Continuing Education Guidelines for the AASBO Certificate Programs
Continuing professional education (CPE)–Upon completion of the certificate program each certificate holder is required to obtain a minimum number of hours of continuing professional education each fiscal year (October–September) based on the type of certificate they hold. The minimum CPE requirements for each certificate are as follows:
CSFO Certificate 18 Hours
Payroll/Personnel Certificate 12 Hours
Local School Financial Management Certificate 9 Hours
The CPE requirements take effect the fiscal year following the completion year of the certificate. (Certificate is completed in FY 2010-2011, CPE requirements take effect in FY 2011-2012.) Individuals who hold multiple certificates are required to obtain CPE hours based on the highest CPE requirement of the certificate they hold. They do not have to obtain separate CPE hours for each certificate. Any certificate holder who does not obtain the required number of hours is placed on inactive status.
Allowable CPE–AASBO will accept CPE credits through the following organizations: AASBO, SASBO, International ASBO, AASOP, GFOA, ASCPA, or any organization recognized as CPE by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. Beginning in 2011 one-half of the required hours must be through the AASBO professional development program.
Annual Reporting–Each certificate holder is required to file an annual report of their CPE with AASBO by November 15 following the end of the fiscal year (October 1–September 30). This information should be filed on a form provided by the association.
Inactive Certificates–Any certificate holder who does not maintain their CPE requirements is classified as inactive status. In order to return to active status, he or she must provide proof of the required annual CPE for that certificate for each year of inactive status. Certificate holders who are on inactive status for three or more years are required to go back through the program.
Extension of Time for CPE–AASBO recognizes there are unforeseen circumstances where an individual may not be able to complete their annual CPE requirements. In these instances the certificate holder must apply for an extension of time through the AASBO organization stating the reason for the request. If granted, the certificate holder will have six months from the end of the fiscal year to complete the needed hours.
Time to Obtain Certificate–Upon starting the program the participant will have five (fiscal) years to complete the program. Participants will not receive credit for courses that were taken in excess of the five-year period. (*Note–Rules of the State Board of Education require that Chief School Financial Officers complete the program within three years of their appointment.)
Approved: AASBO Board November 16, 2010
