include a minimum of 80
hours of CPE in each two-year period ending on December 31 of
each even-numbered year, except that no CPE hours shall be
required at the first renewal after initial licensure and except
that 120 hours of CPE shall be required for the extended
reporting period ending on December 31, 2018.
(i) The minimum required CPE hours shall include at
least:
(A) one hour of education on the Utah Certified Public
Accountant Licensing Act and Certified Public Accountant
Licensing Act Rule; and
(B) three hours of ethics education covering one or more
of the following areas:
(I) the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct;
(II) case-based instruction focusing on real-life
situational learning;
(III) ethical dilemmas faced by accounting professionals;
or
(IV) business ethics.
(ii) The term "must", as used in these
standards, means departure from those specific standards is not
permitted. The term "should", as used in these
standards, means that CPAs and CPE program sponsors are expected
to follow such standards as written and are required to justify
any departures from such standards when unusual circumstances
warrant such departures.
(iii) Selection of CPE learning activities should be a
thoughtful, reflective process addressing the individual
CPA's current and future professional plans, current
knowledge and skills level, and desired or needed additional
competence to meet future opportunities and/or professional
responsibilities.
(iv) A CPA's field of employment does not limit the
need for CPE. CPAs performing professional services need to have
a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Thus, the
concept of professional competence should be interpreted broadly.
Accordingly, acceptable continuing education encompasses programs
contributing to the development and maintenance of both technical
and non-technical professional skills.
(v) Acceptable CPE subjects include accounting,
assurance/auditing, consulting services, specialized knowledge
and applications, management, taxation, and ethics. Other
subjects, including personal development, may also be acceptable
if they maintain and/or improve the CPA's professional
competence. Such subjects may include, but are not limited to:
accounting and auditing, taxation, management advisory services,
information technology, communication arts, mathematics,
statistics, probability and quantitative analysis, economics,
business law and litigation support, functional fields of
business such as finance, production, marketing, personnel
relations, development and management, business management and
organizations, social environment of business, and specialized
areas of industry such as film industry, real estate, or
farming.
(vi) To help guide their professional development, CPAs
may find it useful to develop a learning plan. The learning plan
can be used to evaluate learning and professional competence
development.
(A) A learning plan means a structured process that helps
guide CPAs in their professional development. A learning plan is
used to evaluate and document learning and professional
competence development. A learning plan should be reviewed
regularly and modified as a CPA's professional competence
needs change. A learning plan should include:
(I) a self-assessment of the gap between current and
needed knowledge, skills, and abilities;
(II) a set of learning objectives arising from this
assessment; and
(III) learning activities to be undertaken to fulfill the
learning plan.
(b) Standard No 2. CPAs should comply with all applicable
CPE requirements and should claim CPE credit only for CPE
programs when the CPE program sponsors have complied with the
Standards for CPE Program Presentation (Nos. 8 - 11) and Standard
for CPE Program Reporting No. 17.
(i) In addition to minimum CPE requirements specified in
this rule, CPAs are responsible for compliance with all
applicable CPE requirements, rules, and regulations of other
state licensing bodies, other governmental entities and other
professional organizations or bodies who have standard setting
authority. CPAs should contact each appropriate entity to which
they report to determine its specific requirements or any
exceptions it may have to the standards presented
herein.
(ii) Periodically, CPAs may participate in learning
activities which do not comply with all applicable CPE
requirements, for example specialized industry programs offered
through industry sponsors. If CPAs propose to claim credit for
such learning activities, they should retain all relevant
information regarding the program to provide documentation to the
Division, other state licensing bodies, and/or all other
professional organizations or bodies showing that the learning
activity is equivalent to one which meets all these or other
applicable Standards.
(c) Standard No. 3. CPAs are responsible for accurate
reporting of CPE credits earned and should retain appropriate
documentation of their participation in learning activities,
including: name and contact information of CPE program sponsor,
title and description of content, date of program, location and
number of CPE credits, all of which should be included in
documentation provided by the CPE program sponsor.
(i) Although CPAs are required to document a minimum
level of CPE hours, through periodic reporting of CPE, the
objective of CPE must always be maintenance/enhancement of
professional competence, not just attainment of minimum
credits.
(ii) Compliance with regulatory and other requirements
mandates that CPAs keep documentation of their participation in
activities designed to maintain and/or improve professional
competence. In the absence of legal or other requirements for
longer retention, a CPA must retain documentation for a minimum
of five years from the end of the year in which the learning
activities were completed.
