New CPE Rules in Effect for 2024

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The CPE rules for CPAs in Georgia changed on January 1, 2024. In 2023, the Georgia Board of Accountancy introduced an amended CPE rule to ensure that CPAs continuously enhance their technical skills and knowledge. Rule 20-11-.01 of the Georgia Board of Accountancy outlines the introduction and purpose of the rule, emphasizing the importance of CPAs’ commitment to increasing their expertise and understanding of the accounting profession.

According to Rule 20-11-.02, applicants for the renewal of their individual CPA licenses must meet specific requirements for continuing professional education. During the two-year CPE reporting period preceding the biennial renewal date, CPAs must continue completing a total of eighty credits of acceptable continuing professional education. Of these credits, at least 50 percent must be earned in technical fields of study. Additionally, a minimum of 20 credits must be completed each calendar year.

New in this rule is the complete removal of an A&A requirement. There will no longer be an A&A requirement in Georgia beginning this year. Additionally, Rule 20-11-.02(3) mandates the completion of four ethics CPE credits, including one credit specific to the laws, rules and policies of the Georgia Board.

Programs and activities that qualify for CPE credit must be formal and directly contribute to CPAs’ professional knowledge, ability or competence to qualify. Technical and non-technical fields of study listed in Rule 20-11-.01 are acceptable subjects. However, CPAs can seek approval for fields of study not listed by demonstrating their direct contribution to their professional knowledge, ability or competence.

Licensees are responsible for maintaining records of their attendance and completion of continuing professional education activities, including information such as the program’s provider, location, title, dates attended, credits claimed and evidence of satisfactory completion. Records must be retained for five years after the program’s completion. Each approved CPE course, program, or activity is measured based on program length, with one fifty-minute period equal to one CPE credit.

The new rule on continuing professional education aims to ensure that CPAs in Georgia maintain and enhance their professional competence. By continuously updating their knowledge and skills, CPAs can meet the ever-evolving public needs and maintain the trust placed in them as accounting professionals.