The MNCPA does apply for some specialized credits for select seminars and conferences. Specific questions about specialized credits should be directed to the appropriate approving boards or bodies.

These requirements are effective June 30, 2005, as outlined in the GAO’s Guidance on GAGAS Requirements for Continuing Professional Education.

Auditors performing work under GAGAS should complete every two years:

• At least 80 hours of CPE that directly enhances the auditors’ professional proficiency to perform audits or attestation engagements, with a minimum of 20 hours in any one year of the two-year period
• At least 24 of the 80 hours of CPE should be in subjects directly related to government auditing, the government environment, or the specific or unique environment in which the audited entity operates

EXCEPTION: Auditors performing work under GAGAS who are only involved in performing field work but are not involved in planning, directing, or reporting on the audit or attestation engagement, and who charge less than 20 percent of their time annually to GAGAS audits and attestation engagements, should complete every two years:

• At least 24 hours of CPE in subjects and topics directly related to government auditing, the government environment, or the specific or unique environment in which the audited entity operates, but are exempt from the remainder of the 80-hour CPE requirement
• Please note: Auditors must use professional judgement when determining and documenting if the seminar qualifies for Yellow Book in accordance with the Government Accountability Office, Government Auditing Standards, 2018 Revision and Guidance on GAGAS Requirements for Continuing Professional Education.
• Search the catalog for CPE programs that offer Yellow Book credit.

Effective January 1, 2004, the GAO has deleted taxation from the list of subjects that always satisfy the 80-hours every two years requirement.

Instruction in topics that may meet CPE requirements of licensing bodies or professional organizations no longer automatically satisfy the 80-hour CPE requirement. Any CPE for GAGAS must be in subjects that "directly enhance the auditor's professional proficiency to perform audits and/or attestation engagements."

Most tax services are not related to the subject matter of audits performed under GAGAS and therefore do not qualify for satisfying GAGAS requirements. There are some exceptions if taxation relates to an objective of an audit conducted under GAGAS. You must clearly document the rationale for including such taxation training as part of your GAGAS CPE requirement.