What exactly is meant by online? It means that you log on to an online site through your computer and take the test from the comfort of your own home. Some of these sites allow you to take multiple choice questions or a multiple choice exam and then you submit your results. Others allow you to answer basic questions and then have the questions answered by professional certified accountants who are available to help you at any time of the day, week or month.
Why would I want to take these online courses? As I said, they are excellent preparation for the CPA Exam of Regulation and it makes a lot of sense. Think about it… in order to become a CPA you must first take and pass both the certification and the exam. When you take the exams on your own time you are able to refresh your memory about all the subjects that were covered in the course and you can also work at your own pace. This leaves ample time for studying for the test at home.
What types of questions will I face on these online tests? Most people find that the basic format of these tests is based on reading, listening and writing. They will usually cover financial statement analysis, vendor reporting, internal and external report review as well as managerial finance and accounting skills.
Once you decide to take an online CPA Exam for you will have to pay a fee to get started. There are many websites where you can find these exams for free but I wouldn’t recommend them because there is no guarantee that you will pass the exam. It really depends on how prepared you are and how quickly you learn but taking a free exam doesn’t give you the opportunity to become prepared.
I have already taken the exam so why should I pay the fee to take it again? You should only pay for an examination once. If you are someone who wants to take multiple examinations then the cost might not be an issue but if you only intend to take one or two the cost might become an issue. If you choose to take an examination more than once, it might be worth the cost if you can get the added exams on consecutive dates.
So what happens if I can’t complete the entire course on my own? Don’t worry because there are still plenty of opportunities to help you out. I am a member of a company that has full time trainers that they send to you when you need them. The beauty of this is you are in control at all times and don’t need to wait on hold all day for a qualified trainer. You can set up appointments when you want them and you are in control of your learning.
What about certification? You won’t have to take the CPA exam to be certified. You can become certified after you take the CPA exam and work under someone who has become certified. This means you can be working in a field that you love while helping others become successful as well. I know I am now very happy with my career choice and operations management exam.