(iii) Participants must document their claims of CPE
credit. Examples of acceptable evidence of completion
include:
(A) For group and independent study programs, a
certificate or other verification supplied by the CPE program
sponsor.
(B) For self-study programs, a certificate supplied by
the CPE program sponsor after satisfactory completion of an
examination.
(C) For instruction credit, a certificate or other
verification supplied by the CPE program sponsor.
(D) For a university or college course that is
successfully completed for credit, a record or transcript of the
grade the participant received.
(E) For university or college non-credit courses, a
certificate of attendance issued by a representative of the
university or college.
(F) For published articles, books, or CPE programs, (1) a
copy of the publication (or in the case of a CPE program, course
development documentation) that names the writer as author or
contributor, (2) a statement from the writer supporting the
number of CPE hours claimed, and (3) the name and contact
information of the independent reviewer or publisher.
(d) Standard No. 4. CPAs who complete sponsored learning
activities that maintain or improve their professional competence
should claim the CPE credits recommended by CPE program
sponsors.
(i) CPAs may participate in a variety of sponsored
learning activities, such as workshops, seminars and conferences,
self-study courses, Internet-based programs, and independent
study. While CPE program sponsors determine credits, CPAs should
claim credit only for activities through which they maintained or
improved their professional competence. CPAs who participate in
only part of a program should claim CPE credit only for the
portion they attended or completed.
(ii) In order to qualify as CPE, an Internet-based
program must qualify as a group program as provided in Subsection
R156-26a-303b(3)(b)(i) or as a self-study program as provided in
Subsection R156-26a-303b(3)(g).
(e) Standard No. 5. CPAs may engage in independent study
under the direction of a CPE program sponsor who has met the
applicable standards for CPE program sponsors when the subject
matter and level of study maintain or improve their professional
competence.
(i) Independent study is an educational process designed
to permit a participant to learn a given subject under the
guidance of a CPE program sponsor one-on-one. Participants in an
independent study program should:
(A) Enter into a written learning contract with a CPE
program sponsor who must comply with the applicable standards for
CPE program sponsors.
(B) Accept the written recommendation of the CPE program
sponsor as to the number of credits to be earned upon successful
completion of the proposed learning activities. CPE credits will
be awarded only if:
(I) all the requirements of the independent study as
outlined in the learning contract are met;
(II) the CPE program sponsor reviews and signs the
participant's report;
(III) the CPE program sponsor reports to the participant
the actual credits earned; and
(IV) the CPE program sponsor provides the participant
with contact information.
(ii) The credits to be recommended by an independent
study CPE program sponsor should be agreed upon in advance and
should be equated to the effort expended to improve professional
competence. The credits cannot exceed the time devoted to the
learning activities and may be less than the actual time
involved.
(iii) Retain the necessary documentation to satisfy
regulatory requirements as to the content, inputs, and outcomes
of the independent study.
(iv) Complete the program of independent study in 15
weeks or less.
(3) Standards for CPE Program Sponsors (Standard 1),
Standards for CPE Program Development
(Standards 2-7), Standards for CPE Program Presentation
(Standards 8-11), Standards for Program Measurement (Standards
12-16), and Standards for CPE Program Reporting (Standards
17-18). "CPE sponsor", as used herein, means the
individual or organization responsible for setting learning
objectives, developing the program materials to achieve such
objectives, offering a program to participants, and maintaining
the documentation required by these standards. The term "CPE
program sponsor" may include associations of CPAs, whether
formal or informal, as well as employers who offer in-house
programs.
(a) Standard No. 1. CPE program sponsors are responsible
for compliance with all applicable standards and other CPE
requirements.
(i) In addition to the minimum requirements under this
rule, CPE program sponsors may have to meet specific CPE
requirements of other state licensing bodies, other governmental
entities, and/or other professional organizations or bodies. CPE
program sponsors should contact the appropriate entity to
determine requirements.
(b) Standard No. 2. Sponsored learning activities must be
based on relevant learning objectives and outcomes that clearly
articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be
achieved by participants in the learning activities.
(i) Learning activities, meaning an educational endeavor
that improves or maintains professional competence, provided by
CPE program sponsors for the benefit of CPAs, should specify the
level, content, and learning objectives so that potential
participants can determine if the learning activities are
appropriate to their professional competence development needs.
