Instances have been reported to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) that National Registry-approved sponsors are awarding more than 24 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits in a 24-hour period. It appears that this is part of a marketing strategy to attract participants to complete self study courses faster than the number of CPE credits available for the courses would allow. 

Continuing education providers play a crucial role in facilitating professional development and ensuring individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. However, it is imperative that providers prioritize transparency and accuracy when communicating the number of credits that participants can earn. Misleading participants by overestimating credit allocations can lead to disappointment, wasted time and potential damage to the provider's reputation. Likewise, encouraging participants to not complete the course as it is intended and designed could also lead to damaging results.  

Before promoting a continuing education program, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the guidelines set by the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs (Standards). Sponsors must be familiar with the specific criteria that determine the CPE credit determination process, including instructional hours, learning objectives, assessments and all CPE credit methodologies.  

The Standards provide two different methods to determine CPE credit for self study courses: pilot testing and word count formula. Although each method is acceptable to use, depending on the makeup of the course, one methodology may produce a more accurate representation of the time spent to complete the course. Consider the following  :

1. Assess Course Content: Evaluate the content of the continuing education program to determine its structure and complexity. Consider the curriculum, course materials, instructional methods and learning activities involved. If the number of CPE credits determined does not align with the true time to complete the course, reconsider the method used so that the most accurate number is awarded. Avoid overpromising credit values that cannot be substantiated by the program's content and structure. 

2. Be Clear and Specific in Communications: Transparent and accurate communication is essential to prevent any misleading information. Clearly articulate the number of credits participants can earn upon successful completion of the program. Provide clear instructions for course completion. If the course is accessed electronically, a learner should not be able to attempt the qualified assessment without first completing the course content. Participants must be guided to complete the review questions and any other exercises prior to accessing the qualified assessment.   

3. Avoid Ambiguous Language: When describing the credit value of a continuing education program, steer clear of vague or misleading language. Use precise terms that accurately represent the credit amount, such as "earn 3 Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs)." Avoid generic statements that could be misinterpreted, such as "earn unlimited credits," or "credits tailored to your needs," as they may create false expectations. 

4. Provide Supporting Documentation: To reinforce transparency, offer participants access to detailed documentation supporting the credit determination process. This documentation may include a syllabus, course outline or credit determination policy that outlines the specific breakdown of credits. Clear and comprehensive documentation allows participants to make informed decisions based on accurate information. 

5. Continuously Update and Improve Processes: As courses are updated to ensure content is accurate and current, it may be necessary to evaluate the number of CPE credits assigned. If the course content has been revised or completion times seem to have changed, recalculate and reassign the number of CPE credits to ensure accurate units are awarded.     

Maintaining transparency and accuracy in representing CPE credit amounts is vital for the credibility and success of continuing education providers.  

For any questions, sponsors can contact their account manager or reach the National Registry at cpe@nasba.org.