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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions | Qualifying Continuing Professional Education (CPE) | General CPE Information | CPE Reporting Requirements | Comprehensive Ethics Examination | Ethics CPE | Exceptions to the CPE Reporting Requirements | Re-Entering Active Status | Permit to Practice | Peer Review | Firm Registration | Examination
Changes can be reported to the Board in one of the following ways:
Mail: 201 N.W. 63rd St, Ste. 210, Oklahoma City, OK 73116; Fax: (405) 521-3118; Email: okaccybd@oab.OK.gov. Pursuant to the Oklahoma Accountancy Act Section 15.14(H), any changes in employment or address must be reported to the Board within thirty (30) days of the effective change. This also applies to any arrests or disciplinary proceedings.
The option to print your permit is available after you have successfully renewed online. If you failed to print your permit at that time, you may call Board staff at 405-521-2397 or submit a written request via fax, mail, or email (contact information available on our "Contact" page).
Your proof of completion must contain the following information [See Oklahoma Administrative Code (Code) 10:15-32-6(a)]: (1) Your name as participant; (2) Sponsor's name and contact information; (3) Course title; (4) Course field of study; (5) Course date; (6) Type of instructional/delivery method used; (7) Amount of CPE credit recommended by the sponsor; and (8) Verification by the CPE program sponsor representative (the signature of an authorized agent of the sponsor)
Notes: A) With all CPE courses, course materials should be retained for a period of five years after the end of the year in which they are earned. B) For college courses taken for credit, a transcript is required. C) If you teach a college course, you will need a letter from the department head stating that you taught the course, which semester of which year you taught the course, the course title, the number of college semester credit hours participants of the course will receive from the college or university.
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You should keep all relevant information regarding the program to provide documentation that the learning activity is equivalent to one that meets all of the standards. Even a non-standard CPE course must be sufficiently documented. There must be independent verification you have completed the CPE you claim for credit. (See question 3.)
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Yes. The Non Standard CPE Credit Form is available to download from the OAB website under "Individuals," "Download Forms." You may complete the form at an industry conference, for example, and obtain the signature of the instructor for each session you attend. If the form is properly completed and signed, the OAB will consider the form as proof of your completion of the course.
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You may claim CPE credit only for those portions of the conference designed specifically as programs of learning and only portions related to your professional position which help to maintain or improve your professional competence.
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Sponsored learning activities are measured by program length, with one 50-minute
period equal to one CPE credit. One-half CPE credit increments (equal to 25 minutes) are permitted after the first credit has been earned in a given learning activity. Time spent on non-instructional lunches, breaks, and other non-educational matters should not be included in the total.
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All of it may be met through self study as long as the self-study courses are in compliance with the CPE Standards. (See question 8.)
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All self-study CPE programs accepted for credit must be taken from sponsors registered with NASBA or with the AICPA or other such organizations as approved by the Board. (Refer to NASBA's sponsor registry listing at www.nasbatools.com or www.qas.nasbatools.com.) Self-study programs must:
1. guide the participant through the learning process by eliciting responses to test for understanding of the material (provide study questions throughout the material.)
2. offer evaluative feedback to incorrect responses and provide reinforcement feedback to correct responses.
3. include a test at the end of the course with different questions from those found throughout the course.
4. have been pilot tested by a sample group of at least 3 professional participants to determine the number of CPE credits recommended, based on average completion time.
5. be based on materials specifically developed for instructional use.
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No.
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9.
How can I tell whether a course or program I am interested in taking will be accepted by the OAB?
Professional competence is the key. Essentially, to be accepted, a course must help to maintain or improve your professional competence as a CPA or PA. It must meet the CPE standards and be appropriately documented. It would be helpful to become familiar with the CPE Standards found in Chapter 15, Subchapter 32 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code (Code).
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No. Other than their professional ethics hours, non-permit holders can earn all of their CPE in areas related to their professional industry, government, or academic positions, as long as the CPE enhances their professional competence and is appropriately documented.
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In-house training programs, state or federal government training programs, and the portions of industry conferences designed specifically as programs of learning should qualify as long as they maintain or improve the registrant's professional competence and are properly documented.
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Personal development courses may qualify if they maintain or improve the registrant's professional competence. Registrants performing professional services need to have a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Therefore, the concept of professional competence can be interpreted broadly. Acceptable CPE encompasses programs that contribute to the development and maintenance of both technical and non-technical professional skills.
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Computer literacy is important in any business environment. Such courses are acceptable as long as the registrant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the OAB they enhance his/her ability to provide professional services. The registrant should always be cognizant that the purpose of CPE is to maintain or improve his/her professional competence as a CPA or PA. It is important to develop a learning plan that addresses the broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to do so.