Learning activity levels include, for example, basic,
intermediate, advanced, update, and overview as defined as
follows:
(A) Advanced. Learning activity level most useful for
individuals with mastery of the particular topic. This level
focuses on the development of in-depth knowledge, a variety of
skills, or a broader range of applications. Advanced level
programs are often appropriate for seasoned professionals within
organizations; however, they may also be beneficial for other
professionals with specialized knowledge in a subject
area.
(B) Basic. Learning activity level most beneficial to
CPAs new to a skill or an attribute. These individuals are often
at the staff or entry level in organizations, although such
programs may also benefit a seasoned professional with limited
exposure to the area.
(C) Intermediate. Learning activity level that builds on
a basic program, most appropriate for CPAs with detailed
knowledge in an area. Such persons are often at a mid-level
within the organization, with operational and/or supervisory
responsibilities.
(D) Overview. Learning activity level that provides a
general review of a subject area from a broad perspective. These
programs may be appropriate for professionals at all
organizational levels.
(E) Update. Learning activity level that provides a
general review of new developments. This level is for
participants with a background in the subject area who desire to
keep current.
(c) Standard No. 3. CPE program sponsors should develop
and execute learning activities in a manner consistent with the
prerequisite education, experience, and/or advance preparation of
participants.
(i) To the extent it is possible to do so, CPE program
sponsors should make every attempt to equate program content and
level with the backgrounds of intended participants. All programs
must clearly identify prerequisite education, experience, and/or
advance preparation, if any, in precise language so that
potential participants can readily ascertain whether they qualify
for the program.
(d) Standard No. 4. CPE program sponsors must use
activities, materials, and delivery systems that are current,
technically accurate, and effectively designed, and may include
discussions of ethical issues that may apply to the subject
matter. CPE program sponsors must be qualified in the subject
matter.
(i) To best facilitate the learning process, sponsored
programs and materials must be prepared, presented and updated in
a timely manner. Learning activities must be developed by
individuals or teams having expertise in the subject matter.
Expertise may be demonstrated through practical experience or
education.
(ii) CPE program sponsors must review the course
materials periodically to ensure that they are accurate and
consistent with currently accepted standards relating to the
program's subject matter.
(e) Standard No. 5. CPE program sponsors of group and
self-study programs must ensure learning activities are reviewed
by qualified persons other than those who developed them to
ensure that the program is technically accurate and current and
addresses the stated learning objectives. These reviews must
occur before the first presentation of these materials and again
after each significant revision of the CPE programs.
(i) Individuals or teams qualified in the subject matter
must review programs. When it is impractical to review certain
programs in advance, such as lectures given only once, greater
reliance should be placed on the recognized professional
competence of the instructors or presenters. Using independent
reviewing organizations familiar with these standards may enhance
quality assurance.
(f) Standard No. 6. CPE program sponsors of independent
study learning activities must be qualified in the subject
matter.
(i) A CPE program sponsor of independent study learning
activities must have expertise in the specific subject area
related to the independent study. The CPE program sponsor must
also:
(A) Review, evaluate, approve and sign the proposed
independent study learning contract, including agreeing in
advance on the number of credits to be recommended upon
successful completion.
(B) Review and sign the written report developed by the
participant in independent study.
(C) Retain the necessary documentation to satisfy
regulatory requirements as to the content, inputs, and outcomes
of the independent study.
(g) Standard No. 7. Self-study programs must employ
learning methodologies that clearly define learning objectives,
guide the participant through the learning process, and provide
evidence of a participant's satisfactory completion of the
program.
(i) To guide participants through a learning process, CPE
program sponsors of self-study programs must elicit participant
responses to test for understanding of the material, offer
evaluative feedback to incorrect responses, and provide
reinforcement feedback to correct responses. To provide evidence
of satisfactory completion of the course, CPE program sponsors of
self-study programs must require participants to successfully
complete a final examination with a minimum-passing grade of at
least 70 percent before issuing CPE credit for the
course.
(A) Evaluative feedback, as used in this subsection,
means: specific response to incorrect answers to questions in
self-study programs. Unique feedback must be provided for each
incorrect response, as each one is likely to be wrong for
differing reasons.
(B) Reinforcement feedback, as used in this subsection,
means: specific responses to correct answers to questions in
self-study programs. Such feedback restates why the answer
selected was correct.
