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Rule 4701-15-01 | Continuing education standards.
A licensee seeking renewal of an Ohio permit shall demonstrate participation in learning activities that maintain and/or improve professional competence as guided by the "Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education Programs," jointly issued by the "National Association of State Boards of Accountancy" and the "American Institute of Certified Public Accountants." Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:09 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-02 | Continuing education requirement.
(A) Measurement of continuing education is in terms of credits. The continuing education requirement for certified public accountants and public accountants holding an Ohio permit, as defined in division (A) of section 4701.10 of the Revised Code, is one hundred twenty credits for each triennial reporting period. The triennial reporting period begins on January first and ends on December thirty-first three years later. An Ohio permit holder must complete a minimum of twenty credits annually. Failure to complete twenty credits annually will result in a fine of ten dollars for every credit deficient. (B) All Ohio permit holders must complete the continuing education requirement defined in paragraph (A) of this rule by December thirty-first each year. Credit earned after that date may not be claimed toward fulfillment of the requirement unless the executive director, subject to board approval, grants an extension of time in accordance with rule 4701-15-07 of the Administrative Code. (C) The continuing education requirement for newly certified public accountants holding an Ohio permit is forty credits. The two-year reporting period begins on January first of the year in which the newly certified public accountant obtains the CPA certificate, and ends on December thirty-first of the year following the year in which the newly certified public accountant obtains the CPA certificate. There are no minimum annual credit, or subject matter requirements during the initial two-year reporting period. (D) An applicant whose status is expired, suspended or revoked or the holder of a CPA certificate or PA registration who wishes to obtain an Ohio permit, as defined in division (A) of section 4701.10 of the Revised Code, must first complete continuing education requirements in accordance with rule 4701-15-09 of the Administrative Code. (E) A nonresident Ohio permit holder may fulfill the Ohio continuing education requirements by meeting the continuing education requirements of the state in which the Ohio permit holder's principal office is located. If that state does not have a continuing education requirement, then the nonresident Ohio permit holder must comply with the Ohio continuing education reporting requirements. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:09 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-03 | Continuing education reporting.
(A) All Ohio permit holders must provide a statement to the board under penalty of perjury attesting to the continuing education credits completed as of the date the Ohio permit is renewed. (B) All Ohio permit holders are required to maintain all records of continuing education credits reported. Ohio permit holders are responsible for ensuring the quality of continuing education received and documenting completion of all credits. Documentation must be maintained until the end of the next reporting period. Upon request, the licensee shall produce to the board verification of all credits claimed. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:09 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-04 | Measurement of continuing education credit; types of programs.
(A) Measurement of continuing education is in terms of credits. The overriding consideration in determining whether a specific program qualifies for continuing education credit is that it should be a formal program of learning that contributes directly to the professional competence of an Ohio permit holder. (B) For group programs, as defined as part of "Standards for Continuing Professional Education" issued by the "National Association of State Boards of Accounting" and published on its website (www.nasba.org), a fifty-minute period equals one continuing education credit. After fifty minutes has elapsed, each ten minute period thereafter equals one-fifth credit. Eight credits may be given to a classroom program offered during one day provided the actual session is at least four hundred minutes in length, excluding breaks. (C) In terms of self-study, continuing education credit may be earned at a minimum of ten minute increments. (D) College courses earn ten credits per quarter hour, or fifteen credits per semester hour, unless an Ohio permit holder earns additional credit in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (I) of this rule. These courses must appear and be awarded credit on an official transcript to qualify as continuing education. (E) Time devoted to reading, computer tutorials, or other self-study does not earn continuing education credit, unless the program includes one or more examinations that require successful completion. The self-study program will earn credit based on the program's average completion time as determined by pilot testing. (F) An instructor or discussion leader of a continuing education program may be awarded continuing education credit up to three times the credit a program participant would receive. Time devoted to preparation for a classroom program does not earn separate credit. Credit for teaching a particular classroom program may be claimed only once each reporting period. A maximum of ninety credits is allowed each reporting period. (G) The executive director, subject to board approval, shall evaluate continuing education credit claimed for publications or other special learning activities, and may require that the Ohio permit holder submit appropriate documentation to support the credit claimed. (H) Continuing education credit awarded for passing major professional examinations that have been approved by the executive director, subject to board approval, is ten credits per hour if the total examination session is at least three continuous hours in length, up to a maximum of forty credits per session. The credit will be awarded in the year the Ohio permit holder obtains certification. (I) The executive director, subject to board approval, may increase the continuing education credit awarded to a group program as defined in paragraph (B) or (D) of this rule, and award such additional credit to an Ohio permit holder in the year the Ohio permit holder successfully completes the program. Such a program must include one or more examinations that require successful completion to qualify for additional credit. The board may specify the amount of such additional credit awarded, as well as passing scores or grades required to earn such additional credit. (J) The holder of an Ohio permit may earn five continuing education credits, up to twenty continuing education credits per triennial reporting period, by serving as an Ohio precinct election official. A "precinct election official" means a person who has completed, for each election served, both the precinct election official training required and a full day as a precinct election official for an Ohio county board of elections on the associated election day. Service as a poll watcher or observer does not earn continuing education credit. Last updated September 6, 2024 at 8:13 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-05 | Requirements for continuing education program acceptance.
