THE ICAI is perhaps the first professional body in the country that has made it mandatory for its members to hone up their skills and qualifications while in service by attending continued professional education (CPE) programmes.

The ICAI has further decided to start "online training programmes, tele-conferences and study programmes through R-world".

"During the current financial year, we organised over 60,000 man-hour training progammes. Over 60 per cent of our members have attended the CPE programmes and with the proposal to make it mandatory for all members, we hope that it will help the professionals to equip themselves with new skills.

"In the auditing field, a lot of changes are taking place. Under the CPE, the institute emphasises on structured learning. Besides common issues like ethics and new accounting systems, the CPE also focuses on region and sector-specific issues like excise laws, sales tax and industry auditing updates.

"With the introduction of e-education, the chartered accountants will be able to meet the requirements by "just declaring" the course completion after undergoing self-study. The CPE is aimed at empowering the Indian auditing professionals to work in a global environment."

THE basic objective of the CPE is to ensure that its members maintain the quality of service and a certain level of knowledge. However, it is seen more as a statutory requirement by most of the members. There is a need to create awareness among the members about the importance of the programme besides improving the quality of the educational courses.

"Conferences under the CPE should be more practical than theoretical and alternative methods should be introduced to complete CPE hours in view of the fact that a large number of chartered accountants do not find it easy to attend the programme by taking leave from their present work. The institute can offer the same programme through the Internet and by writing articles in professional journals.

"The present system of CPE training needs improvement. No doubt, it helps one to upgrade professional skill and enrich knowledge by exchange of innovative ideas on the subject. But it would be more meaningful if the conferences include latest development in the auditing field and other related areas.

"It helps in keeping CAs updated about developments in the areas of our core competencies to enable us to discharge our professional responsibilities and meet the expectations of the stakeholders. It will be a step towards value addition of the services of CAs.

"I firmly believe that if the programme is not mandatory, no one will take it seriously. However, the organisers should make efforts to make it more relevant for the members by taking into them confidence. For professionals, it entails upgradation of knowledge and for the industry, it means improvement in quality of service."