The Legislature has determined it is in the public interest to require that certified public accountants and public accountants licensed under provisions of this chapter comply with continuing education requirements adopted by the board as a prerequisite to the renewal of public accountancy licenses on and after December 31, 1974.

The board shall by regulation prescribe, amend, or repeal rules including, but not limited to, all of the following:

In exercising its power under this section for the interests of consumer protection, the board shall establish standards which will assure reasonable currency of knowledge as a basis for a high standard of practice by licensees. The standards shall be established in a manner to assure that a variety of alternatives are available to licensees to comply with the continuing education requirements for renewal of licenses and taking cognizance of specialized areas of practice.

The board may, in accordance with the intent of this article, make exceptions from continuing education requirements for licensees not engaged in public practice, or for reasons of health, military service, or other good cause. If the licensee returns to the practice of public accounting, they shall meet continuing education requirements as the board may determine.