(a) The use of the title or designation “certified public accountant” or the abbreviation “CPA” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card or device tending to indicate that a person is a certified public accountant shall be limited to a person who holds an active permit to practice issued by the Board pursuant to this chapter or issued under the laws of another jurisdiction. Holders of certificates only, who have never held a Delaware permit to practice, may not use the title or designation “certified public accountant” or the abbreviation “CPA” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card or device tending to indicate that a person is a certified public accountant. Up to and including June 30, 2017, holders of certificates only who have held a Delaware permit to practice which has since lapsed may use the title or designation “certified public accountant” or the abbreviation “CPA” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card or device tending to indicate that a person is a certified public accountant; provided that it is clearly indicated that such person is not holding himself or herself out as a practicing certified public accountant. Upon proper notification to the Board, holders of CPA permits to practice who no longer provide any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills and who no longer meet the continuing education requirement under § 108 of this title must place the word “inactive” adjacent to their CPA title.
(b) The use of the title or designation “public accountant” or the abbreviation “PA” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card or device tending to indicate that such person is a public accountant shall be limited to a person who holds a valid permit to practice public accountancy.