Table of Contents
Section I. Understanding Ethics2
| A Definition of Ethics | 2 |
| How do you act when no one is looking? | 2 |
| Analytical Model for Ethical Decisions | 2 |
| Review Question | 4 |
Section II. AICPA Code of Professional Conduct5
| Preface: Applicability and Principles of Professional Conduct | 5 |
| Applicability | 5 |
| The AICPA Principles | 5 |
| Part One of the AICPA Code: Members in Public Practice | 6 |
| Rules Are Not Enough | 6 |
| Identifying Ethical Conflicts | 7 |
| Rules of the Code of Professional Conduct | 8 |
| Independence, Integrity, and Objectivity: The Core Values of the Accounting Profession | 8 |
| 1.100 Integrity and Objectivity Rule | 8 |
| 1.200 Independence Rule | 12 |
| 1.300 General Standards | 24 |
| 1.400 Acts Discreditable Rule | 26 |
| 1.500 Fees and Other Types of Remuneration | 29 |
| 1.600 Advertising and Other Forms of Solicitation Rule | 32 |
| 1.700 Confidential Client Information Rule | 32 |
| 1.800 Form of Organization and Name Rule | 34 |
| Review Questions | 35 |
Appendix I. AICPA Glossary37
Appendix II. Answers and Explanations to Review Questions49
| Section I. Current Ethical Issues in the Accounting Profession | 49 |
| Section II. AICPA Code of Professional Conduct | 49 |
Index53
Endnotes54
Course Details
Author: Beacon Hill Financial Educators
Publication/Revision Date: 1/1/2026
Course Exam Questions: 10 (multiple-choice)
Program Delivery Method: NASBA QAS Self-Study
Available Formats of Course Text: PDF or PDF plus printed copy sent in the mail
Course Level, Prerequisites, and Advance Preparation Requirements
| License | Course Level | Prerequisites | Advance Preparation Requirements |
|---|
| CPA | Overview | None | None |
* This program is appropriate for professionals at all organizational levels.
Sponsor ID Numbers
National Registry of CPE Sponsors ID: 107615
State CPA Board Sponsor ID Numbers (where applicable)
Florida Division of Certified Public Accounting: 0004761
Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy: 14003
New York State Board for Public Accountancy: 002146
Ohio Accountancy Board: CPE .51 PSR
Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy: PX178025
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: 009349
Learning Objectives
As a result of studying the course material, you should be able to meet the objectives listed below:
- Define ethics in the context of being ethical versus acting ethically.
- Recognize the primary components that serve as the foundation of the AICPA ethical standards.
- Recognize the AICPA Principles of the Code of Professional Conduct.
- Recognize the AICPA Rules of the Code of Professional Conduct.
