What the TPB says
- It does not prescribe topics for CPE activities.
- It does not approve providers.
- Activities must be relevant to the tax agent or BAS services you provide.
- You use your own professional judgement in choosing activities and providers.
How to judge a course
The TPB asks that activities be provided by people or organisations with suitable qualifications or practical experience in the subject area. Ask these questions before you enrol.
- Does the content match services I provide?
- Does the provider show where its facts come from?
- Can I describe in one line why it is relevant, for my log?
- Does it say plainly who runs it, and make no claim to be a TPB product?
Facts and sources for this part
- CPE activities must be provided by people or organisations with suitable qualifications or practical experience in the subject area. [S3]
What a certificate is worth
The TPB says evidence of CPE may include a certificate of completion or a certificate of attendance. It is evidence of what you did. Whether the activity counts as relevant CPE for you is still your judgement.
Facts and sources for this part
- Evidence of CPE completed may include a certificate of completion or a certificate of attendance. [S4]
Self-paced courses
The TPB lists computer or internet-assisted courses among the activities it considers appropriate. For self-paced activity, the TPB says your record should show how it is relevant to your services.
Facts and sources for this part
Red flags in a provider's marketing
None of these proves a course is bad, but together they are a reason to look harder before you pay.
- A claim that the TPB backs the course.
- A promise that the hours will always be accepted.
- No sources shown for the rules it teaches.
- No named provider, address or contact.