FAQ's on ICSI CPE Hours (Credit Hours)



Quick Summary
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) requires all members, whether in employment or practice, to complete 20 CPE hours annually. The deadline for the 2020-21 year was extended to 30 June 2021. Credits can be earned through structured learning programmes and unstructured activities, with a limit on unstructured hours. Members over 60 years old and certain other categories may have reduced requirements or exemptions.

The Council of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has notified ICSI (Continuous Professional Education) Guidelines, 2019 {'ICSI (CPE) Guidelines, 2019'} for every member of the ICSI.

Extension of CPE Timeline for the year 2020-21

Kindly note that ICSI on 27th March 2021 has given notification stating EXTENSION OF TIME FOR OBTAINING THE MANDATORY CPE CREDITS UPTO 30 JUNE 2021.

It may be noted that CS in Employment and Practice, both required to complete 20 CPE Hours.

ICSI CPE Hours: Your Guide to Credit Requirements

Sl.

Question (s)

Solution (s)

1

Applicable date

w.e.f. 01.04.2020

2

Applicable to

Every CS Member (Employment & Practice both).

3

Due date to complete CPE hours of every year

31st March of Every Year

For Year 2020-21 due date is extended upto 30.06.2021

4

Relaxation Period

The Council of ICSI or President if authorized by the Council may increase the year by further 3 months upto 15 months for the purpose of relaxation of requirement of CPE Credits in any such year.

5

Modes of getting hours

a) Structured CPE Credits - if attend approved learning programmes

b) Unstructured CPE Credits - unstructured learning activities subject to a maximum of Twelve CPE Credits in each year

6

No. of Hours required every year

20 CPE Credits in a year through structured and unstructured learning program

7

Carry Forward of Extra CPE Hours allowed

No carry forward for excess Program Credit Hours from one year to another year will be allowed

8

CPE Hours Required for Members above the age of 60 years

Required to obtain 50% of the PCH required to be obtained by the members, if he is in gainful employment or holding the certificate of practice.

This shall be applicable from the year succeeding the Financial Year in which the member attains the age of 60 years.

9

CPE Hours if article published in the 'Chartered Secretary'

4 CPE Hours

10

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE

As per applicable provisions of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, CompanySecretaries Regulations, 1982 and the Code of Conduct, as amended from time to time.

 
  1. The basis of calculation of CPE Credits will be as under:
  2. Exemption from the requirements of CPE Credit
  3. A member who attains the age of 60 years during a particular calendar year and who is neither in any gainful employment nor in practice.
  4. A member, for the year during which he attains membership of theInstitute.
  5. Member of Parliament;
  6. Member of the legislative assembly or legislative council;
  7. Member of Judiciary;
  8. Members of any of the Central Civil Services;
  9. Members of any of the State Civil Services;
  10. Employees of regulatory bodies, government organizations (not being corporate entities), and statutory bodies;
  11. Members of Armed Forces and Paramilitary forces;
  12. A member or class of members to whom the Professional Development Committee of the Council grant full/partial exemption, on case to case basis, either by granting specific /general exemption, on account of facts and circumstances in the following situations:
    • Maternity / Paternity Leave;
    • Accident / Medical Emergencies;
    • Partial / Total Disablement;
    • Absence from the country;
    • Such other case(s), as may be deemed appropriate by the Professional Development Committee of the Council.
 

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this material. In spite of this, errors may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be taken care of in the next edition. In no event, the author shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.In no event the authors shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.

FAQ :

ICSI CPE hours, or Continuous Professional Education credit hours, are mandatory credits that every member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India must complete annually as per the ICSI (CPE) Guidelines, 2019.

Company Secretaries in both employment and practice are required to complete 20 CPE hours each year, through a combination of structured and unstructured learning activities.

The due date for completing CPE hours for the year 2020-21 was extended up to 30 June 2021.

Yes, exemptions are available for members who attain the age of 60 and are not in employment or practice, members in their first year of membership, members of Parliament or legislative bodies, judiciary, civil services, armed forces, and under specific circumstances like maternity leave or medical emergencies, subject to approval.

No, carry forward of excess Program Credit Hours from one year to another year is not allowed.




About the Author

Company Secretary

Company Secretary having 8+ years of post qualification experience in the Compliance Management Services industry by serving Corporates including Listed Companies, Corporate Secretarial Firms and LLP. Have a keen interest in the Corporate Governance and Compliance Management and the soaring craving to learn everyday. A ... Read more

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