(ii) Examinations may contain questions of varying format
(for example, multiple-choice, essay and simulations.) If
objective type questions are used, at least five questions per
CPE credit must be included on the final examination. For
example, the final examination for a five-credit course must
include at least 25 questions.
(iii) Self-study programs must be based on materials
specifically developed for instructional use. Self-study programs
requiring only the reading of general professional literature,
IRS publications, or reference manuals followed by a test will
not be acceptable. However, the use of the publications and
reference materials in self-study programs as supplements to the
instructional materials could qualify if the self-study program
complies with each of the CPE standards.
(h) Standard No. 8. CPE program sponsors must provide
descriptive materials that enable CPAs to assess the
appropriateness of learning activities. To accomplish this, CPE
program sponsors must inform participants in advance of: learning
objectives, prerequisites, program level, program content,
advance preparation, instructional delivery methods, recommended
CPE credit, and course registration requirements. Instructional
delivery methods, as used in this subsection, means: delivery
strategies such as case studies, computer-assisted learning,
lectures, group participation, programmed instruction,
teleconferencing, use of audiovisual aids, or work groups
employed in group, self-study, or independent study
programs.
(i) For potential participants to effectively plan their
CPE, the program sponsor should disclose the significant features
of the program in advance (e.g., through the use of brochures,
Internet notices, invitations, direct mail, or other
announcements). When CPE programs are offered in conjunction with
non-educational activities, or when several CPE programs are
offered concurrently, participants should receive an appropriate
schedule of events indicating those components that are
recommended for CPE credit. The CPE program sponsor's
registration policies and procedures should be formalized,
published, and made available to participants.
(ii) CPE program sponsors should distribute program
materials in a timely manner and encourage participants to
complete any advance preparation requirements. All programs
should clearly identify prerequisite education, experience,
and/or advance preparation requirements, if any, in the
descriptive materials. Prerequisites should be written in precise
language so that potential participants can readily ascertain
whether they qualify for the program.
(i) Standard No. 9. CPE program sponsors must ensure
instructors are qualified with respect to both program content
and instructional methods used.
(i) Instructors are key ingredients in the learning
process for any group program. Therefore, it is imperative that
CPE program sponsors exercise great care in selecting qualified
instructors for all group programs. Qualified instructors are
those who are capable, through training, education, or experience
of communicating effectively and providing an environment
conducive to learning. They should be competent and current in
the subject matter, skilled in the use of the appropriate
instructional methods and technology, and prepared in advance. As
used in this subsection, Group Program means: An educational
process designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject
through interaction with an instructor and other participants
either in a classroom or conference setting or by using the
Internet.
(ii) CPE program sponsors should evaluate the
instructor's performance at the conclusion of each program to
determine the instructor's suitability to serve in the
future.
(j) Standard No. 10. CPE program sponsors must employ an
effective means for evaluating learning activity quality with
respect to content and presentation, as well as provide a
mechanism for participants to assess whether learning objectives
were met.
(i) The objectives of evaluation are to assess
participant satisfaction with specific programs and to increase
subsequent program effectiveness. Evaluations, whether written or
electronic, should be solicited from participants and instructors
for each program session, including self-study, to determine,
among other things, whether:
(A) Stated learning objectives were met.
(B) If applicable, prerequisite requirements were
appropriate.
(C) Program materials were accurate.
(D) Program materials were relevant and contributed to
the achievement of the learning objectives.
(E) Time allotted to the learning activity was
appropriate.
(F) If applicable, individual instructors were
effective.
(G) Facilities and/or technological equipment was
appropriate.
(H) Handout or advance preparation materials were
satisfactory.
(I) Audio and video materials were effective.
(ii) CPE program sponsors should periodically review
evaluation results to assess program effectiveness and should
inform developers and instructors of evaluation results.
(k) Standard No. 11
.
CPE program sponsors must ensure instructional methods
employed are appropriate for the learning activities. Instructional
methods means: delivery strategies such as case studies,
computer-assisted learning, lectures, group participation,
programmed instruction, teleconferencing, use of audiovisual aids,
or work groups employed in group, self-study, or independent study
programs. Learning activities should be presented in a manner
consistent with the descriptive and technical materials
provided.
(i) CPE program sponsors should evaluate the
instructional methods employed for the learning activities to
determine if the delivery is appropriate and effective. Integral
aspects in the learning environment that should be carefully
monitored include the number of participants and the facilities
and technologies employed in the delivery of the learning
activity.