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Only those portions of business meetings that
are designed specifically as programs of learning will qualify.
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Some may qualify and some may not. You may claim credit only for those CLE courses that will maintain or improve your professional competence as a CPA or PA, so acceptable courses must be related to the accounting profession in order for you to have a permit and hold out as a CPA or PA.
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a. If you hold a permit, some of these courses may qualify and some may not. Such courses can be claimed only if they enhance your ability to provide professional services as a CPA or PA.
b. If you do not hold a permit and do not hold out in any manner as a CPA or PA, the courses will qualify as long as they help to maintain or improve your professional competence.
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College courses will qualify as long as they maintain or improve your professional competence as a CPA or PA. You may count 15 CPE credits per college semester hour. Keep a transcript showing successful completion of the course in your CPE file to document the hours claimed. As with all CPE courses, course materials should be retained for a period of five years after the end of the year in which they are earned.
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Yes, you can claim credit as follows:
a. Instructors, discussion leaders, or speakers who present a learning activity for the first time receive CPE credit for their presentation time. They also receive credit for their actual preparation time up to two times the number of credits as for their presentation time.
b. Instructors of college or university courses can claim a maximum of 15 CPE credits per college credit hour taught to the extent the activities maintain or improve their professional competence and meet the requirements of the CPE Standards. Repeat presentations of the same course cannot be claimed unless it can be demonstrated that the learning activity content was substantially changed and that such change required significant additional study or research.
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The Act and the Code are both on the OAB website under "About the Board." Section 15.35 in the Act sets forth the CPE requirements. Please refer to Chapter 15, Subchapters 30 and 32 of the Code for details of the CPE requirement.
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Section 15.1A.34 of the Act defines the practice of public accounting.
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The OAB does not maintain a sponsor registry program. Most CPE providers advertise in professional journals and have websites on the Internet. Also, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), of which the OAB is a member board, does maintain a sponsor registry program. You can go to NASBA's website at www.nasbatools.com, click on CPE Registry, and then click on CPE Sponsor Listing at the top of the page to see a list of sponsors. You can choose to view self-study delivery mode only, or you can select group-live, group internet based, or all organizations delivery modes. Effective July 1, 2009, only self-study courses offered by NASBA registered sponsors or by the AICPA or other such organizations as determined by the Board will qualify.
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Provide the OAB a copy of the order to active military service. NOTE: Within 60 days after the discharge from active military service, the registrant must provide a copy of the discharge order to the OAB.
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You are not considered to be in the practice of public accounting if you only provide an incidental amount of non-compensated services for immediate family members as defined in Code 10:15-1-2. [See Code 10:15-25-3(b).]
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You will be notified and asked
to substitute unclaimed CPE hours which do meet the requirements. If you have not yet completed any acceptable CPE, you may be granted additional time in which to complete any needed coursework. The substitution of credit could possibly result in a dated permit and could result in additional loss of credit if the credit is earned beyond the 365-day limit. If you are unclear as to how much credit you will need to report, call the CPE Coordinator at the OAB office.
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If possible, complete the 40 CPE hours required to obtain an initial permit or to renew a lapsed permit and apply for an interim permit to practice before you begin public practice. You must provide evidence of successful completion (90% or above) of the AICPA Comprehensive Ethics Examination or its equivalent as determined by the Board to obtain the permit. The interim permit application form is available in the Forms menu on the OAB website or you may call and ask to have the interim permit application form mailed to you.
If you must begin practice before you can earn the hours of CPE requisite for obtaining a permit, you may apply for a 60-day transition period during which, if approved, you may practice while you are earning the CPE necessary for the permit. (Refer to Code 10:15-25-5 for the application procedure.)
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5 years from the end of the year in which the CPE was earned.
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All certificate and license holders, unless exempted by retirement, active military service, disability, or inactive status, must meet the requirement. In general, you must meet the CPE requirement if:
you wish to use your CPA/PA designation without using "retired CPA/PA" or "inactive CPA/PA";
you are in a position of responsibility and you hold that position because of your CPA/PA designation or because of your expertise as a CPA/PA;
you provide any type of services that can be considered accounting, tax, bookkeeping, financial services, or management advisory services, whether or not for compensation, for anyone other than yourself or immediate family members;
there is reliance on the services you provide, on your expertise as a CPA/PA, or on the accounting-related advice you give to anyone other than yourself or your immediate family members, whether or not for compensation.
Note: You cannot claim an inactive status for the preceding compliance year if you provided any accounting-related services for anyone other than immediate family, even it was only part time or for part of the year.
