FAQ’s on ICSI CPE Hours {Credit Hours} & Extension

[CSLalit Rajput]

FAQ’s on ICSI CPE Hours {Credit Hours}

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 27^th 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.

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 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 the 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, Company Secretaries Regulations, 1982 and the Code of Conduct, as amended from time to time.

11. Exemption from the requirements of CPE Credit

1. 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.
2. A member, for the year during which he attains membership of the Institute.
3. Member of Parliament;
4. Member of legislative assembly or legislative council;
5. Member of Judiciary;
6. Members of any of the Central Civil Services;
7. Members of any of the State Civil Services;
8. Employees of regulatory bodies, government organizations (not being corporate entities), and statutory bodies;
1. Members of Armed Forces and Paramilitary forces;
10. 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 Professional Development Committee of the Council.

ICSI Clarification dated 24^th April, 2021:

In view of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has been decided by the Institute to award structured CPE Credits to the members attending the programmes organized by HQs, ROS, Chapters, CCGRT and CoE through electronic mode during May 1, 2021 till June 30, 2021. The structured CPE Credit will be considered for the year 2020-21 only.

That means physical attendance is not required to complete structured CPE hours during May 1, 2021 till June 30, 2021.