Continued Professional Learning and Development

It is the duty of every certified member of the Society to uphold and foster competence and prestige of the accounting profession. In Nova Scotia, PEI, Bermuda, and the Caribbean CMAs adhere to the Continuous Professional Learning and Development (CPLD) Policy. Full details may be viewed in the “CPLD Policy” document below.

CMAs are continually being challenged to evaluate and apply recent innovations into accounting and management practices in the work environment. You must maintain your competitive advantage. Our links to business news and publications provide you with quick access to current management trends. The On-Line Learning section features CMA Canada’s Virtual Learning Centre and other well known on-line learning institutions.

CPLD Policy Effective July 1, 2008
CPLD Policy (PDF)

Policy review and changes
The 2006-07 CPLD reporting year marked the end of the first 3 year reporting cycle for CMA Nova Scotia, Bermuda and the Caribbean and 2007-08 the first 3 year reporting cycle for PEI. The reporting by members was excellent with some of the highest levels of compliance in the country. We’ve completed review of the policy and considered feedback received from membership. Further, special consideration was paid to the complexity of the policy and the online (TLMS) reporting system.

In an effort to address the issues, the following changes have been made effective July 1st 2008:
1)There are now seven broad categories as opposed to formal and informal paths with sub categories;
2) Members are asked to simply track CPLD hours as opposed to credits;
3) Members are asked to obtain 40 hours but are only required to meet 30 in any one year reporting cycle;
4) Members are asked only to maintain documentation for 3 years as opposed to the previous 5 year requirement;
5) Effective July 1st, 2008, members will no longer report through the previous online T/LMS reporting system. Members, going forward, will simply be asked to maintain their documentation and sign off on their CPLD compliance as part of the annual dues payment process. A voluntary online tracking system will be made available to members, details to follow at a later date.

Why the change?
The online T/LMS reporting system will be discontinued at the end of the 2007-08 reporting year June 30th, 2008 in favour of a post-audit system. In its place, CMA will provide members tools which they can use at their discretion to log CPLD hours. Some of the reasoning for this move include:
1) The current reporting system reports have provided little value to members/CMA administration when compared to the cost (in financial and human resources) of running the system; costs that would be better spent in developing learning events and programs for members.
2) Member compliance has been exceptional and the maintenance and assurance of the public’s confidence can easily be attained through a post audit of a statistically significant sample of members.

What are the new requirements?
All certified CMA Nova Scotia, PEI and Bermuda members are required to:
1) Annually maintain a personal record of CPLD hours earned, with 40 hours every year and 120 hours over the three year period required. Note: This is not to be submitted to CMA.
2) Retain documentation to support all verifiable activities for a period of three (3) years.
3) Annually complete a declaration, indicating compliance. The annual declaration will be included as a part of Membership Renewal Notice.
4) Provide CMA with your CPLD Reporting Form and supporting documentation, should a member be randomly selected for audit.

CPLD Online Reporting
Effective July 1st, 2008, members will no longer be required to enter learning credits into the CMA online TLMS reporting system. Member’s credit totals will be retained by the Society; however, any activity details will not be maintained on file.

Questions
The CPLD Policy includes samples of qualifying professional development and the number of hours you are required to complete. Please see attached policy document for details or go online to review.