CPE as a rule overseas.

The International Federation of Accountants is encouraging its member organizations to mandate continuing education to improve the professional competence of accountants around the world. Comments on the exposure draft, Continuing Professional Education, are due by August 31.

According to IFAC, at least 35 of its 125 member bodies have a mandatory CPE requirement. "To better protect the public's interest and ensure high-quality performance, we would like this to become a universal requirement," said Cecil Donovan, chairman of IFAC's education committee.

The proposal lists the objectives of a CPE program and the subject areas that should be consistent with those objectives. It recommends minimum individual commitments appropriate for accountants in public practice, industry, commerce, government and education and establishes the goal of making CPE a mandatory requirement of all member bodies on a worldwide basis. It also explains why it is necessary to establish disciplinary measures to ensure compliance.

Copies of the ED are available on-line at http://www.IFAC.org or by calling the IFAC in New York at 212-302-5952.