All licensed CPA firms must participate in the Quality Assurance Review (QAR) Program. Each year the Board identifies licensed CPA firms for inclusion in the QAR Program. Firms participating in their regular three-year QAR cycle must choose one of the following options:

• submit reports and financial statements for review ($400 fee)
• request a "peer review" exemption ($60 fee)
• request a "limited scope" exemption (no fee)

Review Session: In June of each year, a two-day review session is conducted by the Board's QAR Committee. Volunteers from the CPA community work in teams to review the reports and financial statements submitted. All efforts are made to protect the confidentiality of the name of the CPA firm and its client's name. The volunteer reviewers review the reports and financial statements to determine compliance with professional standards. The reviewers note their findings with appropriate references to professional standards. Reports are graded as "acceptable," "acceptable with comment," or "unacceptable." Each report is reviewed three times – once by the reviewer, once by the team captain, and finally by a member of the Board's QAR Committee.

The results of the review are communicated to the CPA firm. Those firms that submitted reports graded as "unacceptable" are required to respond to the reviewer's findings. Firms may agree or disagree with the findings. The Board's QAR Committee reviews each CPA firm's response and determines a final grade.  Firms that receive a final grade of "unacceptable" are referred to the Executive Director for further action.

Volunteer Opportunities: The Board is seeking qualified volunteers to conduct desk reviews for two days in June as part of the QAR Program. The Board will grant up to 32 hours of CPE credit for training and review work. Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed under state travel regulations. Interested applicants should call Sandra Shoemaker at (360) 664-9192 or email Sandra at shoemakers@cpaboard.wa.gov.

Have questions?: Call (360) 664-9192, e-mail shoemakers@cpaboard.wa.gov or see:

• WAC 4-25-820
• Board Policy - 2000-03
• QAR Program—Questions and Answers
• Peer Review--Questions and Answers
• QAR Program Statistics