(ii) CPE program sponsors are expected to present
learning activities that comply with course descriptions and
objectives. Appropriate supplemental materials may also be
used.
(l) Standard No. 12. Sponsored learning activities are
measured by program length, with one 50-minute period equal to
one CPE credit. One-half CPE credit increments (equal to 25
minutes) are permitted after the first credit has been earned in
a given learning activity.
(i) For learning activities in which individual segments
are less than 50 minutes, the sum of the segments should be
considered one total program. For example, five 30-minute
presentations would equal 150 minutes and should be counted as
three CPE credits.
(ii) When the total minutes of a sponsored learning
activity are greater than 50, but not equally divisible by 50,
the CPE credits granted should be rounded down to the nearest
one-half credit. Thus, learning activities with segments totaling
140 minutes should be granted two and one-half CPE
credits.
(iii) While it is the participant's responsibility to
report the appropriate number of credits earned, CPE program
sponsors must monitor group learning activities to assign the
correct number of CPE credits.
(iv) For university or college credit courses that meet
these CPE Standards, each unit of college credit shall equal the
following CPE credits: semester system 15 credits; quarter system
10 credits.
(v) For university or college non-credit courses that
meet these CPE standards, CPE credits shall be awarded only for
the actual classroom time spent in the non-credit
course.
(vi) Credit is not granted to participants for
preparation time.
(vii) Only the portions of committee or staff meetings
that are designed as programs of learning and comply with these
standards qualify for CPE credit.
(m) Standard No. 13. CPE credit for self-study learning
activities must be based on a pilot test of the average
completion time.
(i) A sample of intended professional participants should
be selected to test program materials in an environment and
manner similar to that in which the program is to be presented.
The sample group of at least three individuals must be
independent of the program development group and possess the
appropriate level of knowledge before taking the
program.
(ii) The sample does not have to ensure statistical
validity. CPE credits should be recommended based on the average
completion time for the sample. If substantive changes are
subsequently made to program materials, further pilot tests of
the revised program materials should be conducted to affirm or
amend, as appropriate, the average completion time.
(n) Standard No. 14. Instructors or discussion leaders of
learning activities should receive CPE credit for both their
preparation and presentation time to the extent the activities
maintain or improve their professional competence and meet the
requirements of these CPE standards.
(i) Instructors, discussion leaders, or speakers who
present a learning activity for the first time should receive CPE
credit for actual preparation time up to two times the number of
CPE credits to which participants would be entitled, in addition
to the time for presentation. 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).
(ii) 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.
(iii) The maximum credit for instructors, discussion
leaders or speakers cannot exceed 50 percent of the CPE
requirement.
(o) Standard No. 15. Writers of published articles,
books, or CPE programs should receive CPE credit for their
research and writing time to the extent it maintains or improves
their professional competence.
(i) Writing articles, books, or CPE programs for
publication is a structured activity that involves a process of
learning. For the writer to receive CPE credit, the article,
book, or CPE program must be formally reviewed by an independent
party. CPE credits should be claimed only upon
publication.
(ii) The maximum credit for books or articles cannot
exceed 25 percent of the CPE requirement.
(p) Standard No. 16. CPE credits recommended by a CPE
program sponsor of independent study must not exceed the time the
participant devoted to complete the learning activities specified
in the learning contract.
(i) The credits to be recommended by an independent study
CPE program sponsor should be agreed upon in advance and should
be equated to the effort expended to improve professional
competence. The credits cannot exceed the time devoted to the
learning activities and may be less than the actual time
involved.
(q) Standard No. 17. CPE program sponsors must provide
program participants with documentation of their participation,
which includes the following: CPE program sponsor name and
contact information, participant's name, course title, course
field of study, date offered or completed, if applicable,
location, the name of the CPE registry issuing approval, and the
approval number assigned to that program by the Registry, type of
instructional/delivery method used, amount of CPE credit
recommended, verification by CPE program sponsor
representative.
(i) CPE program sponsors should provide participants with
documentation to support their claims of CPE credit. Acceptable
evidence of completion includes:
(A) For group and independent study programs, a
certificate or other verification supplied by the CPE program
sponsor.
(B) For self-study programs, a certificate supplied by
the CPE program sponsor after satisfactory completion of an
examination.
(C) For instruction credit, a certificate or other
verification supplied by the CPE program sponsor.
(D) For a university or college course that is
successfully completed for credit, a record or transcript of the
grade the participant received.
