(a) An applicant for the UCPAE under the current Act shall meet the following educational requirements at the time of filing the initial application to take the examination and in order to qualify to take the examination:(1) hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree conferred by an institution of higher education as defined by §511.52 of this chapter (relating to Recognized Institutions of Higher Education) recognized by the board; and(2) complete no fewer than 120 semester hours or quarter-hour equivalents of courses, as defined by §511.59 of this chapter (relating to Definition of 120 Semester Hours to take the UCPAE) and consisting of:(A) no fewer than 21 semester hours or quarter-hour equivalents of upper level accounting courses as defined by §511.57 of this chapter (relating to Qualified Accounting Courses to take the UCPAE) or §511.60 of this chapter (relating to Qualified Accounting Courses Prior to January 1, 2024 to take the UCPAE); and(B) no fewer than 24 semester hours or quarter-hour equivalents of upper level related business courses, as defined by §511.58 of this chapter (relating to Definitions of Related Business Subjects to take the UCPAE).(b) An applicant for the UCPAE who met the educational requirements of the Act that were in effect at the time of taking the initial examination shall continue to be examined under those requirements unless the applicant chooses to meet the current education requirements of the Act.