1. (a)

   1. (1) The sponsor of any continuing education program or programs which are not exempt under subsection (f) of this section must, prior to offering such program or programs, register with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Those sponsors offering programs totaling more than sixteen (16) credit hours per year or offering programs more than five (5) times per year must register with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.
      2. (B) Sponsors of such programs in self-study format may register with NASBA's Quality Assurance Service as an alternative to, or in addition to, registration with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.
   3. (3) Those sponsors offering group-live programs in Arkansas which total sixteen (16) credit hours or less per year and offering programs five (5) times or less per year may register with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors’ State CPE Roster program as an alternative to the National Registry.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The sponsor of any continuing education program registered with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors or Quality Assurance Service shall comply with the requirements of the registry.

   2. (2) Those sponsors exempt under subsection (f) of this section shall keep detailed records of the following:

      1. (A) The date and location of the program presentation;
      2. (B) The names and biographies of each instructor or discussion leader;
      3. (C) A list of licensees attending each program presentation, and the license numbers of such attendees;
      4. (D) A written outline or slide presentation of the program; and
      5. (E) For online programs, verification of participant attendance throughout the program.
3. (c) The records required by subsection (b) of this section shall be retained for a period of five (5) years after the end of the year of each program presentation.

4. (d) The sponsor of any continuing education program approved by the National Registry or exempt from registration pursuant to this part must advise attendees of such approval or exemption, together with the:

   1. (1) Sponsor number if not exempt;
   2. (2) Field of study;
   3. (3) Delivery type; and
   4. (4) Number of continuing education hours allowable.
5. (e) The board may withdraw approval of any continuing education program if the sponsor of such program fails to comply with the provisions of this part.

6. (f) The following are exempt from registering with the National Registry of CPE Sponsors:

   1. (1) Professional accounting and legal organizations such as:

      1. (A) The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;
      2. (B) The Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants;
      3. (C) The National Society of Public Accountants;
      4. (D) The Arkansas Society of Public Accountants;
      5. (E) The NASBA;
      6. (F) The Institute of Management Accountants;
      7. (G) The American Accounting Association;
      8. (H) The American Bar Association;
      9. (I) The Arkansas Bar Association; and
      10. (J) Other similar organizations;
   2. (2) Universities or colleges that are accredited per 17 CAR § 236-301;
   3. (3) Firms, both accounting and industrial, offering organized in-firm education programs which meet the requirements of 17 CAR § 236-1204(a) and (b); and
   4. (4) Governmental entities.

Codification Notes: "QAS" means the Quality Assurance Services Program of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.