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Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is an essential requirement for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) including CPAs in Oregon. It helps CPAs stay up-to-date with the latest developments in accounting and ensures their knowledge and skills remain relevant in a rapidly changing profession. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Oregon CPA CPE, including its importance, requirements, and available options.
Continuing Professional Education is crucial for CPAs as it enables them to maintain their professional competence. The accounting profession is constantly evolving due to changes in regulations, standards, and technology. CPE ensures that CPAs are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality services and meet the expectations of clients, employers, and regulatory bodies. It also helps CPAs stay informed about emerging trends, ethical considerations, and best practices in the field.
CPAs in Oregon must renew their licenses every two years by completing Oregon CPA CPE requirements.
The reporting cycle of Oregon CPAs for CPE is July 1 to June 30, Biennially, odd, or even based upon permit number.
Subjects areas for CPA CPE courses are below (not limited to):
Subject Areas Included in the Technical:
*Note: All the courses must be approved by NASBA or state board.
As of July 1, 2020, all Oregon licensees, active or inactive, must report at least four hours of ethics-specific training every two years.
If the principal place of business of a licensee is located in another jurisdiction, the licensee must satisfy this rule's ethical requirement by demonstrating compliance with its professional conduct and ethics CPE requirement. If the other jurisdiction requires the licensee to complete an ethics program as a condition of renewal, then Oregon will accept the number of CPE Ethics hours that meet the ethics requirements.
Licensees whose principal place of business is outside of Oregon must complete the Oregon-specific ethics requirement and must complete CPE for professional conduct and ethics.
As part of their biennial renewal applications, all active licensees must complete and report four hours of ethics CPE, which may be completed through any ethics program approved by the Board.
As an Oregon CPA, you can earn CPE credits through a variety of educational activities. For Oregon CPAs, there are several ways to earn continuing education credits:
CPAs can earn CPE credits by attending professional meetings, seminars, and workshops held by accounting firms, professional organizations, and educational institutions.
Online courses and webinars are flexible ways to earn CPE credits. Accounting and auditing topics are covered in many webinars and online courses offered by professional organizations and CPE providers. For busy professionals, virtual learning opportunities are convenient because they can be accessed from anywhere.
Learn at your own pace with self-study programs for CPAs. Study guides, reading materials, and practice tests are usually included in these programs. Self-study programs provide CPE credits for CPAs who successfully complete the assessments.
CPAs can earn CPE credits by teaching or presenting CPE courses. Sharing their expertise with other professionals not only helps in earning CPE credits but also enhances their professional reputation and visibility within the accounting community.
Engage in Professional Writing or Research: Writing articles, papers, or research papers on accounting-related topics can also earn CPAs CPE credits. Publications in recognized journals, magazines, or websites can qualify for CPE credits, subject to certain guidelines and criteria set by the licensing board.
Below are ten valuable tips to help you meet your CPE deadlines with ease and excellence
Procrastination is the enemy when it comes to CPE. Plan your CPE activities well in advance and create a schedule accordingly including the topics you want to cover, the number of hours required, and suitable dates for completing each activity. By planning ahead, you can avoid last-minute panic and ensure you have sufficient time to meet your CPE deadlines.
Selecting the right CPE courses is vital for your professional growth. Look for courses that are directly applicable to your area of specialization and align with your career goals. Ensure that the courses are taught by knowledgeable instructors who can deliver engaging and interactive sessions, making the learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
Don't limit yourself to traditional classroom settings for CPE. Explore various learning methods such as online courses, webinars, conferences, and workshops. Online platforms offer a wide range of CPE options to learn at your own pace and convenience. These flexible alternatives enable you to complete your CPE requirements without disrupting your work schedule.
Familiarize yourself with the specific CPE requirements set by the Oregon Board of Accountancy. Understand the number of CPE hours you need to complete, any specific subject areas that must be covered, and the reporting deadlines. Regularly check the board's website for updates and changes in the regulations to ensure compliance.
Being a part of professional accounting organizations not only provides networking opportunities but also offers access to quality CPE resources. Organizations like the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA) often provide discounted or free CPE courses exclusively for their members. Take advantage of these resources to fulfill your CPE requirements efficiently.
Maintaining a reliable CPE tracking system is essential to stay organized and monitor your progress. Whether it's a spreadsheet, dedicated software, or an online platform, choose a method that works best for you. Keep track of the courses you have completed, the number of hours earned, and the certificates you receive. This system will help you avoid confusion and ensure accurate reporting.
Set aside dedicated time for CPE activities in your weekly or monthly schedule. Treat it as a priority and commit to spending a specific number of hours on learning and professional development. By making CPE a routine part of your schedule, you will consistently work towards meeting your deadlines and staying up to date with industry advancements.
Make use of your commute or travel time to complete CPE activities. Audio courses or podcasts are excellent options for on-the-go learning. You can listen to industry experts, discussions, or educational content while driving, taking public transportation, or during flights. This efficient use of travel time can significantly contribute to meeting your CPE requirements.
Engage with other CPAs and professionals in your field to gain insights and share knowledge. Participate in industry events, conferences, or local chapter meetings. Networking not only expands your professional connections but also provides opportunities to learn about new CPE courses, providers, and trends. Collaborating with peers can also lead to valuable discussions and the exchange of ideas.
After completing each CPE activity, take time to reflect on what you have learned and how it can be applied to your work. Assess the value you gained from the course and evaluate its effectiveness. This reflection process will not only help you enhance your professional skills but also guide you in choosing future CPE courses that align with your learning objectives.
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Oregon requires CPAs to complete 80 CPE hours every two years, with a minimum of 20 hours per year.
Yes, you can carry forward a maximum of 20 excess CPE hours to the next reporting period. However, carry-forward hours cannot be used to meet the minimum annual requirement.
Oregon requires a minimum of four hours in professional conduct and ethics, as well as at least 24 hours in accounting, auditing, or related technical subjects.
Yes, self-study courses are accepted in Oregon. However, they must be offered by a CPE sponsor registered with the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy).
You must report your completed CPE hours through the Oregon Board of Accountancy's online reporting system. The reporting deadline is the last day of the month following your birth month.
In conclusion, meeting CPE deadlines with ease and excellence requires careful planning, choosing relevant courses, staying informed, and utilizing various learning methods. By following these ten tips and staying proactive in your professional development, you can ensure that you meet your CPE requirements while enhancing your skills and knowledge as a CPA in Oregon.
The Authors, Allen Smith is a Practicing Certified public accountant and senior vice president at myCPE – Continuing Education Platform for Professionals. He understands the current needs of the education domain and strategies for the presenters to adapt the new changes.