New AICPA IT Credential.

The AICPA information technology committee has developed a new accreditation for CPAs involved in IT consulting, strategic planning, implementation and management. The new IT accreditation is the first one developed under the auspices of the national accreditation commission, which is responsible for ensuring the AICPA accreditation process moves forward.

"Market research reveals that business owners and executives need impartial guidance in making strategic technology-related decisions," said Gary Boomer, former chair of the AICPA information technology committee. "This is where CPAs who earn the accreditation will provide valuable service."

CPAs who earn the IT accreditation will be capable of assisting their clients select and install computer hardware and software and monitoring and updating computer systems. They also will be able to

* Review data processing operations.

* Evaluate accounting systems.

* Assess the level of IT knowledge and assist in training.

* Design and develop Web sites.

Earning the IT accreditation

The IT committee has developed a new point system to determine who will earn the AICPA IT accreditation. The point system is based upon business experience, life-long learning and the results of an exam. There will be minimum requirements for both the business experience and the life-long learning. CPAs who do not earn enough points in those two areas will be required to take the exam.

Some of the technology-related experience includes

* Managing the control, security, implementation or application of IT systems or networks.

* Advising or instructing on the management, use...