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CPE Documentation

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Acceptable Documentation

Completion certificates provided by the program sponsor must include all of the following:

  • Sponsor's name,
  • Participant's name,
  • Title of the program,
  • Date(s) attended,
  • Number of CPE hours earned.

Examples of types of documentation to keep:

Type of Program

Documentation

Group Program
  • Original certificate of completion.
  • Washington State Society of CPA's (WSCPA) annual CPE summaries.
  • Original signed sponsor summary generated from the actual sign-in and sign-out sheets attesting to the accuracy of the summary statement and providing sponsor contact information.

Self-study Program

Original certificate of completion - The date of completion on the certificate is the date the individual must use for reporting purposes.

Online CPE programs - A copy of the online certificate of completion is acceptable provided it contains all of the required items.

Accredited University or College Courses
  • Credit courses - Original official grade report or official transcript.
  • Non-credit courses - Original statement signed by instructor.

Instruction Credit
  1. Presentation time - Original sponsor signed statement.
  2. Preparation time - Summary compiled and signed by the individual. CPE credit is allowed for actual preparation time up to two times the presentation hours.

Published Articles or Books

Original article or book.

Retaining documentation

  • Renewal: Three years after the end of the CPE reporting period in which the credit was claimed.
  • License application or reinstatement: Three years after you apply.

Sending documentation to the board

The Board audits individual CPE reports annually. Individuals are randomly selected. If you are selected for audit, you will need to submit acceptable supporting CPE documentation. As part of this audit the Board may require additional information to demonstrate your compliance with the Board's rules.

Please do not submit CPE documentation with your renewal.

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