TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 22. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY

Chapter 511. CERTIFICATION AS A CPA

Subchapter B. CERTIFICATION BY EXAMINATION

22 TAC §511.21

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §511.21, concerning Examination Application.

The amendment to §511.21 will clarify that the exam fee will be collected by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, creates an eligibility fee paid to the board, and states that the board will evaluate applications and establish dates of eligibility for each applicant.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state or local governments to do or not do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that the board's rules in this area will be updated for the new computer-based Uniform CPA examination.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be either zero or negligible because exam applicants are currently paying exam fees and complying with current exam application procedures.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because incremental increases in fees, if any, is too small to be considered an adverse economic effect. Also, the benefit from the cost is significant.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act, §901.301 which authorizes the board to pass rules establishing procedures regarding the examination and §901.304 which authorizes the board to set the exam fee by rule.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§511.21.Examination Application.

(a) All applications to take the Uniform CPA Examination shall be made on forms prescribed by the board and shall also be in compliance with board rules and with all applicable laws.

(b) Applicants shall submit their social security number on the application form. Such information shall be considered confidential and can only be disclosed under the provisions of the Act.

(c) Applicants must sign a statement on the application that states that if the applicant's examination is [ papers are ] lost, the limit of liability for which the board may be held responsible will be the amount of the exam fee collected by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy .

[(d) Applications for the November examination shall be received in the Board office by September 15 and applications for the May exam shall be received by March 15.]

(d) [ (e) ] Each applicant for the Uniform CPA Examination must pay an eligibility fee to the board [ a fee ] for each subject [ on the examination ] for which the applicant requests to take [ is eligible ]. The actual fee set by the board is identified in §521.14 [ §521.2 ] of this title (relating to Eligibility [ Examination ] Fees). Application forms not accompanied by the proper fee or required documents shall not be considered complete. The withholding of information, a misrepresentation, or any untrue statement on the application or supplemental documents will be cause for rejection of the application.

[(f) Applicants shall designate on the application the location at which they prefer to take the examination. The board will assign applicants to an examination site, and after such assignment, the applicant may not thereafter change examination sites without written authorization from the board.]

(e) [ (g) ] Each reexamination applicant must continue to show that the applicant remains qualified in all respects to take the examination.

(f) The board shall evaluate all examination applications and establish dates of eligibility for each approved application, which will be used by the testing vendor or other organization to schedule and test an applicant.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303020

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


Subchapter D. CPA EXAMINATION

22 TAC §511.72

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §511.72, concerning Uniform Examination.

The amendment to §511.72 will authorize the board to contract with a testing vendor to administer the CPA exam at sites that are approved and monitored by the board during months to be determined, re-name the exam subjects and require exam applicants to have an exam authorization form and another type of government issued identification.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state and local governments to do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that the procedures for the new computer-based uniform CPA exam will be established.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require exam applicants to do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the amendment does not require small businesses to do or not do anything new or additional.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and §901.301 which authorizes the board to contract for the Uniform CPA exam.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§511.72.Uniform Examination.

(a) The board shall administer or may contract with a testing vendor for the administration of the examination for a certificate as a certified public accountant . The examination may be offered at the board's office and at testing facilities within the state that are approved and monitored by the board or its designee. The examination shall be offered during scheduled months as determined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, and the testing vendor. [ twice annually during the months of May and November in such cities in Texas as the board shall designate. ]

(b) The board shall utilize the uniform CPA examination available from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants covering the following subjects:

(1) auditing and attestation ;

(2) business environment and concepts [ law and professional responsibilities ];

(3) regulation [ accounting and reporting ]; and

(4) financial accounting and reporting.

(c) All candidates taking the examination are required to have in their possession the board authorization form [ issued laminated identification card or other board authorized form ] and one other government issued form of identification containing a photograph of the candidate. [ Both forms of identification shall be in view during the entire examination. ]

(d) All candidates taking the examination are required to sign a statement of confidentiality and conduct, which must be followed during the entire examination.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303021

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


22 TAC §511.73

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes new §511.73, concerning Notice to Candidate to Schedule Taking a CPA Exam Subject.

