Earning CPE Credit
through National Institute-Approved Self-Study Courses

Although all Surgent self-study courses are approved for CPE credit for CPAs, completion of a National Institute-approved course in self-study format does not automatically qualify for CPE credit. The National Institute's online designation exams are not designed to provide CPE credit. If a candidate completing a National Institute-approved course also desires CPE credit for the course, additional measures must be taken.

If a self-study course is taken as a core or elective in the National Institute's curriculum, CPE credit is only granted by Surgent if an individual passes a written final exam that is included with the self-study course materials. If taken in text format, these exams must be submitted to Surgent for grading; the candidate is then notified of the results. If taken on CD-ROM, the exam is graded automatically and a validation form prints when a passing grade is attained. The validation form must be submitted to Surgent. A score of 70 percent or better is necessary to earn CPE credit. This test is in addition to the 60-question computer-based exam that is required to earn credit toward a designation.

Therefore, in order to obtain CPE credit and designation program credit for a self-study course, two exams must be completed. The self-study exam that is included with the product provides CPE credit. The National Institute's 60-question online exam for the course provides designation program credit.

For a National Institute continuation course completed in self-study format, the designation holder must complete the self-study exam that is included with the course materials. In this case, that exam will qualify for both CPE credit and designation program continuation credit. No additional or online exams must be taken when a self-study course is taken to fulfill the National Institute's continuation requirement.

When submitting an exam for National Institute continuation credit, please include a cover letter indicating that the test results should be forwarded to the National Institute. This will ensure that the National Institute receives the exam, and the individual receives credit for the course.

Please note: Individuals retain responsibility for keeping track of credits earned and reporting to their state board during the appropriate renewal period.

Most Surgent courses are also accepted for CFP®, CLU, and ChFC continuing education credit. Please check with a Surgent representative if you have a question about a particular course.

The ability to attain CPE credit from an individual Surgent self-study course expires one year after the purchase date. However, if an entire National Institute designation curriculum is purchased as a Surgent CD-ROM package, all CPE exams must be submitted within 18 months from the date of product shipment.

All courses in a National Institute designation curriculum must be completed within three years of the date of initial enrollment. However, when purchasing self-study courses, other deadlines may apply. If all courses in the designation curriculum are purchased as a Surgent CD-ROM package, the individual has 18 months from the shipment date to successfully complete all coursework, online exams, and CPE exams using that self-study product.