ICAI | CPE hours requirements applicable from 2023 onwards

As per the Council's new requirements, members who are required to complete a minimum of 20 structured CPE hours in a calendar year need to complete at least two structured CPE hours each on the topics of "Standards on Auditing" and "Code of Ethics" (total 4 Structured CPE Hours) through Digital Learning Hub/Physical mode every calendar year. These requirements came into effect from January 1, 2023, onwards.

The following are the details of the requirements for each category of members

1. Members holding Certificate of Practice and below 60 years of age:

1. Minimum of 40 CPE credit hours during each calendar year.
2. Out of the 40 hours, a minimum of 20 hours should be structured learning.
3. The balance of 20 hours can be completed either through structured or unstructured learning.

2. Members not holding Certificate of Practice and members residing abroad (below 60 years of age):

• Minimum of 20 CPE credit hours of either structured or unstructured learning.

3. Members above 60 years of age holding Certificate of Practice:

• Minimum of 30 CPE credit hours of either structured or unstructured learning.

Exemptions

1. Members who have newly obtained their membership are exempted for the first calendar year.
2. Members aged 60 years and above who are not holding the Certificate of Practice are exempted.
3. Judges of the Supreme Court, High Court, District Courts, and Tribunals are exempted.
4. Members of Parliament/MLAs/MLCs, Governors of States, and Civil Services are exempted.
5. Entrepreneurs (owners of Business (manufacturing) organizations other than professional services) are exempted.
6. Judicial officers and members in Military Service are exempted.

Temporary Exemptions

a. Female members for one Calendar year on the grounds of pregnancy.

b. Physically disabled members on a case-to-case basis having permanent disability of not less than 40% and above (supported with medical certificates from any doctor registered with Indian Medical Council with relevant specialization as evidenced by Post Qualifications (M.D., M.S. etc.).

c. Members suffering from prolonged critical diseases/illnesses or other disability as may be specified or approved by the CPED (supported with medical certificates from any doctor registered with Indian Medical Council with relevant specialization as evidenced by Post Qualifications (M.D., M.S. etc.).

Note:

• 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.
• 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.