The ABO's professional standards and ethics requirement
What you need to know
While the professional standards and ethics requirement instituted by the ABO may appear as a reactionary measure to corporate scandals, quite the contrary is true.
Long before Enron and WorldCom, the ABO and The Ohio Society of CPAs were discussing the importance of making professional ethics education a part of license renewal. Professional ethics has been a requirement for initial CPA certification in Ohio but there was no ongoing focus once an individual was certified. The new requirement is intended to heighten the awareness and importance of ethics in the accounting profession—a profession whose foundation was built upon objectivity, integrity and trust.
What is the professional standards and ethics requirement?
CPAs holding a practicing license with the ABO must obtain three hours of continuing professional education (CPE) in ethics. These three hours are part of the 120 CPE hours that CPAs with a practicing license must obtain every three years.
What courses meet the professional standards and ethics requirement?
Effective Sept. 14, 2007, CPA candidates who have passed the exam but are not yet certified will be required to take The Ohio Society’s “Fundamentals of Ohio Accountancy Law” to become certified in Ohio.
This program satisfies the Accountancy Board of Ohio’s professional standards and responsibilities course requirement to become a CPA, and also provides an update for the experienced CPA. The course covers the unique legal and regulatory requirements in Ohio. Topics include integrity and objectivity, the practice of public accounting, and requirements of using the CPA designation by individuals and firms in Ohio, including continuing education and peer review. Additional topics include client record retention and Ohio disciplinary procedures. Presented through lecture and group participation using short ethical dilemmas, this course is also recommended for any professional seeking an update on recent changes in Ohio accountancy laws and rules, and implications of Ohio case law.
The program is available in the following formats:
To view the video online and access the exam, please follow the steps outlined below:
- Turn off your pop-up blocker
- Click here to view the video (video will pop-up in a new window)
- Note: Some slides can be difficult to read on the video presentation itself. View and print out the PowerPoint slides and the detailed outline to follow along more easily.
- After viewing the video, click here to take the online exam. A grade of 70% or better is required to earn CPE credit. The cost to access the online exam is $89.
Successful exam candidates who complete an application will be extended a membership to The Ohio Society of CPAs at no charge for the current membership year. Free membership is not required for CPA candidates to access the online course.
The Society's Professional Standards program is also offered through the Society’s Onsite Training program. For more information, visit the Onsite section of this Web site, or visit the ABO’s Web site.
Where can I go for more information on the professional standards and ethics requirement?
The ABO has an FAQ section on their Web site dedicated to the new requirement.