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At least 120 hours of CPE must be earned within any rolling 3-calendar-year period with a minimum of 20 hours in any year. Four hours of professional ethics must be earned in each rolling 3-calendar-year period.
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Yes, there are two situations requiring special CPE.
Permit holders whose main area of employment is industry (including government and academia) must complete 72 of the 120 hours earned in any 3-calendar-year period in areas related to the practice of public accounting. At least 8 hours each year must be in the specific areas of taxation, accounting, or assurance.
Effective January 1, 2011, if a certificate or license holder is actively involved in the supervision or review of compilation engagements for third party reliance, the certificate or license holder must complete a minimum of four (4) credits of CPE
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(1) the certificate or license holder works for a public accounting firm currently enrolled in a peer review program with an approved sponsoring organization; or
(2) the certificate or license holder is a sole proprietorship currently enrolled in a peer review program with an approved sponsoring organization.
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Registrants required to complete CPE must be able to show they have earned 120 hours of CPE in any rolling 3-calendar-year period. For most registrants, the first 3-year period was January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. On January 1, 2009, CPE earned in 2006 dropped off. The next 3-year period was then January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009. On January 1, 2010, the 2007 hours dropped off. The next 3-year period was January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010.
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CPE is earned during each calendar year, between January 1 and December 31.
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Until the implementation of birth month registration and reporting, the filing deadline for reporting CPE earned in the preceding calendar year will continue to be July 31. Once birth month reporting has been implemented, the deadline for reporting CPE will be the last day of the certificate or license holder's birth month. You will report your CPE online through the OAB's portal system or by submitting the paper form. There will continue to be a single process to report CPE or claim an exemption, register your CPA certificate or PA license, and/or apply for a permit, whichever are applicable to your situation.
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No. Keep your documentation in your CPE file. If you are selected to participate in the random sample CPE audit, you will be asked to provide copies of your documentation to the OAB.
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You are given the entire calendar year to meet the minimum CPE requirement of 20 hours and three full calendar years to meet the 120-hour requirement. Poor planning and being "too busy" do not constitute valid reasons for not completing the CPE required by statute. If you are required by the Act and the Code to complete CPE and you choose not to meet the requirement, the matter may be referred to the OAB's Enforcement Committee for possible disciplinary action.
If there are extenuating circumstances, such as catastrophic illness, that prevent you from meeting the requirement, contact the OAB's CPE Coordinator as soon as you suspect you might not meet the requirement.
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Accounting services that are considered MAS include but are not limited to the following:
a. counseling management in analysis, planning, organizing, operating, risk management and controlling functions;
b. conducting special studies, preparing recommendations, proposing plans and programs, and providing advice and technical assistance in their implementation;
c. reviewing and suggesting improvement of policies, procedures, systems, methods, and organization relationships; and
d. introducing new ideas, concepts, and methods to management.
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Individuals applying for an initial permit (Code 10:15-30-2) and individuals applying to renew a lapsed permit (Code 10:15-30-3) must provide evidence of successful completion of the AICPA ethics examination or its equivalent as determined by the OAB. In addition, Section 15.9E of the Act sets forth the requirement that all individuals applying for certification or licensure in Oklahoma must successfully complete an ethics examination prescribed by the OAB.
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The OAB will accept the AICPA's self-study course entitled "Professional Ethics: AICPA's Comprehensive Course." This course is available in both textbook and CD ROM formats. An equivalent course may be acceptable to the OAB as well. The OAB requires that an equivalent ethics examination course be a minimum of 8 hours in length to be considered. Sufficient information would need to be submitted to the OAB for it to determine at its next regularly scheduled meeting whether the alternative course is equivalent in content to the AICPA course.
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Any ethics CPE meeting the requirements for issuance of an original permit or to renew a lapsed permit must be one course which has been recommended for at least 8 hours of CPE credit by the course provider and must have been passed with a score of 90% or above. Sufficient information would need to be submitted to the OAB for the Board to determine at its next regularly scheduled meeting whether the alternative course is equivalent in content to the AICPA course.
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The OAB has established a minimum score of 90% for successful completion of the AICPA ethics examination when the course is taken to meet the requirements of Section 15.9E of the Act or Subsection 10:15-30-2 or 10:15-30-3 of the Code.
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If the ethics examination course is to be counted toward the CPE
required for the permit, it must have been completed during the same period as the remaining CPE reported to obtain the permit.
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Yes. You may take the examination using the online grading system up to three times. If you still have not passed, you may continue to re-take the examination as many times as necessary, but you would not be able to take it online.
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Yes, if the course was taken during the same compliance period as the rest of the CPE reported to obtain the permit. Like any other CPE course, it cannot be split between two different compliance periods.
