Programming Toolkit

What is AFWA’s CPE Sponsor ID Number?
AFWA’s National Registry of CPE Sponsors ID number is 105423.

While most states recognize CPE sponsors listed on the NASBA National Registry, there are a handful of states that require registration with the state board as well.  The following are the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) sponsor license numbers in those states:

• Nebraska:  No ID number required.  Courses are approved on an individual basis.
• New York:  002081
• Texas:  007676

How long will it take for my CPE to be approved?
Pending back up, most CPE requests will receive a reply withing two weeks of submission.

Explain the September 30 deadline?
AFWA is required to submit all CPE programming information from the prior year (Nov-Oct) to NASBA for sponsor renewal on November 1. If you have been regularly submitting CPE packets within 30 days of your events, this deadline will not be an issue. However, we recommend you review all programming from the last year to ensure all packets have been submitted and approvals received. We will also pre-approve any CPE programming for October at this time. After submitting our renewal on November 1st, we will no longer be able to approve programming from the previous year (Nov-Oct)

I lost the materials from our last program, what do I do?
Unfortunately, we cannot approve a program for CPE credit without all the required materials. This includes sign in sheets, evaluations, and certificates of completion. Notify Headquarters of your program and submit all materials you have available within two weeks of your event. We can then give you until September 30 to reach out to attendees to replicate the lost materials and resubmit for approval.

What if an attendee forgets to sign in?
First, we recommend you remind all attendees at the end of the program to sign in if they haven’t already. If someone forgets to sign in, have a witness sign and initial the sign-in sheet on the attendee’s behalf. Also be sure to prepare and submit the Certificate of Completion for the attendee as a secondary confirmation of attendance.

Can we use Survey Monkey for our program evaluations?
Yes, as long as you receive an appropriate number of response from program attendees. A summary of all responses should be submitted with your CPE packet.

How should I submit our CPE materials to headquarters?
The recommended method is to scan your materials and email them to CPE@AFWA.org. This way  you can keep a digital copy for your Chapter’s records as well. However, you may also mail them to 2365 Harrodsburg Road, A325 Lexington, Kentucky 40504 (if mailing, be sure to keep a copy for your Chapter records)

What are the NASBA Program Levels?

• Basic – Program knowledge level most beneficial to CPAs new to a skill or an attribute. These individuals are often at the staff or entry level in organizations, although such programs may also benefit a seasoned professional with limited exposure to the area.
• Intermediate – Program knowledge level that builds on a basic program, most appropriate for CPAs with detailed knowledge in an area. Such persons are often at a mid-level within the organization, with operational and/or supervisory responsibilities.
• Advanced – Program knowledge level most useful for individuals with mastery of the particular topic. This level focuses on the development of in-depth knowledge, a variety of skills, or a broader range of applications. Advanced level programs are often appropriate for seasoned professionals within organizations; however, they may also be beneficial for other professionals with specialized knowledge in a subject.
• Overview – Program knowledge level that provides a general review of a subject area from a broad perspective. These programs may be appropriate for professionals at all organizational levels.
• Update – Program knowledge level that provides a general review of new developments. This level is for participants with a background in the subject area who desire to keep current.

Regarding Certificates of Completion:

• Do I need to submit all Certificates of Completion with my CPE packet?
  No. Only one completed certificate is required. A completed certificate will include all event details and the signature of either the Chapter President or CPE Chair. Please leave the attendee name line blank so if needed at a later date a certificate can be reissued (this is where the importance of the attendee sign-in sheet comes into play).
• Can I email electronic versions of the Certificate of Completion to program attendees?
  Yes, as long as the Certificate of Completion is signed by the Programming Chair or Chapter President, it may be emailed to attendees following the program.
• Does the CPA License number have to be on the certificate of completion?
  No, however there are several other fields that are required by NASBA to be on the certificate. Be sure to reference the NASBA Request for Credit Checklist to ensure you include all the requirements.
• Can our Chapter create our own Certificate of Completion?
  Yes, but use the AFWA Certificate as a guide, or reference the NASBA Request for Credit Checklist to ensure you include all the requirements.
• When should I distribute the Certificate of Completion to attendees?
  Whenever works best for you. Some Chapters distribute the certificates at the event, while others wait and email certificates following the event.
• Do attendee names have to be typed on the Certificate?
  No, but if writing names in, please be sure your writing is legible. The only required signature is by the President or CPE Chair, all other information should be printed.
• Can the CPE/Programming Chair sign her own Certificate?
  If the President of the Chapter is unavailable to sign the certificate of the CPE chair, we will accept the CPE chair’s certificate with her own signature.

Regarding Webinars:

• Can I show a recorded AFWA Webinar during a Chapter program for CPE?
  Yes, recorded AFWA webinars may be viewed during Chapter programs for the same amount of CPE credit as the live webinar. Any Chapter hosting an event where a recorded webinar will be viewed must have a named facilitator. The facilitator should be knowledgeable in the topic covered during the webinar and watch the material in advance of the event to best lead and respond to any group discussion. A complete CPE request should be prepared by the Chapter as usual.
• Can Chapter members meet to watch a live AFWA webinar for CPE?
  Absolutely. In this case, one facilitator may login to the webinar on behalf of the group as a whole. A complete CPE request should be prepared by the Chapter as usual.

What is the NASBA Official National Registry Statement?
The following statement must be used in its entirety and without alteration in promotion and other materials distributed to prospective CPE course participants:

The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org

EVENT PLANNING RESOURCES

• Building a Balanced Programming Calendar: This document will offer new ideas for developing your Chapter Programming calendar, including event topics, tips for finding speakers, ideas for registration and more.
• Programming Calendar Templates: Need some new ideas to revamp your Chapter’s programming calendar? Check out these sample calendars that offer ideas for events and topics.
• Promoting Your Next Chapter Event: Now that you’ve planned a great event, you want to be sure you get attendees through the door. This document will provide some helpful tips for Chapters with or without a budget.