The new §511.73 will require exam applicants to pay an exam fee and to schedule to take the exam at a board approved location.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed new rule will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the new rule will be zero because the new rule does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the new rule will be zero because the new rule does not require the state and local governments to do or not do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the new rule will be zero because the new rule does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the new rule is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed new rule will be that exam applicants will know that they are required to pay an exam fee and schedule their exam.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the new rule will be the incremental increase between the current fees for one, two or four subjects and the new fees that vary according to the exam subject.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed new rule will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed new rule from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed new rule will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the incremental increase between the current fees for one, two or four subjects and the new fees that vary according to the exam subject do not rise to level of adverse economic effect.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed new rule will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the new rule is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the new rule is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the new rule under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The new rule is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and §901.304 which authorizes the board to set the exam fee by rule.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed new rule.

§511.73.Notice to Candidate to Schedule Taking a CPA Exam Subject.

(a) The board shall inform examination applicants of their eligibility to take the CPA examination.

(b) The applicant is required to pay an examination fee to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy for the examination subject for which the applicant is eligible. The actual fee set by the board is identified in 521.2 of this title (relating to Examination Fees).

(c) After payment of the examination fee, the applicant is required to schedule to take the subject at a board approved location.

(d) The payment of the required examination fee and taking of the CPA examination subject must be completed within the time of eligibility as determined by the board. Applicants not in compliance with this section must reapply to the board for the establishment of a new eligibility.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303022

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


22 TAC §511.76

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §511.76 concerning Examination Refund Policy.

The amendment to §511.76 will cause the eligibility fee paid to the board to be non-refundable, allow the board to request a refund from NASBA on behalf of an applicant, limit the refund to computer time and exam grading, allows NASBA to retain a refund processing fee and lists the conditions for a refund.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state or local governments to do or not do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that the refund procedures and policies for the new computer-based examination will be known.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require anyone to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the amendment does not require small businesses to do or not do anything new or additional.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and §901.304 which authorizes the board to provide for refunds by rule.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§511.76.Examination Refund Policy.

(a) The eligibility fee paid to the board is not refundable or transferable. [ The board will grant a full refund of the examination fee if the applicant withdraws from the examination and the board receives notification in writing prior to the deadline for applying for the examination (March 15 or September 15). ]

(b) The board, on behalf of the applicant, may request a refund of a portion of the examination fee paid to NASBA for scheduling a section of the CPA examination. The portion of the examination fee that is eligible for a refund is the fee paid for computer seat time and exam grading. A charge for refund processing may be withheld by NASBA. Examination fee refunds are subject to the following conditions. [ The board will grant a refund of one-half of the total examination fee paid if: the applicant submits an incomplete application for the examination and does not remedy the deficiency, and as a result is not permitted to take the examination; or the applicant withdraws after the filing deadline because of extreme hardship. ]

(1) The applicant because of extreme hardship is precluded from scheduling or taking the section of the CPA Examination. Extreme hardship is [ shall be ] defined as a serious illness of the candidate or member of the immediate family or death of an immediate family member. Immediate family member is a spouse, child or parent. Any other extreme hardship situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the board.

(2) Request for refund [ All requests for refunds ] based on extreme hardship [ hardships ] must be in writing . Documentation [ and provide documentation ] of the extreme hardship that precluded the applicant from scheduling or taking the [ requiring withdrawal from the examination. The requests for refunds for the May ] examination must be received by the board not later than 30 days after the applicant's eligibility to take the section of the examination expires. [ on or before the 15th of November following the examination. The request for refund for the November examination must be received by the board on or before the 15th of May following the examination. ]

(c) No examination fee will be transferred to a subsequent examination.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303023

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


22 TAC §511.77

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §511.77 concerning Grading.

The amendment to §511.77 will state that a passing grade on the computer-based examination will be established through a procedure that will be approved by the board and will state that the board will establish a method of tracking and recording a candidate's grades.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state and local governments to do or not do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that the grading for the computer-based exam will be approved by the board and that grades will be tracked.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require anyone to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the amendment does not require anyone to do or not do anything new or additional.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and §901.307 which authorizes the board to adopt rules regarding grading of the examination.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§511.77.Grading.