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The Act and the Code are both on the OAB website under "About the Board." Section 15.35 in the Act sets forth the CPE requirements. Please refer to Chapter 15, Subchapters 30 and 32 of the Code for details of the CPE requirement.
Four hours of professional ethics must be earned in each rolling 3-calendar-year period.
Also, current rules require that individuals applying for an initial permit and all individuals applying to renew a lapsed permit must show evidence of successful completion of the AICPA ethics examination or its equivalent as part of their CPE requirement. (See Question 1.)
Yes, as long as the professional disciplines relate directly to the practice of public accounting, such as law and securities.
Yes, the ethics requirement may be met by courses on ethical codes in jurisdictions other than Oklahoma.
If the certificate of completion does not specify the nature and number of credit hours earned for professional ethics or unless it is clear from the course description that the subject matter meets the requirements for professional ethics credit, the permit holder must submit documentation that clearly demonstrates that the requirement for two hours of professional ethics has been met.
Yes. The OAB's rules do not limit the number of ethics hours that can be reported.
Code 10:15-30-9
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For each calendar year in which you claimed an exemption or failed to report CPE pursuant to the CPE requirement, you must complete forty (40) hours of CPE to return to active status.
The maximum number of CPE hours required to return to active status is 120 hours, including at least 4 hours of professional ethics.
If the number of CPE hours required to return to active status is fewer than 120, 2 hours of professional ethics must be included.
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A registrant who immediately gives written notice to the Board upon changing to active status may be granted the following time periods in which to complete the CPE required by this section:
60 days from the date of the return to active status for registrants needing 40 or fewer hours of CPE; and
One year from the date of the return to active status for any additional CPE above the 40 hours described above.
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Yes. The "Notification of Change of Status" form is available for download from the Forms menu of the OAB website in both the Registration and CPE sections.
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The rolling 3-year CPE cycle of a registrant returning to active status begins January 1 of the year the registrant returns to active status. Example: If you return to active status November 15, 2009, you must earn at least 20 hours of CPE in 2009 and 120 hours of CPE in the 3-year period January 1, 2009-December 31, 2011.
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Yes, 40 hours of the CPE credit reported to meet the requirements to return to active status will be counted toward the 3-year CPE cycle for the calendar year in which it is earned if the credit is earned:
within the calendar year the registrant returns to active status, or
within one year of the date the registrant returns to active status.
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The Board exempts from the requirements of CPE the following classifications:
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Retired certificate or license holders who are no longer employed or practicing public accounting;
Certificate or license holders who are on active military service;
Disabled certificate or license holders who are no longer employed or practicing public accounting due to medical circumstances;
Certificate or license holders who are (A) not employed due to circumstances other than retirement, military service or disability or (B) certificate or license holders employed but not performing any services associated with accounting work.
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For purposes of determining exemptions to the CPE requirement, the term "associated with accounting work" includes but is not limited to the following:
working or supervising work performed in the areas of financial accounting and reporting; tax compliance, planning or advice; management advisory services; accounting information systems; treasury, finance or audit or preparing personal financial statements or investment plans; or
representing to the public, including an employer, that the registrant is a CPA or PA in connection with the performance or sale of any services or products involving accounting work, including such designation on a business card, letterhead, promotional brochure, advertisement, office, website or any electronic media.
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The Board may exempt a registrant from the CPE requirement for good cause on a case-by-case basis. The Board will consider granting an exception from the CPE requirement on a case-by-case basis if:
a registrant completes and forwards to the Board a sworn affidavit indicating that the registrant will not be associated with accounting work during the period for which the exemption is requested. A registrant who has been granted this exemption and who re-enters the work force shall be required to comply with 10:15-30-9; and
a registrant forwards to the Board a sworn affidavit from the employer or organization indicating no association with accounting work. The affidavit shall include, as a minimum, a brief description of the duties performed, job title, and verification by the registrant's immediate supervisor that there is no reliance on the registrant's expertise as a CPA or PA.
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No, not unless they say "inactive" or "retired" CPA or PA.
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The OAB may exempt or offer an extension to a registrant who shows reasons of health, certified by a medical doctor, preventing compliance with the CPE requirement. A registrant must petition the OAB for the exemption and provide documentation that clearly establishes the period of disability and the resulting physical limitations.
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Accounting services that are considered MAS include but are not limited to the following:
a. counseling management in analysis, planning, organizing, operating, risk management and controlling functions;
b. conducting special studies, preparing recommendations, proposing plans and programs, and providing advice and technical assistance in their implementation;
c. reviewing and suggesting improvement of policies, procedures, systems, methods, and organization relationships; and
d. introducing new ideas, concepts, and methods to management.
