WESTERN CPE BLOG
Providing the latest tax news, information, and updates for tax and finance professionals
Kentucky CPE Requirements for CPAs: Stay Compliant and Meet Deadlines
Introduction
Staying compliant with Kentucky’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements is essential for CPAs to maintain their licenses and uphold their professional reputation. Annual deadlines vary by license numbers, but regardless of year, CPE reporting runs the course of the year, ending on December 31, while the deadline for CPA license renewal is on August 1. Keeping track of these requirements can be tricky, and it’s important to understand the specific rules that apply to you.
In this post, we’ll provide a detailed overview of Kentucky’s Board of Accountancy CPE requirements, common challenges professionals face, and solutions to help you meet the state’s standards with ease.
Overview of Kentucky’s Accounting CPE Requirements
Kentucky’s CPE requirements vary based on your employment type, license number, and hours worked in a public accounting firm. Below is a breakdown of the key details:
Kentucky CPA License Renewal Deadline
- Renewal occurs annually on August 1.
- License numbers determine renewal years:
- Even license numbers renew in even years.
- Odd license numbers renew in odd years.
Kentucky CPE Reporting Period
- Biennial period runs from January 1 to December 31.
- License numbers also determine reporting years:
- Even license numbers report in odd years.
- Odd license numbers report in even years.
Total Required CPE Hours in Kentucky
- 80 hours: CPAs working 3,000+ hours in a public accounting firm.
- 60 hours: CPAs working less than 3,000 hours in public accounting, or those employed in industry, education, or government.
- Technical credit requirements:
- 40 hours for CPAs working 3,000+ hours in public accounting.
- 30 hours for CPAs working less than 3,000 hours in public accounting.
Kentucky Ethics CPE Requirements
- All CPAs must include 2 hours of professional ethics in their total CPE hours.
CPE Credit Limitations
- Instruction: Up to 60% of total hours. Repeated presentations do not qualify.
- Published Materials: Up to 25% of total hours.
- Personal Development:
- 8 hours maximum for 80-hour requirements.
- 12 hours maximum for 60-hour requirements.
Other Subject Area Requirements
- Attest or Compilation Services: CPAs releasing reports on attest services must complete 8 hours annuallyin related subjects.
- Certain areas like Behavioral Ethics and HR/Personnel are not accepted for CPE credit.
Other Policies
- CPE providers do not need to be NASBA members or register with the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy.
- CPAs whose principal place of business is outside Kentucky may satisfy Kentucky’s requirements by meeting the CPE standards of their home state.
Common Challenges
While KY CPA CPE requirements are typically straightforward, many CPAs face challenges navigating them:
- Confusion Over Reporting Periods: Kentucky’s alternating reporting schedule tied to license numbers can be confusing. Professionals often miscalculate their deadlines. Be sure to double-check yours before the end of the year.
- Meeting Technical Credit Requirements: CPAs working in public accounting must ensure they meet the technical credit thresholds, which can vary based on hours worked. Be sure to choose a provider with plenty of technical CPE.
- Finding Approved Courses: Not all subject areas qualify for credit in Kentucky, such as Behavioral Ethics or HR-related topics, which can make course selection tricky. You can find a number of qualifying classes at our upcoming live CPE conference in Las Vegas.
- Balancing Workload and CPE Completion: With busy schedules, many CPAs struggle to find time to complete their required hours before the end of the reporting period. Our expansive self-study catalog can be helpful as deadlines approach.
Recommended Courses
These courses have been particularly popular with professionals in Kentucky and are tailored to meet your needs:
America’s #1 Federal Tax Update is a comprehensive collection focused on individual and business taxation that covers all of the latest developments the IRS, legislative, and judicial folks can and will throw your way. It’s bigger, better, and more trusted than the knock-offs out there, so accept no substitutes.
Take control of your continuing education with Western’s Credit Packages: flexible CPE that fits your exact requirements. Get access to our entire digital course library, including webcasts, self-study, and self-study video courses. It’s like an unlimited CPE subscription, but better—you only pay for what you need.
Essential course on Kentucky CPA Ethics and Professional Standards. Learn state-specific regulations and ethical principles through practical examples while fulfilling Board requirements.
Comprehensive guide to SECURE Act 2.0 Implementation and Strategy. Navigate key retirement provisions and regulatory changes while examining key impacts on financial planning.
A thorough examination of M&A process, encompassing strategy formulation, valuation techniques, and due diligence from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspectives. Learn to prep businesses for sale, understand acquisition accounting, and more.
Clear and practical guide to Not-for-Profit Accounting Principles and Practice. Explore contribution classification and financial presentation requirements while also learning the latest GAAP standards for nonprofit entities.
Conclusion
Meeting KY State Board of Accountancy CPE requirements doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the state’s rules and addressing common challenges early, you can ensure compliance and maintain your professional standing.
Join thousands of professionals who trust us to help them meet their CPE requirements. Browse our catalog today and discover courses designed to fit your goals and deadlines.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I need 80 or 60 CPE hours?
A: Your required hours depend on your employment type and whether you work more or less than 3,000 hours in a public accounting firm.
Q: Do I need ethics CPE credits every year?
A: Yes, in Kentucky you must include 2 hours of professional ethics within your total required hours.
Q: Can I use out-of-state courses to meet KY CPE requirements?
A: Yes, if your principal business state has CPE requirements, meeting those fulfills Kentucky’s standards.
Q: Are there restrictions on the types of credits I can earn?
A: Yes, Kentucky limits credits for certain activities (e.g., instruction or published materials) and does not accept credits for NASBA categories like Behavioral Ethics or HR.
-
Self-StudyFixed Asset Accounting
$351.00 – $391.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
-
Self-StudyEthics for Accountants
$116.00 – $136.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
EthicsEthics for Maryland
$116.00 – $136.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Self-StudyPassive Losses
$290.00 – $320.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Self-StudyMaking The Best of Bad Situations
$364.00 – $404.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
-
