NASBA Registry vs QAS Self-Study: What the Terms Mean for CPE Credit
QAS stands for Qualified Assessment for Self Study. On NASBA's current pages it is one delivery method within the Registry, alongside group, nano and blended learning.
CPE terminology is confusing, and the term QAS is a good example. Many CPAs read it as a Quality Assurance Service, and some state pages still use that wording. In NASBA's Standards, QAS means Qualified Assessment for Self Study, and NASBA's current Registry pages treat it as one delivery method inside the Registry, not a separate sponsor programme. This guide explains the difference between the Registry and QAS, what each delivery method requires, and where we could not confirm the current detail. For the credit arithmetic, see our how CPE credits are counted, and for how states treat self-study, read our self-study rules by state.
At a glance
| Item | What the official sources say |
|---|---|
| The Registry | NASBA's list of approved CPE sponsors; approval covers the delivery methods the sponsor applied for |
| QAS | Qualified Assessment for Self Study, a self-paced programme completed individually (NASBA) |
| Delivery methods | Group, QAS Self Study, Nano Learning and Blended Learning |
| Group programmes | Engagement at least once per full credit; technology-based attendance checks at least three times per 50-minute credit hour |
| Nano learning | A single learning objective in at least 10 and under 20 minutes, with a 100% minimum score |
| Credit hour | A 50-minute hour, according to the AICPA |
What the Registry is
The NASBA Registry is the list of CPE sponsors that NASBA has approved against its Standards. A sponsor applies for the delivery methods it wants to offer, and approval covers those methods. CPAs use the Registry to find sponsors, and our guide on how to verify a NASBA CPE sponsor shows the check.
What QAS means
The 2016 edition of the Standards, the only full text we could read, defines QAS as Qualified Assessment for Self Study. NASBA's current Registry page describes QAS Self Study as a self-paced educational programme completed individually. We did not find a current official page describing a separate National QAS Service sponsor programme, so we do not treat the Registry and QAS as two parallel lists. Some board pages still refer to NASBA's Quality Assurance Service, which is the older wording, so read board pages with that in mind.
Group programmes
For group programmes, NASBA's Registry page requires engagement at least once per full credit. Where attendance is checked by technology, the checks are required at least three times per 50-minute credit hour. Self-certification alone is not enough. A 2024 revision added a virtual option to Group Live. For a webinar, ask the sponsor how it checks that you attended.
QAS self-study
Self-study programmes are completed on your own and assessed. The current QAS page still cites a 70 percent pass score, measurement of 75 percent of objectives and pilot testing with three testers for traditional programmes. The 2026 Standards took effect on 1 August 2026, and we could not open that edition, so check the current requirement with the sponsor or NASBA. Our self-study rules by state explains the limits that boards place on self-study hours.
Nano learning
Nano learning is built around a single learning objective and runs for at least 10 minutes and less than 20 minutes, with a 100 percent minimum score. The current page states no credit cap, while the 2016 edition capped it at 0.2 credit. Acceptance varies by board: NASBA's page, as of 15 October 2025, listed Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia as not accepting it. Check our nano-learning limits by state before you rely on it.
Credit hours and increments
The AICPA says CPE credit is based on a 50-minute hour. The 2016 Standards allowed self-study from half a credit and group programmes from one credit, with later increments of one fifth or one half. NASBA says the 2026 revision adds flexibility in some credit increments, and we could not see the detail, so we do not state current increments.
What to do before you buy
Ask the sponsor which delivery method the course is approved under, find its Registry Sponsor ID and check your board's page. A course that meets NASBA's standard can still be limited by your board, as our complete guide to CPE for CPAs explains.
Frequently asked questions
What does QAS stand for in CPE?
In NASBA's Standards QAS means Qualified Assessment for Self Study. Some older board pages describe it as a Quality Assurance Service.
Is QAS separate from the NASBA Registry?
On NASBA's current pages, QAS Self Study is one delivery method that a Registry sponsor can be approved for.
How long is a CPE credit hour?
50 minutes, according to the AICPA.
Do all states accept nano learning?
No. NASBA listed Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia as not accepting it as of 15 October 2025.
Does live webinar attendance need checking?
For technology-based group programmes NASBA requires attendance checks at least three times per 50-minute credit hour.
Next steps
Read the ethics CPE for CPAs and the online CPE providers guide when you choose a provider. If you are comparing study options, see our Learnsignal pricing page.
Source: NASBA Registry pages on QAS self study, group programmes and nano learning, NASBA Registry page on acceptance of nano and blended learning (15 October 2025), NASBA Statement on Standards for CPE Programs (2016 edition), NASBA announcement of the approved 2026 revisions (19 May 2026) and AICPA CPE credit page. Checked October 2026.
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Learnsignal Education Team
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