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Yes.
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An "inactive" or "retired" status registrant may volunteer services for which the registrant receives no direct or indirect compensation so long as the registrant does not sign any documents related to such services as a CPA or PA. Volunteer services do not extend to preparing tax returns for friends and neighbors.
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No.
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No, not unless there is reliance upon your expertise as a CPA.
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You can provide incidental, non-compensated services for immediate family members as defined in Code 10:15-1-2 without having to meet the CPE requirement.
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No, not unless you are signing financial documents as a CPA.
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No, not if the only client services you provide are as an attorney. However, if you do not meet the CPE requirement, you cannot display your CPA certificate or PA license on your office wall or use your professional designation on business cards and letterhead.
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If the loan officer prepares or assists customers in preparing financial statements, provides management advisory services to customers or to the employer, CPE is required.
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Yes.
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You would be required to complete CPE if you were selected for membership on the Board because of your CPA or PA designation, if the Board relies on your CPA or PA designation, if you provide any type of management advisory services, or if you use your CPA or PA designation.
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Yes.
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You must complete CPE if being a CPA was a requirement for your position. You must complete CPE if you are using your CPA designation on letterhead or business cards or signing letters or other documents as a CPA, unless you specify "inactive CPA." Otherwise, you do not.
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No. The CPE requirement is not an AICPA, OSCPA, OSA, or another professional organization requirement. The completion of CPE is required by law in the Act. If you provide accounting services to the public or to an employer, CPE is required to maintain your CPA certificate or PA license in good standing.
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a. If your business cards and/or letterhead indicate "retired" or "inactive" CPA or PA, you may display your CPA certificate or PA license if you provide the OAB with the affidavit(s) discussed in the bullets in question 17.
b. If your business cards and/or letterhead do not indicate that you are a CPA or PA, you may display your CPA certificate or PA license if you provide the OAB with the affidavit(s) discussed in the bullets in question 17.
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Oklahoma Administrative Code (Code) 10:15-30-9.
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For each calendar year in which you claimed an exemption or failed to report CPE pursuant to the CPE requirement, you must complete forty (40) hours of CPE to return to active status.
The maximum number of CPE hours required to return to active status is 120 hours, including at least 4 hours of professional ethics.
If the number of CPE hours required to return to active status is fewer than 120, 2 hours of professional ethics must be included.
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A registrant who immediately gives written notice to the Board upon changing to active status may be granted the following time periods in which to complete the CPE required by this section:
60 days from the date of the return to active status for registrants needing 40 or fewer hours of CPE; and
One year from the date of the return to active status for any additional CPE above the 40 hours described above.
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Yes. The Notification of Change of Status form is available for download from the Forms menu of the OAB website in both the Registration and CPE sections.
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The rolling 3-year CPE cycle of a registrant returning to active status begins January 1 of the year the registrant returns to active status. Example: If you return to active status November 15, 2011, you must earn at least 20 hours of CPE in 2011 and 120 hours of CPE in the 3-year period January 1, 2011-December 31, 2013.
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Yes, but only 40 hours of the CPE credit reported to meet the requirements to return to active may be reported for the 3-year CPE cycle for the calendar year in which it is earned and only if the credit is earned:
within the calendar year the registrant returns to active status, or
within one year of the date the registrant returns to active status.
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The Oklahoma Accountancy Act (Act) is available on the OAB website at www.ok.gov/oab. Refer to Section 15.14A for the requirements relating to individual permits. See Section 15.35 for the CPE requirements.
The Oklahoma Administrative Code (Code) is available on the OAB website at www.ok.gov/oab. Chapter 15, Subchapter 25 pertains to permits. The CPE requirements and standards can be found in Chapter 15, Subchapters 30 and 32 respectively.
All OAB registrants engaged in the practice of public accounting are required to hold a permit.
Section 15.1A(34) of the Act defines the practice of public accounting. The Act is available on the OAB website.
Yes, CPA and PA staff employed by Oklahoma public accounting firms are considered to be engaged in public practice and are required to hold permits if they work on client records.
Yes.
To obtain an initial permit, you must report a minimum of forty (40) hours of CPE and provide evidence of the successful completion (90% or above) of the AICPA Comprehensive Ethics Examination or its equivalent as determined by the OAB earned within the previous calendar year or within 365 days immediately preceding the date of the application. The exam course is called "Professional Ethics: AICPA's Comprehensive Course." It can be counted toward the
40 hours of CPE required for the permit.
