Continuing Professional Education

Overview

The amended CPA Law requires all CPAs to complete CPE programs provided by JICPA.
The Cabinet Office Ordinance stipulates that CPAs must obtain at least 40 CPE credits annually.
CPE programs cover various areas contributing to professional competence.
Reporting period: annually, April 1 to March 31
Reporting date: April 30
Who should do CPE? All members registered with JICPA as of April 1.

In 1997, CPE was recommended by the CPA Investigation and Examinations Board (reorganized into CPAAOB in 2004).
In 1998, CPE was offered to JICPA members as a voluntary program.
In 2002, CPE became mandatory through self-imposed regulations.
In 2004, CPE became compulsory after the revision of the CPA Law.
In 2006, professional ethics and quality control of audits became mandatory subjects

Attend seminars, CD-ROM and e-learning systems, distance education programs, attend small self-study groups
Self-study: read designated materials, technical journals and books, attend committees of JICPA or other bodies
Write articles related to the profession
Give lectures

The CPA constitution stipulates
1. programs pertaining to auditing and other CPA practices
2. programs pertaining to professional ethics and CPA
More specifically
- Auditing
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Consulting
- Information technology
- Professional ethics
- Related laws and regulations
  (e.g., the Commercial Code)
Mandatory subjects (starting April 2006)
- Four credits of professional ethics for all JICPA members
- Four credits of quality control of audits for JICPA members engaged in statutory audits

Three ways to report CPE credits
1. Online on the CPE website
2. Fax or mail
3. CPE card. The card is to be presented and scanned at seminars.

Exemption
The following JICPA members are not required to take CPE, provided that an application for exemption is filed.
- Members who do not provide professional services, including tax services, as a CPA during the reporting period.
- Members aged 80 or older who are not engaged in audit services.

Alleviation
The following members are not required to obtain 40 CPE credit
- Members who are not engaged in professional services, including tax services, as a CPA during most of the reporting period.
The above alleviation does not apply to members who are engaged in
audit services that are subject to quality control review by JICPA.

CPE Council
- draws up the framework of CPE operations
- examines and notifies exemptions and alleviations
CPE Promotion Center
- keeps records of educational activities and progress of members

A member who fails to satisfy CPE requirements is subject to disciplinary action by JICPA.

Development of CPE programs which meet the various demands of members.
Development of CPE tools to provide members with more opportunities.
- CS (communication satellite)
- CD-ROM
- e-learning