(E) For university or college non-credit courses, a
certificate of attendance issued by a representative of the
university or college.
(F) For published articles, books, or CPE programs: (1) a
copy of the publication (or in the case of a CPE program, course
development documentation) that names the writer as author or
contributor, (2) a statement from the writer supporting the
number of CPE hours claimed, and (3) the name and contact
information of the independent reviewer(s) or publisher.
(r) Standard No. 18. CPE program sponsors must retain
adequate documentation for five years to support their compliance
with these standards and the reports that may be required of
participants.
(i) Evidence of compliance with responsibilities set
forth under these Standards which is to be retained by CPE
program sponsors includes, but is not limited to: records of
participation, dates and locations, instructor names and
credentials, number of CPE credits earned by participants, and
results of program evaluations.
(ii) Information to be retained by developers includes
copies of program materials, evidence that the program materials
were developed and reviewed by qualified parties, and a record of
how CPE credits were determined.
(iii) For CPE program sponsors offering self-study
programs, appropriate pilot test records must be retained
regarding the following:
(A) When the pilot test was conducted.
(B) The intended participant population.
(C) How the sample was determined.
(D) Names and profiles of sample participants.
(E) A summary of participants' actual completion
time.
(4) Programs or Activities Which Do Not Qualify. The
following activities do not satisfy the standards for programs of
this section and are not eligible for satisfaction of CPE
requirements:
(a) Personal study: personal study includes reading
professional journals and publications, studying and researching
matters such as tax code revisions, practicing software programs
on a computer and watching video movies of a conference;
and
(b) Committee meetings, dinner and luncheon meetings, firm
meetings or other activities that do not meet the standards
outlined in this section.]
(5) Reporting Requirements.
(a) The license renewal deadling and the CPE reporting period deadline shall have the same date of December 31 of even-numbered years.
(b) Except as otherwise authorized by the Division, CPE shall be reported online on the Division website.
(c) [Each]A licensee applying for license renewal shall report[,] by December 31 of each even
-[ ]numbered year, demonstrating completion of at least the
minimum number of [credits]CPE hours required [in]under Section 58-26a-304
and this Section.[for qualified continuing professional education hours
completed for the preceding two years. ]
(d) Each person applying for license reinstatement shall [file a ]report
to the Division at the time of application, demonstrating completion of the CPE required under S[ubs]ection R156-26a-307.[
(a) Such report shall be by means of one of the
following:
(i) certification from an approved continuing
professional education registry of the hours of qualified
continuing education completed; or
(ii) a report to the Division for review and approval of
continuing professional education.
(b) It is the responsibility of the applicant or licensee
to demonstrate to the Division that the applicant or licensee
successfully completed all CPE reported and meets the
requirements of this section or that the CPE has been approved by
an approved continuing professional education registry and that
reported courses maintained or increased the professional
competence of the applicant or licensee.
(6) Continuing Professional Education Registry. To obtain
approval as a continuing professional education registry, an
organization shall:
(a) be a professional association primarily consisting of
individuals licensed as certified public accountants;
(b) be organized and in good standing according to the
laws of the state;
(c) enter into a written agreement with the Division
under which the organization agrees to:
(i) review and approve only those programs which meet the
standards set forth under this section;
(ii) publish and disseminate to their members or other
CPAs on request, listings of continuing professional education
programs which meet the standards and are approved for qualified
continuing professional education credit;
(iii) maintain accurate records of qualified continuing
professional education completed by each of its registrants and
provide each of its registrants with a certificate on a timely
basis to permit the registrant to file that certificate with the
registrant's application to the Division for renewal or
reinstatement of his license as a certified public accountant.
The certificate shall contain the name of the instructor, the
date of the program, location of the program, title of the
program, the name of the sponsor, the name of the CPE registry
issuing approval, and the approval number assigned to that
program by the Registry, and the number of CPE hours granted;
and
(iv) make records of approved of qualified continuing
professional education programs and records of qualified
continuing professional education completed by registrants
available for audit by representatives of the Division, the Board
or peer advisory committees of the board.
(7) Fees. A registry may charge a reasonable fee to
registrants for services provided for approval of courses.
Sponsors of approved courses may charge a lower fee to members of
the sponsoring association for participation as a registrant than
it charges to non-members of the association.
(8) Other CPE requirements and failure to complete CPE
requirements.
(a) Implementation of CPE reporting and license-renewal
alignment, effective December 31, 2018.
