The Professional Ethics Exam and Acts Discreditable: An Introductory Assignment

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis practice-oriented assignment familiarizes accounting students with their states' professional ethics exam and illustrates the disciplinary proceedings process resulting from failed ethics. Part I of the assignment requires students to research their states' professional ethics exam requirements. Part II of the assignment asks students to select current disciplinary actions, review the affiliated disciplinary proceedings, apply relevant sections of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and evaluate the appropriateness of the consequences. Survey responses from 322 accounting students suggest that prior to this assignment most students are unaware of an ethics requirement for initial CPA licensure. Students perceive that the assignment effectively exposes them to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and violations experienced by practicing CPAs. The majority of students surveyed believe the assignment is valuable, interesting, enjoyable, and improves their understanding of “ethics in practice.”