To renew a permit that has lapsed, you must report a minimum of forty (40) hours of CPE and provide evidence of the successful completion (90% or above) of the AICPA Comprehensive Ethics Examination or its equivalent as determined by the OAB earned within the previous calendar year or within 365 days immediately preceding the date of the application. The exam course is called "Professional Ethics: AICPA's Comprehensive Course." It can be counted toward the 40 hours of CPE required for the permit.
To renew a permit currently in effect, you must comply with the CPE requirements in Code 10:15-30-5. Essentially, you must earn 120 hours of CPE in a rolling 3-year period, with no less than 20 hours in any year. Four hours of ethics are required in any rolling 3-calendar-year period.
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Until the implementation of birth month registration, permit renewal, and CPE reporting, permits will continue to expire on the first June 30 following the date of issuance and must be renewed on or before July 31. The implementation has been deferred because the OAB will be converting its database and online licensing functions to the new State Enterprise Licensing System for state regulatory boards. The initial stage of the transition to birth month reporting has been rescheduled to take place during the 2011 June/July registration and reporting period. The initial stage of the transition will entail a proration of registration fees to allow for the implementation of birth month reporting once the new licensing system is in place.
No, but you must provide evidence of successful completion (90% or above) of the AICPA's Comprehensive Ethics Examination (or its equivalent as determined by the OAB) to renew a lapsed permit. (See Question 9.) Furthermore, your new permit will have an effective date of the date the OAB receives your acceptable interim permit application form, so there will most likely be a lapse in coverage. Finally, the law does not allow you to practice public accounting once your permit has expired.
You may apply for the permit if you wish. However, there are additional requirements for those applying for permits that do not apply to non-permit holders. Please refer to question 15.
To apply for an initial permit or to apply for a permit once a previous permit has lapsed, you must report a minimum of 40 hours of CPE and provide evidence of successful
completion (90% or above) of the AICPA's Comprehensive Ethics Examination or its equivalent as determined by the OAB earned within the previous calendar year or within 365 days period immediately preceding the date of the application. The course, entitled “Professional Ethics: AICPA’s Comprehensive Course,” may be available from your state’s professional society or it can be ordered from the AICPA at www.cpa2biz.com. The CPE credit for the course may be counted toward the 40 hours of CPE required for the permit.
Secondly, if you apply for a permit to practice, 72 hours of the total 120 hours earned in a rolling 3-year period (60%) must be earned in areas related to the practice of public accounting. You must complete 8 hours each year in the areas of accounting, assurance, or taxation. If you do not hold a permit, your CPE can relate to your professional industry, governmental, or academic position as long as it enhances your professional competence and is properly documented.
You can apply for a 60-day transition period which, if approved, would allow you to practice for 60 days while you earn the CPE required to obtain the permit. (See Code 10:15-25-5 for details.)
Yes. Example: 40 hours of CPE are earned between 1/1/09 and 10/15/09. The initial permit is issued 10/20/09. The 40 hours earned for the initial permit can be reported in 2010 when you are asked to report your 2009 CPE hours.
No. The reciprocal application process is fairly involved. You can download the application form from the OAB website, but you will need to complete the forms and mail them to the OAB office along with the application fees and any additional information requested on the application. The application must then be processed by the Licensing Coordinator, approved by the Executive Director, and sanctioned by the Board before reciprocity is granted. The permit cannot be issued until reciprocity is granted.
If you intend to practice public accounting, you must apply for a permit. You are not required to apply for a permit if you do not intend to practice public accounting.
Ask yourself the following and other similar questions:
1) What areas of the accounting profession would I be most likely to practice if I were to begin practicing public accounting?
2) What areas of the accounting profession would I like to explore to find out if I would be interested in practicing in those areas?
3) What skills do I need to develop to make myself more marketable in the public accounting arena?
The answers should give you some direction as to the type of courses to take. Some courses or programs could apply to both industry and public accounting, depending upon the areas you think you would practice in if you were to begin practicing public accounting.
No. Two hours of professional ethics does not meet the requirements for renewing a lapsed permit. Please refer to question 9.
No.
No. If you enter Oklahoma under SE, you simply must comply with the requirements of section 15.12A of the Act and Title 10, Chapter 15, Subchapter 22 of the Code. The Act and the Code are available on the OAB website at www.ok.gov/oab.
You are required to hold a permit only if you also perform public accounting services for anyone outside your immediate family members.
You must apply for reciprocity and a permit to practice in Oklahoma within 120 days from the date you begin performing public accounting in this state. The reciprocal application form is available on the OAB website.
No. It is the responsibility of the registrant to file the report with the Oklahoma Accountancy Board within thirty days of receipt from the sponsoring organization.