(i) Effective December 31, 2018, the license renewal
deadline and the CPE reporting period deadline shall have the same
date of December 31 of even years.]
(e) If a licensee reports required CPE and renews their license prior to December 31 of an even-numbered year, any additional CPE completed by that licensee through the remainder of the even-numbered year may be reported and carried forward toward the next succeeding CPE reporting period.
[(ii) For the reporting period ending December 31, 2018, the
minimum CPE hour requirement under Subsection R156-26a-303b(2)(a)
shall be 120 hours.
(iii) The CPE reporting period deadline of December 31,
2017, is extended to December 31, 2018.
(iv) A licensee may carry forward all CPE hours completed
between December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2018, to the
reporting period ending December 31, 2018.
(v) A license expiring September 30, 2018, shall be
extended to December 31, 2018.]
([b]6) Carry Forward Provision.
([i]a) A licensee who completes more than the required hours of
CPE during the reporting period may carry forward up to 40 hours to
the next succeeding reporting period.
([ii]b) CPE taken in the current reporting period and CPE hours
carried forward from the previous reporting period shall qualify as
general CPE hours only for the current reporting period.
([c]7) Failure to comply with CPE requirements.
([i]a) [Failure to meet the minimum hour requirement. An individual
holding a current Utah license]A licensee who fails to complete the required minimum CPE by
the reporting deadline [will]may not [be allowed to ]renew their license until the
required CPE hours have been completed and reported.
([ii]b) [Waiver for Medical Reasons. A]Pursuant to Subsection 58-26-304(4), a licensee may request
the Board to waive the requirements or grant an extension for [continuing professional education]CPE on the basis that the licensee was not able to complete
the continuing professional education due to medical or related
conditions confirmed by a qualified health care provider.
(i) Such medical confirmation shall include the beginning
and ending dates during which the medical condition would have
prevented the licensee from completing the [continuing professional education]CPE, the extent of the medical condition and the effect that
the medical condition had upon the ability of the licensee to
continue to engage in the practice of accountancy.
(ii) The Board in determining whether the waiver is appropriate shall consider whether or not the licensee continued to be engaged in the practice of accountancy practice on a full or part time basis during the period specified by the medical confirmation.
(iii) Granting a waiver of meeting the minimum CPE hours [shall]is not [be construed as ]a waiver of a CPA being required
to provide services in a competent manner with current knowledge,
skill and ability. When medical or other conditions prevent the CPA
from providing services in a competent manner, the CPA shall
refrain from providing such services.[
(d) Mandatory Online Reporting.
(i) Except as otherwise authorized by the Division, CPE
shall be reported online on the Division website.]
R156-26a-305. Exemptions from Licensure - Mobility.
The mobility practice privilege included in Section 58-26a-305 is further clarified, defiend, and established as follows:
(1) As used in this section and Section 58-26a-305:
(a) "Mobility" means a practice privilege that generally permits a licensed CPA in good standing rom a substantially equivalent state/jurisdiction where their principal place of business is located, to practice outside of that state/jurisdiction without obtaining another license. CPA mobility is a uniform approach endorsed by the AICPA and NASBA through the AICPA/NASBA Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA), allowing no-notification interstate practice by CPAs whose home jurisdiction or who individually are substantially equivalent where they meet the UAA licensure standard. The individual and firm automatically consent to the jurisdiction of the mobility state, and the mobility state's ability to discipline under the provision is based on the performance of services within the mobility state, whether physically, electronically, or otherwise.
(b) "Individual mobility" means an individual CPA meets the requirements of Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(a) and Section R156-26a-305 to perform services through mobility in Utah. A CPA with individual mobility does not need to obtain a Utah CPA license or otherwise register with the Division.
(c) "Firm mobility" means a CPA firm meets the requirements of Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(a) and Section R156-26a-305 to perform services through mobility in Utah. A CPA firm with firm mobility does not need to obtain a Utah CPA firm license or register with the Division.
(d) "Home jurisdiction", for purposes of Section 58-26a-305 and this Section, means the jurisdiction where a CPA or CPA firm is licensed and their principal place of business is located.
(e) "Mobility tool" means the online tool developed by the AICPA and NASBA to help CPAs and CPA firms understand mobility and determine their eligibility for mobility, available at https://cpamobility.org.
(2) A CPA or CPA firm performing services through mobility in Utah shall hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing in their home jurisdiction. An inactive or restricted CPA or CPA firm license is invalid pursuant to Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(a)(ii)(C).
