Idaho: Ethics for Idaho - v16 (Course Id 2906)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is intended for anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE), particularly Idaho CPAs who must satisfy the four-hour ethics requirement during each two-year license renewal period. It does not fulfill the separate two-hour ethics requirement for new, reciprocal, or reactivating Idaho CPAs.
• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  This course helps Idaho CPAs understand and apply ethical reasoning, the current AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, the conceptual framework for resolving ethical issues, and Idaho laws and regulations governing public accountancy so they can meet professional and legal ethics requirements while making sound ethical decisions.
• Where can the knowledge from this course be used?
  The knowledge gained can be applied in the practice of public accountancy in Idaho, including evaluating ethical dilemmas, maintaining independence, complying with AICPA ethical standards, and following Idaho laws and regulations governing professional conduct.
• Why is this course important to a CPA or Accountant?
  This course is important because it reinforces the ethical responsibilities that help CPAs and accountants maintain integrity, public trust, professional compliance, and knowledge of current ethical standards while meeting Idaho's ethics CPE renewal requirement.
• When is this course relevant or timely?
  This course is most relevant when an Idaho CPA is preparing to renew a license, needs to complete the required ethics CPE, or wants to stay current with the latest AICPA Code of Professional Conduct updates and Idaho regulatory requirements.
• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  This is a self-study text-based course that learners complete independently by studying the course material, reviewing examples and review questions, and passing the final examination with a minimum score of 70% to earn CPE credit.

Idaho CPAs have a considerable responsibility to the public, their profession, the organizations they serve, and themselves. They must act with integrity, honesty, and fairness. Ethical behavior is essential for fulfilling this duty and maintaining public trust. Thus, adhering to ethical standards is both a professional obligation and a legal requirement. This course meets the four-hour ethics requirement for Idaho CPAs within each two-year license renewal period.

The course begins with a presentation of individual ethical responsibility, including the concepts of ethics and morals, the process of ethical reasoning, and the importance of ethical codes. It demonstrates how to apply the two most commonly used ethical theories for resolving ethical dilemmas. The course is also designed to help you maintain knowledge of current ethical requirements. It covers the most recent version of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, along with the conceptual framework, which provides a structured approach to address situations not explicitly covered by specific rules. It also reviews key provisions of Idaho laws and regulations governing the practice of public accountancy. Numerous examples are included to help you have a good understanding of ethical standards and apply ethical judgment to interpret the rules.

This course does not fulfill the Idaho two-hour ethics requirements for new, reciprocal or reactivating CPAs.

Course Learning Objectives

After studying this course, you will be able to:

1. Recognize ethical reasoning used by accountants
2. Identify AICPA core principles and key rules of conduct
3. Recognize activities that may impair a CPA’s independence
4. Identify AICPA ethical standards and potential violations
5. Recognize ethical responsibilities for public accountants in Idaho