Blended Learning

A Blended Learning program offers participants learning in multiple formats or delivery methods. Activities can include lectures, discussion, guided practice, games, case studies, and simulation. The varied delivery methods include Group Live, Group Internet Based, Self Study, or Nano Learning. The primary component of the program may be synchronous (a group program) or asynchronous, allowing the participant to control a portion of the time and pace of the learning.

The primary component of the program is the first distinction in the application process. The application process for Blended Learning is based on a series of submissions for each primary component.

Initial Application Fee

The initial application fee for the Blended Learning delivery method is based on the number of CPE credits being offered for the Blended Learning program submitted with the initial application (with one CPE credit equal to a 50-minute period).

0 – 4.0 CPE credits - $1,650
4.2 – 16.0 CPE credits - $1,975
16.2 – 40 CPE credits - $2,350
40.2 – 75.0 CPE credits - $2,890
75.2 – 100.0 CPE credits - $3,450
100.2 – 150.0 CPE credits - $3,950
150.2 – 200.0 CPE credits - $4,455
200.2 + CPE credits - $4,995

The second and third submission of Blended Learning programs with the same primary component is subject to an abbreviated application process and a flat fee of $1,450.

If the sponsor then wants to offer Blended Learning programs with a different primary component than initially approved, then the sponsor will need to apply for approval for that program and follow the same process until three programs with that primary component have been approved.

Initial application fees are non-refundable.

Following the administrative review, the Blended Learning delivery method application will enter a preliminary instructional design review to focus on three primary elements. If there is a failure in any one of these elements, you will be notified that the minimal requirements have not been met to further the application for review. You may re-apply when the program is compliant with the Standards. You will be required to submit a new application and fee.

More information on the application process can be found in the Administrative Review Process, the Preliminary Instructional Design Review and the Full Instructional Design Review sections.

Renewal Application Fee

Once approved for the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, organizations must renew their membership annually by the first of the month of their initial approval date. The renewal fees are determined by the total number of different programs offered by the organization for the following approved instructional delivery methods: Group Live, Group Internet Based, QAS Self Study and Blended Learning.

Renewal Fees

1 – 15 different programs - $875
16 – 25 different programs - $1,085
26 – 50 different programs - $1,750
51 – 100 different programs - $2,795
101 – 250 different programs - $3,450
251 – 500 different programs - $4,175
501 – 1000 different programs - $4,750
1000 + different programs - $5,750

Nano Learning Supplemental Fee

A $550 flat fee will be added to the Renewal Fee listed above for Registry sponsors approved for multiple instructional delivery methods including Nano Learning, regardless of the number of Nano Learning programs offered.

A Blended Learning program has a primary component of either a group program (synchronous) or asynchronous program. The primary component is the first distinction in the application and review process. For the initial Blended Learning program application, the submitted program will be identified based on its primary component, and the application fee is based on the number of CPE credits offered for that particular program. All administrative documentation such as the certificate of completion, promotional materials, evaluation form, author/instructor/developer, reviewer credentials and biographical information will be required and reviewed first.

The next step will be a preliminary instructional design review of submitted program materials and documentation. The preliminary review will focus on the learning objectives of the program, the detailed course summary and instructions for participants, as well as documentation for the CPE credit documentation of the program. Upon successful completion of the preliminary review, the full instructional design review of all program materials will take place. Successful completion of the full instructional design review results in course approval for the Blended Learning delivery method.

If the sponsor wishes to award CPE credits for additional Blended Learning programs in which the primary component is the same as the initial application, then the sponsor must apply to the National Registry using an abbreviated application process. The abbreviated application requires submission of administrative documents, the course summary, and the CPE credit determination, but not detailed program materials. The application fee is a flat fee.

After the third Blended Learning program (with the same primary component) has been submitted and successfully passes the review process, the sponsor will receive approval for Blended Learning at the organization level and can offer other Blended Learning programs with the same primary component without having to apply for additional approval.

If the sponsor then wants to offer Blended Learning programs with a different primary component than initially approved, then the sponsor will need to apply for approval for that program and follow the same process outlined above until three programs with that primary component have been approved.

Application Review Process

1. Submit the Interest Form

Only organizations or individuals who have offered at least one educational course in the past can be considered for membership. The program does not have to have been offered for the CPA profession or awarded for CPE credit. After the complete interest form is submitted, a link to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors will be sent to the main contact. The email address is no-reply@salesforce.com. Some mail client security features may reject this address, so make sure you are able to accept messages from this address.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Standards and Best Practices

Before proceeding with the online initial application, we ask that you make yourself familiar with the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs (revised January 2024). These are the Standards by which your application will be measured for compliance.

