Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment and Program Requirements | Testing | Designation Renewal

Enrollment and Program Requirements

How do I enroll in a designation program?

Click here to print an application form. Completion of this form, along with payment of the $350 enrollment fee, gains you entrance into your chosen program.

May I enroll in a designation program after I have attended an applicable seminar, and still receive credit for that seminar?

Yes. It is not required that a candidate be enrolled at the time of seminar attendance. However, enrollment is required before exams may be taken for any course. These exams must be taken within one year of seminar attendance, and verification of attendance must be supplied to the National Institute.

What requirements must I meet to earn a designation?

Candidates must complete a curriculum of core and elective courses and pass a related exam for each. In addition, all candidates must satisfy a points requirement comprised of education, previous licenses and designations, and experience. Finally, all candidates are required to endorse the National Institute ethics statement.

How do I complete the course curriculum?

Some courses in each program are available in a live seminar format, typically through the state societies of CPAs. However, the self-study format is recommended. Registration for live seminars must take place through the sponsoring state society. Exception: For Maryland seminars, please click here to register. Self-study courses are available individually or in package form through this website or through Surgent McCoy at http://www.cpenow.com.

How much time is allowed for completion of an entire program?

All candidates must complete their designation program within three years of enrollment. If the candidate has purchased a self-study designation package, the deadline is eighteen months from purchase date.

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Testing

Is an exam required for each course, or do candidates complete one program comprehensive exam?

In order to earn credit for courses in a National Institute designation program, an individual must complete a timed exam for each course with a minimum grade of 70%. The National Institute will not award a designation unless all exams have been completed successfully. There is no program comprehensive exam required. (Please note that CPE exams do not count for credit towards a designation.)

How are exams administered?

All designation program exams are taken on the National Institute website, www.niepe.org.

What kinds of questions appear on a National Institute exam?

Designation program exams consist of 60 questions, and are a combination of multiple choice and true/false

Does a National Institute designation exam also qualify for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit?

No. By passing a timed designation exam, you will only receive credit within our program. If you purchased a self-study product and need CPE credit for the course as well, you must complete a separate CPE exam. CPE exams are not timed and are taken at www.cpenow.com.

How do I obtain an authorization code?

For seminars, codes are only issued after proof of seminar attendance is submitted to the National Institute. You may either submit an attendance form that was signed by the discussion leader at the seminar or a certificate from the state CPA society verifying your attendance. In the case of a self-study product, the candidate must contact the National Institute when he or she is ready to take the exam. The National Institute will then issue a code.

How much time do I have to take each exam?

Exams must be taken within one year of seminar attendance date or self-study purchase date for individual courses. In the case of CSEP or CSRP self-study packages, all coursework and exams must be completed within 18 months.

Can I take the exam again if I do not pass it the first time?

You may take an exam as many times necessary to pass it; however, a new code is needed for each attempt and a $30 fee must be paid in order to obtain it. Please note that the re-test must also be taken within the appropriate deadline period.

Will I be informed of my test results immediately after completing the exam?

Yes. As soon as you finish your last question, the system calculates your score and it appears on the screen. The results are also automatically transmitted into the National Institute's records.

Will the National Institute send me verification of my score for each exam?

No. If you need such verification, you may request it from one of our representatives. The National Institute does not automatically issue grade verification.

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Designation Renewal

After earning a designation, am I required to earn continuing education?

Designation holders are required to obtain 16 hours of continuing education every two calendar years to maintain their designation in good standing. This requirement begins on January 1 after the program completion.

What courses qualify for continuing education for National Institute designation programs?

To qualify, a course must have the appropriate specialization topic as its major focus (e.g., estate planning) and must be approved by a national organization. Courses may be taken as live seminars, webinars/webcasts, or in self-study format.

Is testing required to earn credit for National Institute continuing education courses?

No timed testing is required. In the case of a self-study course, the designation holder is required to complete the CPE exam and may be asked to submit proof of completion.

Are there other requirements for maintaining a designation in good standing?

Annual dues must also be submitted to maintain a designation. This requirement begins on January 1 of the year following program completion.

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