There are three main types of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) classes offered over the Internet, which makes choosing the best ones largely a matter of knowing what you are looking for. Understanding who is offering a given course, how online credits will transfer to universities or licensing authorities, and the overall quality of education are important, as well. In most cases, the best way to choose online CPA classes is to spend a bit of time researching and talking to both admissions personnel and accounting professionals. This way, you will be able to form a rounded opinion of courses offered and identify those that will best suit your individual needs.
By far the most common online CPA classes prepare students to sit for a certifying exam. The term "CPA" is largely U.S.-specific, but getting a degree is not usually enough to practice. U.S. accountants must typically also pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, which is often referred to simply as the “CPA exam.” The test is challenging, and many candidates do not pass it on the first try. A number of commercial test prep companies offer courses and books to help students study, and many of these are offered online.
An online CPA test prep course can be a good option for people who do not have the time to regularly attend a class. Not all online CPA classes are comparable, however. Prospective students should look out for intensity of review, as well as the possibility for teacher interaction and individualized results. Simply drilling practice questions can be helpful, but is often no better than working through a book. Online courses usually charge a premium for more personalized services, which students should be sure they are getting before putting down a deposit or enrolling in a course.
Another popular type of online course promises to help students achieve CPA certification or work towards an accounting degree. Many of these online classes are affiliated with larger universities, though not all are. Most of the time, state and local CPA regulatory authorities require that all candidates have degrees or earned credits from accredited accountancy programs. Before you sign up for online CPA classes or get an online degree, you will need to look into the legitimacy of the provider.
Accredited online courses have usually been approved by a national or local standards-setting organization. That organization’s “seal of approval” gives credibility to a program, warranting that the quality of education is acceptable. Still, students should be aware that many accounting firms and other employers sometimes have a prejudice against online courses, particularly degrees completed entirely over the Internet. It is usually a good idea to talk with professionals in your area to get an idea of how online CPA classes will be viewed on the inside before enrolling.
Online learning for continuing accountant education is usually much more widely accepted. Accountants in most jurisdictions must take a certain number of continuing professional education (CPE) courses each year in order to maintain their licenses. Rules vary from place to place, but most of the time at least some of these courses can come in the form of online education. Choosing the best CPE online credits is usually a matter of finding courses that interest you, that are not too expensive, and that will comply with your jurisdiction’s requirements.