CPS License Renewal Questions and Answers
What is the difference between certification and licensure?
What is the CPS license renewal requirement?
What is the annual license renewal fee?
Am I required to renew my license if I obtained it in the fourth quarter of the year?
Why are licensees required to renew each year?
What happens if I don't renew?
Can I be reinstated once my license expires?
What qualifies as CPE?
Do college courses qualify as CPE?
What is the CPE requirement if I obtained my license this Year?
What happens if I don't obtain my CPE requirements by December 31?
Can I carry excess CPE over to the next year?
What is the Difference between Certification and Licensure?
NACPS's primary mission is to assure the public that NACPS members are competent and trustworthy. To that end, NACPS provides the public two levels of assurance that you are trustworthy and competent:
- Certification - Like most certification programs, certifications assure the public of the recipient's knowledge of the respective subject (competency).
- Licensure - A CPS license assures the public of the licensee's knowledge, experience, continuing education, and ethics (competency and trustworthiness).
What is the CPS License Renewal Requirement?
All Certified Payroll Specialists (CPS) licenses expire on December 31. Licensees are required to renew their licenses each year to determine if they qualify to hold themselves out as CPSs. Each licensee is responsible to renew their license PRIOR to the expiration date.
Licensees must complete an Application for License Renewal/Reinstatement and CPE Reporting Certification Form. Licensees must return the Application and Form to NACPS no later than December 31.
Your license will be issued to you upon approval of your completed Application and Form.
IMPORTANT: Failure to complete the Application and Form will result in denial of renewal of your license.
To obtain the Application and Form, go to CPS License Application/Renewal.
What Is The Annual License Renewal Fee?
$25 for NACPS members and $50 for nonmembers.
Am I Required To Renew My License If I Obtained It In The Fourth Quarter Of The Year?
No. Licensees who obtain their license in the fourth quarter (October 1 - December 31) of the year receive a license certificate with a December 31 expiration date of the following year.
For example, if you obtain your license on October 31, 20XX, your license certificate will have the next year's December 31, 20XX date.
Why Are Licensees Required To Renew Each Year?
NACPS plays a leading role in the public bookkeeping profession to ensure that only qualified individuals provide public bookkeeping services. To that end, NACPS requires licensees to annually affirm they qualify and meet licensing requirements including adherence to the NACPS Professional Code of Conduct and annual Continuing Professional Education requirements. Annual renewal also enables NACPS to confirm or correct each licensee's name, company name, address, phone, and email information.
What Happens if I Don't Renew?
Failure to renew your license by the December 31 deadline will result in denial of renewal of your license. Denial of renewal of your license means you are not permitted to hold yourself out as a CPS.
Can I Be Reinstated Once My License Expires?
Yes, but you are subject to the following conditions:
- You can reinstate your license within 30 days after the expiration date of your license by completing the Application for License Renewal/Reinstatement, but you must submit the renewal fee of $25 for NACPS members or $50 for nonmembers PLUS an additional $25.00.
- You can reinstate your license after 30 days and within two years of the expiration date of your license by completing the Application for License Renewal/Reinstatement, but you must submit the renewal of $25 for NACPS members or $50 for nonmembers fee PLUS an additional $50.00.
If you fail to reinstate your license within two years of the expiration date of your license, you must submit a new application, meet current requirements for licensure, and pay the new application fees. Contact NACPS for assistance if reinstating after two years of expiration.
What Qualifies as CPE?
Qualified CPE courses are defined as any QuickBooks related education provided by organizations issuing CPE credit.
Example CPE Subjects
Bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, sales tax, QuickBooks, etc.
Do College Courses Qualify as CPE?
Yes. Every fifty minutes of classroom instruction qualify as one hour of CPE.
What is the CPE Requirement if I Obtained My License This Year?
If your initial license term is less than the full year CPE reporting period, you are required to complete 4 hours of CPE for each full quarter of licensure during the CPE reporting period.
What Happens If I Don't Obtain My CPE Requirements By December 31?
Failure to meet the 16 hour requirement: An individual holding a current license who fails to complete the required hours of CPE by the reporting deadline (December 31) will not be allowed to renew their license unless they complete and report to the NACPS Licensing Board at least 30 days prior to their expiration date.
Non-Qualifying or Disqualified CPE hours: An individual who reports non-qualifying hours or who has hours disqualified by the NACPS Licensing Board shall not be allowed to renew their license unless they complete and report the required CPE to the NACPS Licensing Board, within 60 days of receiving notification by the NACPS Licensing Board of their CPE shortage.
Waiver for Medical Reasons: A licensee may request the NACPS Licensing Board to waive the requirements or grant an extension for continuing professional education on the basis that the licensee was not able to complete the continuing professional education due to medical or related conditions confirmed by a qualified health care provider.
Can I Carry Excess CPE Over To The Next Year?
Yes. Licensees acquiring more than their required annual minimum CPE may carry the excess CPE credit hours over to the following year (not to exceed half of the annual requirement).