CPE Hours requirements for the calendar years
ICAI w.e.f. calendar year 2023 has done away with the 3 years block period concept for CPE hours requirement. Now onwards CPE hours requirement to be fulfilled by members on calendar year basis i.e. 01st Jan to 31st Dec .
| Category | Total CPE Hours Required | Structured | Unstructured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Members (Age < 60) with COP | 40 hours per calendar year | Minimum 20 hours** | Remaining 20 hours (Structured/Unstructured as per choice) |
| Members (Age < 60) without COP | 20 hours per calendar year | Choice of Structured/Unstructured | |
| Members (Residing Abroad) | 20 hours per calendar year | Choice of Structured/Unstructured | |
| Members (Age ≥ 60) with COP | 30 hours per calendar year | Choice of Structured/Unstructured | |
**Recommendatory 2 Structured CPE Hours each on topics of “Standards on Auditing” and “Code of Ethics” (total 4 Structured CPE Hours) during every Calendar year in Physical/DLH (Digital Learning Hub) mode
Who are exempt from mandatory CPE hours?
The following class of members are exempted from CPE credit hours requirement:
-
-
- First time member: the particular Calendar year during which he/she gets
membership for the first time - All the members (aged 60 years and above) who are not holding Certificate of Practice.
- Judges of Supreme Court, High Court, District Courts and Tribunal
- Members of Parliament/MLAs/MLCs
- Governors of States
- Centre and State Civil Services
- Entrepreneurs (owners of Business (manufacturing) organizations other than professional services)
- Judicial officers
- Members in Military Service
- First time member: the particular Calendar year during which he/she gets
-
Temporary Exemptions from CPE hours:
| Category of Members | Exemption Details | Duration of Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Female Members (Pregnancy Grounds) | Exempted from CPE credit hour requirements on grounds of pregnancy. | 1 Calendar Year |
| Physically Disabled Members | Members with permanent disability of 40% or more, supported by a medical certificate from a doctor registered with the Indian Medical Council (M.D., M.S., etc.). | Case-to-case basis |
| Members with Critical Illness/Disability | Members suffering from prolonged critical diseases or other disabilities approved by CPED, supported by a medical certificate from a doctor registered with the Indian Medical Council (M.D., M.S., etc.). | Case-to-case basis |
Important point w.r.t. CPE hours requirements:
1. The Council has decided to have mandatory 2 Structured CPE Hours each on topics of “Standards on Auditing” and “Code of Ethics” (total 4 Structured CPE Hours) during every Calendar year through DLH/Physical mode (applicable from Calendar Year 2020 onwards) for the Categories of members who are required to complete minimum 20 Structured CPE Hours in a Calendar year (COP Holder). This may be completed any time during the year through DLH/Physical mode.
2. Out of 20 Structured CPE Hours which is mandatory to be completed by Members below 60 years and holding COP, in each Calendar year starting from 2023 (including mandatory CPE hours on “Code of ethics” and “Standard on auditing”), 4 Structured CPE Hours can be completed in virtual mode through Digital Learning Hub till any further modification. For Calendar Year 2023, the members who have already earned 4 or less Structured CPE hours in online mode (through VCM/DLH) till 31.03.2023 will get credit on actual basis.
Due date for completion of CPE hours for the year 2024
The ICAI has extended the deadline for complying with Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours requirements for the calendar year 2024. Here’s the simplified summary:
- New Deadline: Members now have until 28th February 2025 to meet their CPE hours requirements for 2024.
- Unstructured Learning Activities (ULA): The deadline for compliance and filing of ULA for 2024 is also extended to 28th February 2025.
- This is to ease the transition as new provisions for non-compliance penalties, effective from 1st January 2025, are being implemented for the first time.
This extension ensures members have sufficient time to fulfill their CPE requirements without hardship.