Q: What are the prerequisites for the certificate program?
A: A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite; accounting & math skill is not required, just the aptitude to work with numbers and people and to read and interpret the tax laws.
Q: Who is this certificate program suitable for?
A: This program is suitable for all adults who seek a fast track to a professional white-collar career. Tax preparation is especially appealing to those who would enjoy helping other people by making the intimidating task of tax preparation a pleasant experience while saving their clients money by minimizing their tax liabilities.
- Homemakers with young children find tax preparation a convenient profession as they are able to be off when their children are out of school for the summer, yet maintain their professional skills.
- Early retirees find tax preparation a rewarding second career enabling them use their minds while helping people and still have time to travel, play golf and spend time with their grandchildren.
- College students find tax preparation an opportunity to gain professional work experience and credentials to strengthen their resumes.
- Moonlighting professionals find tax preparation a source of extra income during winter months.
- Blue collar workers can enter new white-collar professions through tax preparation.
- Many employed and self-employed individuals such as financial services and real-estate professionals find tax preparation a complementary profession to earn extra money and also generate leads for their other professional activities, while also enabling them to better serve their clients through knowledge of the tax consequences of their clients’ decisions.
Q: What are the PC requirements for the certificate program?
A: In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (high speed internet access is recommended). You can access the course contents from any web-enabled computer. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time.
The course works with Windows, MAC and Linux operating systems. We recommend that you have the latest version of Firefox. Adobe Reader is required to view the online material (free download).
Q: What materials are included with the certificate program?
A: Each of the courses is accompanied by a student text (350-500 pages). The entire text is provided online; however, hard copies of student texts are also provided at the start of each course for convenience and future reference. Students are also provided with hard copies of tax forms to complete tax return problems.
Q: How much time do I have to complete the certificate program?
A: The term for the Chartered Tax Professional Program is 18 months.