Grading of the examination shall be accomplished by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, subject to the approval by the board. The candidate must attain the uniform passing grade established through a psychometrically acceptable standard-setting procedure approved by the board. The current minimum passing grade is 75%. The board shall establish a method for the accurate tracking and recording of a candidate's grade. [ A grade of at least 75% on each subject shall be required as a passing grade for the entire examination. ] Not later than the 30th day after the day on which the board receives a candidate's grades from the grading authority, the candidate will be notified of the grades unless board action is pending and the individual is precluded from receiving the examination results until the board action is resolved. In no event will any information concerning a candidate's performance on the examination be given to anyone other than the candidate unless the board has written authorization to do so.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303024

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


22 TAC §511.80

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §511.80 concerning Granting of Credit.

The amendment to §511.80 will state the conditions under which exam candidates may earn examination credits for exams before and after implementation at the uniform computer-based exam and will explain the transfer of credit from one type of exam to the other.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the state is not required to do or not do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the state and local government is not required to do or not do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the state is not required to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be exam candidates will know how their exam credits are earned, how credits are transferred from one exam to the other and the life of the credits.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require anyone to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the amendment does not require small businesses to do or not do anything new or additional.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and §901.310 which authorizes the board to adopt rules on conditional examination credit.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§511.80.Granting of Credit.

(a) The board shall grant [ conditional ] credit to a candidate for the satisfactory completion of the [ written ] Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination (UCPAE) provided the candidate earns a passing grade as determined by board rule on the subject. The credit shall be valid for eighteen months from the actual date the candidate took the subject. [ under the following conditions: ]

[ (1) the candidate takes all parts of the examination for which the candidate is eligible; and]

[ (2) the candidate earns a grade of 75 or higher on any two subjects of the examination; and]

[ (3) the candidate scores a minimum grade of 50 on each subject not passed at the examination.]

[ (b) The board shall grant credit after the establishment of conditional credit to a candidate for the satisfactory completion of any subject under the following conditions:]

[ (1) the candidate takes all parts of the examination for which the candidate is eligible; and]

[ (2) the candidate earns a grade of 75 or higher on one or more subjects of the examination; and]

[ (3) the candidate scores a minimum grade of 50 on each subject not passed at the examination.]

(b) [ (c) ] A candidate who earned [ conditional ] credit(s) after implementation of the computer-based examination [ September 1, 1989, ] must pass the remaining subjects within the next eighteen months. Should a candidate’s exam credit be invalidated due to the expiration of eighteen months without earning credit on the remaining subjects, [ six consecutive examinations or forfeit credits received. Although the candidate loses credits at the end of such six consecutive examinations ] the candidate remains qualified to take [ sit for ] the examination.

(c) A candidate who earned conditional credit(s) on the UCPAE prior to the implementation of the computer-based examination must pass the remaining subjects within the next six consecutive examinations or eighteen months, whichever is less, from the actual date the candidate earned conditional credit(s). Credit(s) earned for each subject(s) offered on the written UCPAE will transition to the computer-based examination as follows:

(1) credit earned for Auditing will equate to credit for Auditing and Attestation;

(2) credit earned for Financial Accounting and Reporting will equate to credit for Financial Accounting and Reporting;

(3) credit earned for Accounting and Reporting will equate to credit for Regulation; and

(4) credit earned for Business Law and Professional Responsibilities will equate to credit for Business Environment and Concepts.

(d) A candidate receiving and retaining credit for every subject on the UCPAE, within an eighteen month period, subject to the limitations imposed by the Act, shall be considered by the board to have completed the examination and may make application for certification as a certified public accountant.

(e) A candidate who has received and retained credit for any or all subjects on the UCPAE may transfer such credits to another licensing jurisdiction if the candidate pays in advance a transfer fee set by board rule as identified in §521.7 of this title (relating to Fee for Transfer of Credits).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303025

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


Chapter 517. TEMPORARY PRACTICE IN TEXAS

22 TAC §517.1

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §517.1, concerning Temporary Practice.

The amendment to §517.1 will delete any reference or implication that an individual CPA might be able to obtain a Temporary License and states the type of professional entities that are eligible to apply for temporary licensure.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state and local governments to do or not do anything.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that possibly misleading language has been removed from the rule.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require anyone to do or not do anything.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the amendment does not require small businesses to do or not do anything.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§517.1.Temporary Practice.