(A) Formal continuing education programs shall be acceptable if the licensee retains the appropriate supporting documentation and if: (1) An outline is prepared and preserved by the program sponsor. (2) The program is at least fifty minutes in length, except as provided in paragraph (C) of rule 4701-15-04 of the Administrative Code. (3) The program is conducted by a qualified instructor, discussion leader or lecturer. (4) A record of registration or attendance is maintained by the program sponsor. (5) All items described in paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(4) of this rule are provided to the board upon request. (B) The following are deemed acceptable provided the requirements in paragraph (A) of this rule are met: (1) Professional development education provided by the "American Institute of Certified Public Accountants," the "National Society of Accountants," and state accounting societies and their chapters. (2) Technical education provided by the "American Institute of Certified Public Accountants," the "National Society of Accountants," and state accounting societies and their chapters. (3) University or college courses completed for credit, that appear on an official transcript. (4) Formal organized public accounting firm educational programs. (5) Continuing education providers that are approved by an accountancy board of another state, territory, or political subdivision of the United States. (6) Continuing education providers that are approved by the "National Association of State Boards of Accountancy." (7) Continuing education providers registered under the provisions of rule 4701-15-10 of the Administrative Code. (8) Continuing education programs taken from other providers for which the Ohio permit holder has supporting documentation. (C) The executive director, subject to board approval, may require either sponsors of continuing education programs or Ohio permit holders to furnish proof of attendance or completion of a continuing education program, course material, or any other information the board deems essential for verification purposes. (D) Valid continuing education credit earned under the laws of another state, territory, or political subdivision of the United States may be used toward fulfillment of the Ohio continuing education requirements. (E) The right is specifically reserved to the executive director, subject to board approval, to disapprove credit claimed for any continuing education program that does not meet the requirements of this rule. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:10 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-06 | Reduction of continuing education requirement.
(A) The executive director, subject to board approval, may grant a reduction of continuing education requirements to an Ohio permit holder who presents appropriate documentation for health reasons, active military duty in the armed forces of the United States, or other just cause that would prevent or cause undue hardship in meeting continuing education requirements. (B) Any reduction granted is valid for one reporting period. (C) "Military" means the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state. Military spouses are included in this definition. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:10 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-07 | Continuing education deficiency; late filing fee.
(A) The executive director, subject to board approval, may grant an Ohio permit holder who is deficient in the required continuing education at the renewal date an extension of time, not to exceed ninety days, to correct the deficiency. The Ohio permit holder shall provide the board with an anticipated date of completion and must provide appropriate documentation to the board that describes the circumstances supporting the extension request. The Ohio permit holder must submit verification of the completed continuing education by the extension date specified. (B) An Ohio permit holder who fails to comply with all the terms and conditions of the extension as approved by the executive director, subject to board approval, shall have his or her Ohio permit placed into expired status. (C) An Ohio permit holder who is deficient in continuing education requirements at the time of renewal, and does not receive an extension of time prior to renewal, will be assessed a noncompliance fine of one hundred dollars for each full month or part of a month until the continuing education requirements have been met. This fee will be assessed at the time of submission. (D) An Ohio permit holder who receives disciplinary action from the board based on a failure to comply with continuing education requirements will be subject to ongoing continuing education verification for at least two triennial reporting periods. Last updated September 6, 2024 at 8:13 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-09 | Converting to Ohio permit status.
(A) An applicant whose status is expired, suspended or revoked, or the holder of a CPA certificate or PA registration who holds an Ohio registration defined in division (B) of section 4701.10 of the Revised Code, and who wishes to obtain the Ohio permit defined in division (A) of section 4701.10 of the Revised Code must first complete continuing education as follows: (1) A total of one hundred twenty credits of continuing education within the thirty-six months prior to application for an Ohio permit. (2) Within the total of one hundred twenty continuing education credits enumerated in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, at least three continuing education credits in professional standards and responsibilities approved by the board that emphasizes Chapter 4701. of the Revised Code and agency 4701 of the Administrative Code, earned in the three-year period preceding application for the Ohio permit. (3) Within the total of one hundred twenty continuing education credits enumerated in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, at least twenty-four credits in the fields of accounting, auditing, assurance or attestation standards. (4) Within the total of one hundred twenty continuing education credits enumerated in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, at least twenty-four credits in the field of taxation. (B) The executive director, subject to board approval, may adjust the requirements of paragraph (A)(3) or (A)(4) of this rule upon showing of good cause by the holder or applicant. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:10 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-10 | Continuing education sponsor registration.