(3) A CPA performing services through mobility shall only perform the same level of services (attest or non-attest) in the mobility jurisdiction as they are permitted to perform in their home jurisdiction.
(4) A CPA firm not licensed in Utah may perform services through mobility in Utah as a person exempt from licensure pursuant to Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(a), if:
(a) the CPA firm's principal place of business is not in Utah;
(b) the CPA firm holds an active, unrestricted CPA firm license in good standing in its home jurisdiction; and
(c) the CPA firm meets the ownership and peer review requirements of the mobility jurisdiction pursuant to Subsection 58-26a-302(3)(a)(iii) and Subsection R156-26a-303a.
(5) A licensed CPA or CPA firm may obtain information regarding their eligibility for mobility by using the mobility tool at https://cpamobility.org.
R156-26a-307. Reinstatement of Licenses.
(1) An individual [having]who held a Utah license which has expired for failure to
renew for nonpayment of fees, or an individual applying for
reinstatement from emeritus status, may be relicensed upon
satisfactory completion of:
(a) submission of an application on forms
supplied by the Division which shall contain information as to why
the [person]individual allowed their license to lapse;
and
(b) 80 hours of [acceptable]qualified CPE[,] completed within the 12 months preceding the
submission of [an]the application for reinstatement, which shall include:
(i) [a minimum of]at least 16 hours in accounting or auditing or both; and
(ii) [shall include ]successful completion of the AICPA
Professional Ethics for CPAs[Ethics Self-Study] Examination and the Utah
CPA Law
s and Rules Examination with [a ]minimum scores of at least the minimum score required for initial
licensure,[. Successful completion of the two examinations
will]
which shall count as eight hours of CPE towards the 80 hour
requirement.
([i]2) The requirements in Subsection R156-26-307(1)(b) [are]may be waived if the reinstatement applicant:
(a) has not been practicing within [the state of ]Utah since the expiration of the
license being reinstated[,];
(b) [the reinstatement applicant ]has continuously
since the expiration been licensed and practicing in another state; and
(c) [the reinstatement applicant ]demonstrates that the
applicant has met all the CPE requirements that would have been
applicable in [the state of ]Utah during the time the license was
expired in [the state of ]Utah.
([ii]3) The requirements in Subsection R156-26a-307(1)(b) [are]
may be waived[,] if:
(a) the applicant failed to renew because of inadvertent failure to pay the renewal fees, to sign application documents, or to meet similar technical application requirements;
(b) [and ]the application for reinstatement is filed
with the Division within 24 months after expiration date of the
license; and
(c) at time of application for reinstatement the applicant demonstrates by proof of attendance at acceptable CPE courses that at all times the applicant was in full compliance with the CPE requirements.
([2]4) The number of hours required to reinstate a license [shall]may not satisfy in whole or part any of the minimum hours of
CPE that may be required for subsequent renewal of the license.
R156-26a-501. Unprofessional Conduct.
"Unprofessional conduct" includes:
(1) willfully failing to comply with continuing professional education or fraudulently reporting continuing professional education;
(2) commission of an act or omission that fails to conform to the accepted and recognized standards and ethics of the profession including those stated in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, effective December 15, 2014, updated through August 31, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference; or
(3) a CPA firm using the name of a person who is not a licensed certified public accountant as part of the CPA firm name, with the exception that a CPA firm may continue to use the name of a former owner who was a CPA but who has retired or is no longer active in the CPA firm.
KEY: accountants, licensing, peer review, continuing professional education
Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [November 7, 2017]2019
Notice of Continuation: October 6, 2016
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-26a-101; 58-1-106(1)(a); 58-1-202(1)(a)
Additional Information
More information about a Notice of Proposed Rule is available online.
The Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the Bulletin is the official version. The PDF version of this issue is available at https://rules.utah.gov/publicat/bull_pdf/2019/b20191001.pdf. The HTML edition of the Bulletin is a convenience copy. Any discrepancy between the PDF version and HTML version is resolved in favor of the PDF version.
Text to be deleted is struck through and surrounded by brackets ([example]). Text to be added is underlined (example). Older browsers may not depict some or any of these attributes on the screen or when the document is printed.
For questions regarding the content or application of this rule, please contact Robyn Barkdull at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6727, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at rbarkdull@utah.gov. For questions about the rulemaking process, please contact the Office of Administrative Rules.