(a) A certified public accountancy firm of another state that does not hold a firm license under the Public Accountancy Act of Texas may temporarily practice in this state on professional business incident to the firm's regular practice outside this state if an application for a temporary permit is approved by the board. The temporary practice must conform with the Act, laws of Texas and the Board's Rules. [ In order for a non-Texas CPA or non-Texas public accounting firm to conduct professional business in Texas on a temporary basis, an application for a temporary permit must be submitted to the board. The temporary practice must conform with the Act, laws of Texas and the Board's Rules of Professional Conduct. ]

(b) Temporary practice means the practice of public accountancy in Texas on a temporary basis in conjunction with a regular practice outside of Texas by a [ person who is not a member, partner, shareholder, or employee of a ] public accounting firm not licensed [ registered ] in Texas.

(c) A temporary practice in Texas may be conducted by:

[ (1) a certified public accountant of another state;]

(1) [ (2) ] a partnership , [ or ] a corporation , limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or sole proprietorship composed of at least a majority [ entirely ] of certified public accountants of another state; or

(2) [ (3) ] any accounting firm [ accountant ] who holds a current certificate in good standing, or a current valid license issued by a foreign country, constituting a recognized qualification for the practice of public accountancy in such country.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303027

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


22 TAC §517.2

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §517.2, concerning Application for Temporary Permit.

The amendment to §517.2 will delete any reference or implication that an individual CPA might be able to obtain a Temporary License and states the type of professional entities that are eligible to apply for temporary licensure.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state or local governments to do or not do anything.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that possibly misleading language has been removed from the rule.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require anyone to do or not do anything.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the amendment does not require small businesses to do or not do anything.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§517.2.Application for Temporary Permit.

(a) An application for a temporary permit shall be made on a form prescribed by the board and submitted to the executive director for approval.

(1) The application must contain:

[ (A) the identity of the person;]

(A) [ (B) ] the identity of the firm;

(B) [ (C) ] the firm address;

(C) [ (D) ] a list of all partners or individuals of the firm who will be practicing in Texas under provisions of the permit;

(D) [ (E) ] a verification by the state or country that has permanent regulatory authority over [ the individual and ] the partnership, [ and/or professional ] corporation , limited liability company, limited liability partnership or sole proprietorship is in good standing and is licensed to practice public accountancy in that state or country.

(2) The application must be submitted with the requisite fee.

(3) Upon approval of the application the board shall issue a temporary permit to be valid for not more than 180 days. [ The board may not issue more than one permit to a person or firm during any three-year period. ]

(b) A firm [ person ] coming into this state to perform a peer review or report review under an approved peer [ quality ] review program is exempt from obtaining a temporary permit but must conduct the review in conformity with the Act, the laws of Texas and the Board's Rules of Professional Conduct.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303028

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


Chapter 521. FEE SCHEDULE

22 TAC §521.2

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §521.2 concerning Examination Fees.

The amendment to §521.2 will establish the fee structure for the computer-based CPA examination.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state or local governments to do or not do anything new or additional.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything new or additional.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that the fees for the uniform computer-based CPA examination will be established.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be the incremental increase between the current fees for one, two or four subjects and the new fees that vary according to the exam subject.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to Rande Herrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to her attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because the incremental increase between the current fees for one, two or four subjects and the new fees that vary according to the exam subject do not rise to level of adverse economic effect.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and §901.304 which authorizes the Board to collect a fee for the uniform CPA examination.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§521.2.Examination Fees.

(a) The following fees shall be effective for the Uniform CPA Examination , and do not include the fee for the Application of Intent .

(b) Until the implementation of the computer-based CPA examination, the [ The ] fee for the initial examination conducted pursuant to the Act shall be $234.00. The fee for any examination shall be apportioned as follows:

(1) eligible for one subject--$73.50;

(2) eligible for two subjects--$117.00; and

(3) eligible for four subjects--$234.00.

(c) Upon implementation of the computer-based CPA examination, the following fees shall become effective, and do not include the eligibility fee.