Yes. Any firm performing audits or reviews, regardless of the number of engagements performed, is required to notify the OAB of the services the firm provides and undergo peer review.
It is the responsibility of each firm to anticipate its needs for peer review and allow the reviewer sufficient time to complete the review by the due date. However, the OAB will accept extensions granted by the sponsoring organization provided the OAB is notified within thirty days that an extension was granted.
If a firm has been revoked, dissolved or suspended yet held a permit from the OAB at the time it performed, or was engaged to perform audits or
reviews, the firm is required to participate in the OAB peer review program. If the firm was merged or combined, the sponsoring organization
will determine which firm is considered to be the succeeding firm and that firm will retain its peer review status and due date.
No. Any peer review report submitted to the OAB in accordance with 10:15-33-6(b) is confidential.
a) Contact the Oklahoma Secretary of State about forming a professional services firm. The phone number is 405-521-3912.
b) Contact the Oklahoma Accountancy Board for a letter of good standing which certifies that each CPA or PA incorporator, director, member, partner and shareholder is registered and holds a permit to practice public accounting. This certification is required by the Secretary of State.
c) File a completed initial firm registration form with the Board as soon as the registration with the Secretary of State is complete. The Board requires a copy of the document filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State showing the Secretary of State's "Filed" stamp, as well as a copy of the Professional Certificate issued by the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
a) If applicable to the type of entity, contact the Oklahoma Secretary of State about renaming or amending the registration of a professional services firm. The phone number is 405-521-3912.
b) File an initial firm registration form with the Board. If applicable to the type of entity, submit a copy of the document submitted to the Secretary of State to effect the amendment on their records, showing the Secretary of State's "Filed" stamp, and a copy of the amended Certificate issued by the Secretary of State. If the entity is a General Partnership, submit a copy of the amended General Partnership agreement. (The new entity may not use its name until it is registered with the Oklahoma Accountancy Board.)
a) any financial statement audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with Statements on Auditing Standards.
b) any examination of prospective financial information to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements, or
c) any engagements to be performed in accordance with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) auditing standards.
For a General Partnership, you need to complete the Initial Firm Registration Form, remit applicable fees, and submit a copy of the Partnership Agreement.
You will need to register the firm with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and then with the Oklahoma Accountancy Board as instructed in Question 1.
If these offices are located in Oklahoma, or if the offices are out of state and will be serving Oklahoma clients, you will need to submit a letter to the Board with the address, phone number and designated manager for each office.
The Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB) is the state regulatory agency for CPAs, PAs and public accounting firms and is the governing body for administering the examination in Oklahoma.
The OAB processes applications to determine if eligibility is met and issues the CPA certificate or PA license.
Our primary responsibility is to safeguard the public welfare.
NASBA - National Association of State Boards of Accountancy is the "gateway" for all parties and maintains the National Candidate Database for all accountancy board jurisdictions.
AICPA - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants develops the examination content as well as grades the exam and initially issues scores.
Prometric - Provides the computer facility to take the exam.
Exam Applicant - An individual who has submitted an "Application for Qualification", but has not yet been approved to become an exam candidate.
Exam Candidate - An individual whose "Application for Qualification" has been approved.
Submit an "Application for Qualification" online or file the paper application. The following must accompany the application: Official transcrips from each school attended, 2x2 current passport-type photo, $50 non-refundable fee, Affidavit of Lawful presence in the U.S., additional documentation may be requested or required.
Applications received that are complete are processed by the OAB within 5-7 business days. However, it could take longer if the application is incomplete and more information has to be requested from the applicant. Most requests for additional information will be made in writing and the applicant will be given a time frame to comply with the request.
Bachelor' degree from an accredited college or university. 150 total semester hours consisting of the following: 76 semester hours upper division level; 30 semester hours in accounting, above principals and/or introductory accounting courses; One course must be in auditing or assurance, with concentration on external auditing standards including but not limited to Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS); 9 semester hours of upper division level business related courses.
You must be a bona-fide resident of the State of Oklahoma immediately prior to filing the application. You must be physically living in Oklahoma at the time of making application. Having lived in Oklahoma before does not constitute residency.
You must be of good moral character. The OAB requires a national background check as a means to verify your good moral character and adherence to the Professional Code of Conduct.
When you submit an application online, your receipt will show your online PIN or password. You will also receive this in your application approval packet. Your PIN will allow you to access your online Applicant or Candidate account on the OAB website and also view "unofficial" scores online.
The OAB staff will release your PIN by mail once we have received a written and signed authorization. Staff cannot release PINs by telephone, fax or email. We also suggest you change your PIN once received.