(A) A provider of continuing education programs not specifically listed in paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(6) of rule 4701-15-05 of the Administrative Code may apply for registration with the board. Sponsor registration shall be on a form provided by the board, and shall include the following information: (1) The name and address of the sponsor; (2) The name, address, and telephone number of the person in charge of the continuing education programs offered by the sponsor; (3) A general description of the method by which the program content is delivered and the subject areas offered for credit; (4) The qualifications of the continuing education program instructors or course developers; (5) Specific information concerning the continuing education programs to be offered, including the following: (a) Outlines of the continuing education programs to be offered; (b) A description of course materials or electronic files to be used in the programs. The board may require a registered sponsor provide actual course materials or electronic files separately. (6) A statement that the sponsor agrees to comply with both the continuing education standards applicable to sponsors defined in rule 4701-15-01 of the Administrative Code and the board's continuing education verification process defined in rule 4701-15-12 of the Administrative Code. In exchange for this agreement, the sponsor will be permitted to state this fact, as well as the fact of its registration with the board, on its promotional material. (B) The board will maintain a list of registered sponsors. All registered sponsors must renew their registration with the board every year. All registered sponsors approved to offer continuing education programs covering the board's professional standards and responsibilities requirement described in paragraph (C) of rule 4701-15-11 of the Administrative Code must provide documentation of any change in the information outlined in paragraph (A) of this rule to the board. A sponsor that fails to renew its registration in a timely manner or that fails to comply with either the continuing education standards applicable to sponsors defined in rule 4701-15-01 of the Administrative Code or the board's continuing education verification process defined in rule 4701-15-12 of the Administrative Code will be removed from the board's list of registered sponsors. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:10 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-11 | Required continuing education programs.
(A) An Ohio permit holder who performs accounting, auditing, assurance or attestation engagements, prepares any financial report, or signs any financial report in accordance with the professional standards defined in rule 4701-9-03, 4701-9-04, 4701-9-05, or 4701-9-06 of the Administrative Code shall complete at least twenty-four continuing education credits in the fields of accounting, auditing, or attestation standards during the three-year reporting period specific to the types of services provided by the Ohio permit holder. (B) An Ohio permit holder who performs tax work on any engagement, prepares any tax return, or signs any tax return as a certified public accountant or public accountant in accordance with the professional standards defined in rule 4701-9-09 of the Administrative Code shall complete at least twenty-four continuing education credits in the field of taxation during the three-year reporting period specific to the types of services provided by the Ohio permit holder. (C) All Ohio permit holders - each three-year reporting period - must complete three continuing education credits covering the applications of professional standards and responsibilities. The following guidelines are applicable: (1) The executive director, subject to board approval, shall review and approve sponsors, instructors, and courses of professional standards and responsibilities. Such courses may cover the subjects of Ohio accountancy law and board rules, professional ethics, ethical philosophy, or the accountancy laws and rules promulgated by another state accountancy board. (2) The executive director, subject to board approval, may approve a program in professional standards and responsibilities of fewer than three credits. (3) The board may require that any certified public accountant, public accountant, or staff member of a public accounting firm that is the subject of a disciplinary action by the board complete a program approved by the executive director, subject to board approval that emphasizes Ohio accountancy law defined in Chapter 4701. of the Revised Code, and board rules defined in agency 4701 of the Administrative Code. Last updated September 6, 2024 at 8:13 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-12 | Continuing education verification.
(A) The board annually conducts a verification of continuing education programs claimed for continuing education credit by selected Ohio permit holders. Consequently, an Ohio permit holder must retain evidence to support fulfillment of the continuing education requirement until the end of the next reporting period. (B) An Ohio permit holder who fails to verify or document completion of the continuing education required at the time of renewal will be assessed a noncompliance fine of one hundred dollars for each full month or part of a month until the continuing education requirements have been met. This fee will be assesssed at of the time of submission. (C) An Ohio permit holder who completes a continuing education program taken from an unregistered sponsor may be required to submit the following documentation to the board: (1) Qualifications of course instructors or course developers; (2) Continuing education program course materials; (3) Official lists of persons attending or completing the continuing education program. (D) During the board's annual verification of reported continuing education, programs taken from registered sponsors may be verified by contact with either the sponsor or the Ohio permit holder. Programs taken from unregistered sponsors may be verified by contact with the Ohio permit holder. (E) A licensee who renews an Ohio permit after the board's posted renewal deadline must submit to the board documentation verifying completion of the continuing education requirement in effect at the time of renewal. (F) Failure to comply with the provisions of this rule shall be a violation of division (A)(4) of section 4701.16 of the Revised Code. Last updated September 6, 2024 at 8:13 AM Supplemental Information |
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Rule 4701-15-13 | Continuing education requirements of non-CPA owners.
Any individual who does not hold an Ohio permit or a foreign certificate, or a professional license, registration, or certification issued by this state, or another state and who holds an equity interest in a public accounting firm, shall comply with the continuing education requirements in rule 4701-15-02 of the Administrative Code. Last updated July 18, 2024 at 9:10 AM Supplemental Information |