When the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs (Standards) were revised in 2016, the NASBA Fields of Study document was also revised. The NASBA Fields of Study document provides guidance on the classification of CPE credits into acceptable subject matter areas. All courses must reflect the revised 2016 fields of study beginning January 1, 2018. Sponsors should consider the target audience, course content and learning objectives to determine the appropriate classification(s) for the learning event.

NASBA has noticed there are frequent misclassifications in the subject areas of Computer Software and Applications and Specialized Knowledge. Computer Software and Applications courses focus on the use and study of the software itself, such as general use of software (“how-to”) around products such as Excel and Quickbooks. When the course focuses on the application of software in an accounting, auditing or tax practice, the course should be categorized into the field of study of the respective practice: accounting, auditing or taxes. 

Specialized Knowledge consists of topics that are related to specialized industries or services. Examples of these industries include not-for-profit organizations, healthcare, and oil and gas. If the learning event teaches accounting, auditing and tax-related content for the specialized industries, the sponsor should classify the program in the areas of accounting, auditing or taxes. Specialized Knowledge is not intended to be a “catch-all” CPE category.

What if I my program includes multiple fields of study?

Sponsors would determine the overall CPE credits for the program and then break down the CPE credits according to each field of study on the CPE certificate. As a reminder, CPE credits are rounded down to nearest CPE measurement used by the sponsor. In situations in which the CPE credits do not calculate equally among the field of study areas, the difference should be given to the primary field of study for the program. Please be sure to advertise all applicable fields of study in the promotional material.  

What else do I need to know about the field of study classifications?

The NASBA Fields of Study document represents a compilation of the fields of study classifications used by the state boards of accountancy. The fields of study classifications can vary between state boards of accountancy. They may also have limits on how many CPE credits can be taken in certain field of study classifications. It is the responsibility of the CPA to be familiar with these limits, and state boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit, including acceptable field of study classifications.