Complete an online "Candidate for Examination Application" at the OAB website. Apply for one to four sections of the exam with each application. Pay a $50 fee payable to OAB with each application. You must pay for all sections applied for with one NASBA payment coupon. Full payment is required; no payment plan is offered. Once your Exam application is approved by the OAB, you will receive an approval packet, NASBA will send you a payment coupon, and once all fees are paid you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA.
The NAP fees charged by NASBA, AICPA, and Prometric are the responsibility of the candidate and must be paid directly to NASBA. NAP fees must be paid within 90 days of the date the payment coupon is issued or it will expire and you must re-file the exam application with the OAB and pay another $50 application fee.
U.S. mail*, or Email**
* Deadlines cannot be extended due to delivery delays.
** Check your Junk or Spam settings
**You must have your NTS in hand when you schedule your exam with Prometric**
Name shown on the NTS and Qualification Application must be exactly as shown on your government-issued ID.
You may schedule to take your exam in any state or accountancy board jurisdiction.
Schedule at Prometric: www.prometric.com/cpa
The testing windows are as follows:
Window 1 - Jan-Feb.
Closed - Mar
Window 2 - Apr-May
Closed - Jun
Window 3 - Jul-Aug
Closed - Sep
Window 4 - Oct-Nov
Closed - Dec
Each test "window" is three months long: 2 months when testing is offered and a third month when no testing is offered while exam questions are refreshed.
You cannot sit for a failed or "no show" section within the same 3-month testing window.
Oklahoma City:
Prometric Testing Center/Sylvan Learning Center
2224 NW 50th, Suite 196
Oklahoma City, OK
Tulsa:
Prometric Testing Center/Star Training Institute
3015 E. Skelly Dr, Suite 254
Tulsa, OK
There are no deadlines for filing an application with the OAB (you make your own deadlines). Know what is going on in your life before you apply or schedule for an exam (you must pay all fees for all sections applied for on each Exam application). Allow plenty of time to apply, make payments, and schedule. You can apply and sit for each section individually and in any order.
All changes to your appointment must be completed through Prometric. The OAB cannot reschedule your exam or refund any money. Rescheduling fees will be charged by Prometric if less than a 30 day notice is given. If you cancel an appointment and don't reschedule, you will not receive a refund.
A "No Show" is when you do not appear for your appointment to take the exam, or you are more than 30 minutes late for a scheduled test.
If you do not schedule and sit for the exam on or before the expiration date, all fees are forfeited and you must re-file the appropriate application with the OAB.
You will need to arrive 30 minutes early. You must have with you your NTS and 2 forms of ID. Your primary ID must be: unexpired, government issued with a recent photo and signature. Secondary ID must be: unexpired, show signature. If you fail to bring your NTS, you will not be able to sit for your scheduled exam section.
The test is actively monitored by Test Center Administrators (TCAs). TCAs report any irregularities during the test to NASBA, state boards, and the AICPA. Audio and video surveillance is active at all test centers. The test time clock counts down and shows the time remaining for the exam. No food and drink are allowed. Brief breaks are allowed between testlets. The test time clock does not stop for a break. Breaks greater than 10 minutes will be reported to NASBA and the OAB.
Log off the computer, return all scratch paper, and then sign out.
*Important* If you experienced any problems during the exam with the computer equipment or the test process, you must report it to the testing center administrators before you leave the testing center.
When the OAB receives your score(s) from NASBA, you can view the "unofficial" scores on the OAb website using your PIN and password. Your scores are not made official until they have been certified by the OAB.
Once your score has been certified by the OAB, you will receive Official Notification from the Board by U.S. mail.
*Note - Do not submit an Experience Verification form to the OAB until you have received Official Notification from the Board of having passed all four sections of the exam.
Credit is granted for an examination score of 75 or above. Credit for passed sections is retained for a rolling 18-month period.
To maintain active: a Candidate must apply and actually sit for one examination section within an 18-month period from the date they last sat for an exam section. A "No Show" does not count as sitting for the exam. Your active Candidate status is determined by the OAB, not the expiration of the NTS.
The payment coupon and/or NTS expiration do not override or extend the 18-month rule to remain an active Candidate with the OAB. If a Candidate loses active status and wishes to become active again, the Applicant must reapply for qualification and meet all current eligibility requirements.
You must complete the Experience Verification form. Once your experience has been approved, you will receive an Application for Certification from the Board. You must also complete the AICPA's Professional Ethics: A Comprehensive Course and score a 90% or above on the ethics exam.
Verification of 1 year/1800 hours of work experience in accounting completed within four years prior to applying for certification. Experience must be verifiable by a CPA, PA, or an individual approved by the Board.
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