(1) eligible for Auditing and Attestation--$134.50;

(2) eligible for Financial Accounting and Reporting--$126.00;

(3) eligible for Regulation--$109.00; and

(4) eligible for Business and Economic Concepts--$100.50.

(d) All examination fees shall be paid to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303029

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848


Chapter 523. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Subchapter B. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION STANDARDS

22 TAC §523.34

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (Board) proposes an amendment to §523.34 concerning Course Content and Board Approval after January 1, 2004.

The amendment to §523.34 will change the rule caption and the effective date of the rule from September 1, 2003 to January 1, 2004.

William Treacy, Executive Director of the Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect:

A. the additional estimated cost to the state expected as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the rule amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything additional or new.

B. the estimated reduction in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the rule amendment does not require the state and local governments to do or not do anything additional or new.

C. the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment will be zero because the rule amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything additional or new.

Mr. Treacy has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed amendment will be that the rule will not be effective until January 1, 2004 which allows four additional months for ethics instructors and course offerors to prepare.

The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because they are already required to comply with the rule and the amendment merely delays the implementation of the rule.

Mr. Treacy has determined that a Local Employment Impact Statement is not required because the proposed amendment will not affect a local economy.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Comments should be addressed to General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to the General Counsel's attention at (512) 305-7854.

Mr. Treacy has determined that the proposed amendment will not have an adverse economic effect on small businesses because small businesses are already required to comply with this rule and the amendment merely delays its effective date by four months.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted; and if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, how the cost of compliance for a small business compares with the cost of compliance for the largest business affected by the amendment under any of the following standards: (a) cost per employee; (b) cost for each hour of labor; or (c) cost for each $100 of sales. See Texas Government Code, §2006.002(c).

The amendment is proposed under the Public Accountancy Act, Tex. Occupations Code, Sections 901.151 (Vernon 2001) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act and 901.411 which authorizes the board to adopt rules regarding Continuing Professional Education.

No other article, statute or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§523.34.Course Content and Board Approval after January 1, 2004 [ September 1, 2003 ]

(a) Effective January 1, 2004 [ September 1, 2003 ] the content of an ethics course must be submitted to and approved by the continuing professional education (CPE) committee of the board for initial approval and every three years thereafter. Course content shall be approved only after the developer of the course demonstrates, either in a live instructor format or a computer-based interactive format, as defined in §523.1(b)(5) of this title (relating to Continuing Professional Education Purpose and Definitions), that the course meets the following objectives:

(1) the course shall be designed to teach CPAs to achieve and maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct;

(2) the course shall be designed to teach the core values of the profession, integrity, objectivity and independence, as ethical principles in addition to rules of conduct;

(3) the course shall be designed to teach compliance with the spirit and intent of the Rules of Professional Conduct, in addition to technical compliance with the Rules; and

(4) the course shall address ethical considerations and the application of the Rules of Professional Conduct to all aspects of the professional accounting work whether performed by CPAs in client practice or CPAs who are not in client practice.

(b) The ethics course must be taught only by instructors approved by and under contract to the board. The board will contract with any instructor wishing to offer this course who can demonstrate that:

(1) the instructor is a certified public accountant licensed in Texas or that the instructor is team teaching with a certified public accountant licensed in Texas and that both have completed the board's ethics training program within the last three years or as required by the board;

(2) the instructor's certificate or license has never been suspended or revoked for violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and

(3) the instructor is qualified to teach ethical reasoning because he or she has:

(A) experience in the study and teaching of ethical reasoning; and

(B) formal training in organizational or ethical behavior instruction.

(c) A sponsor of an approved ethics course shall comply with the board rules concerning sponsors of CPE and shall provide its advertising materials to the board's CPE committee for approval. Such advertisements shall:

(1) avoid commercial exploitation;

(2) identify the primary focus of the course; and

(3) be professionally presented and consistent with the intent of §501.82 of this title (relating to Advertising).

(d) Board Rules and Ethics courses will be reevaluated every three years or as required by the board.

(e) As part of each course, the sponsor shall administer a test to determine whether the program participants have obtained a basic understanding of the course content, including the need for a high level of ethical standards in the accounting profession.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 15, 2003.

TRD-200303030

Rande Herrell

General Counsel

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 29, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7848