3: Complete Initial Application

The Registry application is a detailed process, and potential sponsors should take the necessary steps in providing a complete application. The National Registry provides help and support to provide guidance, including video whiteboards, best practices, and workshops (i.e. the Registry Summit). The online application is an intuitive and interactive interface by which you can upload all materials that are relevant for the delivery method you are seeking for approval. The application and review fees can also be paid through this secure system. The online application form will allow you to save and return to complete it at a later date. You will be prompted to supply a login and password to access the incomplete form.

You may apply for multiple instructional delivery methods (group live; group internet based; QAS self study; nano learning; and blended learning) with one application. You will be requested to submit certain documentation and program materials for one program of each instructional delivery method for which you are applying. All of the requested documentation for the application should relate to the submitted program. For example, if the submitted course is titled, “Accounting ABCs,” then all submitted materials—program materials, promotional materials, certificate of completion, evaluation form, etc.—should be for the “Accounting ABCs” program.

Blended Learning Additional Materials:

Course materials
Instructions and a summary document to describe the components of the program and what must be completed or achieved during each component in order to qualify for CPE credits
Supporting documentation that 75% or more of learning objectives are measured in the qualified assessment

4. Main Contact Notified of Status

Once you have submitted your initial application, you will receive a confirmation email.

5. Application Review Process Begins
The National Registry team reviews your application to determine if the policies, procedures, and courses are compliant with the Standards. The initial application process consists of a hands-on evaluation by the National Registry of CPE Sponsors administrative review team. Your application will be assigned to an Instructional Design Administrator. The first step in the review process, your assigned reviewer will evaluate the administrative materials to measure against the applicable Standards.

The required documents for the application include:

Program List

If all program offerings have not yet been determined, submit the known course offerings and remit fees based on that program offering level. If, during the year, your organization will exceed the number of program offerings included in the initial application, please contact your National Registry account administrator.

Administrative Documents

6. Request for Modifications

If there are areas of non-compliance, your National Registry account administrator will send you an email requesting modifications. Please look at each element on the modification request. If you have any questions, please contact your account administrator. You will have two weeks from the date of the email to submit the modified documentation and materials. You have two opportunities to make required modifications. After two opportunities to make modifications, if ANY non-compliance remains, the application will be closed.

7. Administrative Review Complete

Once your administrative documents are in compliance with the Standards, your application will move forward to the Preliminary Instructional Design Review.

Preliminary Instructional Design Review

Following the administrative review, the Blended Learning delivery method application will enter a Preliminary Instructional Design Review. This portion of the review will focus primarily on the course instructions to the participants summarizing the different components of the program and what must be achieved during each component to qualify for CPE credits; clearly defined and measurable learning objectives; and the CPE measurement.

If there is a failure in any one of these elements, you will be notified that the minimal requirements have not been met to further the application for review. Additionally, you will be notified of the preliminary review deficiencies and referred to the resources to review and consider before re-applying. If the application is denied as a result of the preliminary review, you may re-apply when the program is compliant with the Standards. Once you are prepared to re-apply, you will need to submit a new application and fee. If the program complies with all of the requirements of the Preliminary Instructional Design Review, you will receive notification that your application is moving forward to the Full Instructional Design Review.

Full Instructional Design Review

After successfully completing the Preliminary Instructional Design Review, the Blended Learning delivery method application will enter the Full Instructional Design Review. The program will be reviewed for compliance with the Standards to determine that: the course has been developed with learning objectives; that the course includes varied instructional methods like lectures, guided practice, reading, case studies, or simulations; and completion of each instructional component is adequately documented and measured for the appropriate CPE credit determination.

The program will then be reviewed for content and technical accuracy. Typically, this review is performed by an outside, independent CPA. If the program complies with all of the requirements of the review process the applicant will receive notification that the program was approved for the Blended Learning delivery method.

If the sponsor wishes to award CPE credits for additional Blended Learning programs in which the primary component is the same as the initial application, then the sponsor must apply to the National Registry using an abbreviated application process. After the third Blended Learning program (wit the same primary component) has been submitted and successfully passes the review process, the sponsor will receive approval for Blended Learning at the organization level and can offer other Blended Learning programs with the same primary component without having to apply for additional approval.