DataSnipper CPE Program Administrative Policies

Administrative Policies

  1. Record Retention Policies in Accordance with Standard No. 24

DataSnipper will retain the following documentation for a period of five (5) years to be available to participants through online query:

  • Record of participation in learning program
  • Date and location of learning program attended
  • Instructor of learning program session
  • Developer and Reviewer (including credentials) of learning program
  • For CPA or equivalent: State/Location of licensure, License number, License Status
  • Number of CPE credits earned for the learning program
  • Course announcement information and instructional materials
  • Results of electronic program evaluations
  1. Learning Program Refund Policy

For any learning programs offered free of charge, there is no applicable refund policy.

For paid programs, cancellation requests must be made 10 days in advance of the program to receive a full refund. Requests made within 10 days will be non-refundable, however transfer to another existing program (Group Online and Webinars) are permitted.

You may cancel a non-completed self-study webinar for a full refund or credit within 24 hours of purchase. After 24 hours, a credit may be issued. Any credit issued must be used within one calendar year. Courses expire after one year and expired courses will not be refundable.

Questions, concerns, or requests may be directed to learn@datasnipper.com.  

  1. Learning Program Cancellation Policy

In the rare event that DataSnipper must cancel a webinar due to circumstances beyond our control, all participants will be notified and given the opportunity to either transfer to another webinar or obtain a refund (for paid programs).

  1. Participant Complaint Resolution policy

Any difficulties during registration or other concerns shall be directed to the DataSnipper learning team at learn@datasnipper.com.  

  1. Course Update Policy  

Learning programs listings shall include the most recent publication, significant revision, and review dates of the related content. Subject matter experts shall review the learning content at least annually, with more frequent reviews performed ad hoc for topics undergoing frequent change through regulation or technological impacts. All leaning programs are reviewed every two (2) years for relevant content and delivery methods in accordance with Standard No. 4.

  1. Attendance Monitoring

For Group Live events, attendance will be monitored per NASBA requirements to ensure the correct number of CPE credits are assigned to each participant. The instructor(s) will require participants to sign in and out by recording the time they enter/leave at the start of the program and for breaks (if applicable) and leave at the end of the program. The instructor or assistant will also maintain an exception log, noting when an individual misses more than 10 minutes of the program. In instances where the class size is large, the instructor will utilize an assistant and individual user polls to accurately monitor attendance and engagement. DataSnipper will maintain electronic copies of attendance sheets and exception logs for a period of not less than five years. Partial credit will be assessed in half-credit increments.

For Group Internet Based programs, attendance and engagement will be monitored electronically via the webinar delivery platform’s (i.e., Zoom or Microsoft Teams) built-in reporting tools. The name and email address of each training attendee, as well as the time they join and leave the program, will be documented. Additionally, the platform’s electronic monitoring mechanism will employ at least three instances of interactivity (i.e., polling questions) completed by the participant per CPE credit. These mechanisms will be of sufficient frequency and lack predictability. The attendees’ responses to such interactive elements will be recorded electronically by the webinar platform. Partial credit will be assessed in half-credit increments after the first full credit has been earned. All records will be maintained for a period of not less than five years.

Group Internet Based programs offered via the webinar platform feature four attendance checks every 50 minutes. Attendees must complete at least three such attendance checks during each 50-minute increment. Partial credit will be assessed in half-credit increments after the first full credit has been earned. All records will be maintained for a period of not less than five years.

Content Development Policies

  1. Program Content and Knowledge Requirements

Program content and delivery methods are reviewed at least every two (2) years in accordance with Section 5. Each learning program is assessed for target audience skill levels and relevance to work. Required knowledge level, education, and advanced preparation shall be communicated in learning program listings and promotional materials. Learning programs are classified as either: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Overview, or Update based on the content of each. For Basic and Overview learning programs, there is no prerequisite learning or education required; however, any recommended advanced preparation will be communicated in the learning program listing and promotional materials.

  1. Content and Delivery Systems

Learning program content development and delivery shall be performed by DataSnipper employees with prerequisite education, qualifications, and/or practical experience. Employee and subject matter expert biographies are maintained by DataSnipper.

  1. Content Development: Subject Matter Experts

For each learning program developed, an independent subject matter expert shall perform a review of the content, delivery method, and achievement of learning objectives. These reviews shall occur prior to the first presentation of the learning program to anyone outside of the learning team. The participation of at least one licensed CPA (in good standing and holding an active license, or the equivalent of an "active" license in a U.S. jurisdiction, e.g., Dutch RA, British or South African CA) is required in the development of every program in accounting and auditing field of study. For taxes, this subject matter expert may be an active licensed CPA equivalent (above), tax attorney, or enrolled agent.

10. Learning Objectives

All learning programs will make readily available the clearly articulated learning objectives and outcomes that should be achieved by the participants, including which knowledge or skills those participants can expect to take away from a learning session.