Advanced Accounting Microcredential Frequently Asked Questions

 

About the CPA Exam

I am interested in taking the CPA exam and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), what are the requirements?

Passing the CPA exam is only one step toward becoming a CPA. Becoming a CPA requires “Four Es”: Examination, Education, Experience and Ethics. Each state has its own set of requirements for licensure including the above. Franklin University does not provide advice about the requirements necessary to become a CPA. Instead, you should review the NASBA website or AICPA website, and check with your state’s board of accountancy for complete information.  

Do I need to have a bachelor's degree in accounting to take the CPA exam?

Each state has its own set of requirements for eligibility to sit for the CPA exam, including education-related requirements. Franklin University does not provide advice about these requirements. Instead, you should review the NASBA website or AICPA website, and check with your state’s board of accountancy for complete information.  

About the Advanced Accounting Microcredential

What does this microcredential prepare me for?

This microcredential consists of five distinct badges, four of which are awarded as you progress through the program and complete subject-specific coursework, and one that is awarded once you have completed all 8 courses within the full microcredential.  Subject-specific badges are awarded in: Financial Accounting Specialist, Audit Specialist, Tax Specialist and Management Accounting Specialist. These badges provide knowledge in areas of financial accounting, auditing, tax and management accounting, and can prepare you for entry-level accounting positions.  

Will the earned credits count toward CPA licensure?

Franklin University is an accredited university, and completion of the microcredential will result in 30 semester credit hours that may be used to meet the educational requirements toward CPA licensure. For state-specific requirements, please review the NASBA website or AICPA website, and check with your state’s board of accountancy for complete information. Note that Franklin University does not guarantee that these courses will fulfill the educational requirements toward CPA licensure.

Are these CPA review courses?

The courses that make up the microcredential are aligned to the CPA exam and incorporate CPA review with new skills and application of existing knowledge. The course learning outcomes require deeper analysis and application of accounting knowledge than typically tested on the CPA exam. The courses also incorporate data analytics and technology, necessary skills for all entry-level accounting professionals. The goal of the microcredential is to provide an opportunity for you to review your existing accounting knowledge, by using the Miles CPA Review, before learning new concepts.   

Do I need to have a bachelor's degree in accounting to enroll? What prerequisite knowledge should I have to be successful in the microcredential?

While a bachelor's degree is required to enroll, it is not required that it be in accounting or a related field. Applicants must possess an intermediate knowledge of accounting, which is often developed through a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Recommended courses before starting the microcredential include financial accounting, intermediate accounting, auditing, federal income taxation and managerial accounting. 

Do the courses I complete in the microcredential count as academic credit?

Yes. The for-credit courses within the microcredential are considered post-baccalaureate courses that build upon accounting knowledge obtained during the bachelor's degree.

Can I apply any credits I earn through the microcredential toward a degree at Franklin University?

Yes! Depending on your degree, the courses in the microcredential can be leveraged as university elective credit or major area elective toward your second (or subsequent) bachelor’s degree. Consult with a Franklin academic advisor for more information.

What will the student experience be?

The microcredential is offered online to accommodate your schedule. Each course will be six weeks in length and led by an experienced accounting educator. You will have the option to meet online with your instructor weekly. The courses are set up to provide a review of CPA exam content areas through the Miles CPA Review platform, and deeper analysis and application through a case-based approach. As appropriate, data analytics and technology are incorporated. 

Which parts of the CPA exam are aligned to the microcredential?

Currently, the microcredential is aligned to all three core sections of the CPA exam (Financial Accounting and Reporting-FAR, Auditing and Attestation-AUD, and Taxation and Regulation-REG) and Business Analysis and Reporting-BAR from the discipline sections. Courses on the two additional discipline sections (Information System and Control-ISC and Tax Compliance and Planning-TCP) are expected to be added in spring 2025.

Is there a suggested sequence for the courses?

The microcredential has been designed for students to take two courses and then earn the accompanying badge. It is recommended, but not required, that students complete the courses in this order:

Financial Accounting Specialist Badge 
1. Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting I (ACCT 403)
2. Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting II (ACCT 413)

Audit Specialist Badge
3. Advanced Topics in Auditing and Assurance (ACCT 423) 
4. Contemporary Issues and Data Analytics in Auditing (ACCT 433)

Tax Specialist Badge
5. Advanced Individual Income Taxation (ACCT 443)  
6. Advanced Business Entity Taxation (ACT 453)

Management Accounting Specialist Badge  
7. Advanced Management Accounting and Business Decision Making (ACCT 463) 
8. Financial Performance, Risk Management, and Data Analytics (ACCT 473)

When should I take the CPA exam?

We recommend sitting for the Financial Accounting and Reporting-FAR section after you have earned the Financial Accounting Specialist badge. The Auditing and Attestation-AUD section after earning the Audit Specialist badge. The Taxation and Regulation-REG section after earning the Tax Specialist badge and Business Analysis and Reporting-BAR discipline sections after earning the Management Accounting Specialist badge.  

Most states require, at minimum, 120 hours of coursework before sitting for the CPA exam. Review the NASBA website or AICPA website, and check with your state’s board of accountancy for complete information. 

How quickly can I complete this microcredential?

You will have up to 24 months to complete the microcredential. However, it is recommended that you complete the microcredential in four trimesters (16 months). If needed, you can fast-track your progress and complete it sooner.  

Are there any live sessions, and how are they scheduled?

The program includes live online sessions and designated online office hours for real-time interaction with faculty. Recordings of the live online sessions will be made available for students who are unable to attend.

Will attendance be taken in these courses?

Yes, attendance will be taken in these courses.  Franklin University’s attendance policy can be found HERE.  

Will there be tests in these courses?

No, there will not be any exams in the courses. Achievement of outcomes will be assessed in alternate ways. 

What is the required grade to pass these classes?

You must earn a grade of C or better in each class to earn the microcredential and all badges.  

If I fail a class, can I re-take it?

Yes, you may re-take the class to earn a passing grade. 

Can I sit out for some time if needed?

We understand that “life happens” and you may need to take a break from coursework. You are free to do so whenever you need.  You are encouraged to finish all eight (8) required courses to earn the microcredential within 24 months to avoid additional cost. 

Is it possible to work while enrolled in this program? Can I take breaks from courses if necessary?

With online classes, flexible schedules, alignment to the CPA exam and learning resources to facilitate a balanced approach between studies and personal or professional responsibilities, this program is tailored to working adults. 

How can I request transcripts upon completion of courses or the microcredential?

You can order a copy of your official transcripts for your records or send official transcripts to a school or employer using the Franklin University Online Transcript Request Form. All courses you’ve taken within the microcredential will appear on the transcript. The badges you earn for completion of each section and the full microcredential will appear in Credly.

You must use either a debit or credit card to pay for your official transcripts via our secure online form. Your account will be charged $10 per transcript for an electronic delivery or $12 per transcript for standard delivery via U.S. mail.

Once you’ve completed the Online Transcript Request Form, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save this number, and you'll be able to check the delivery status of your transcript request. 

More information about Franklin microcredentials, badges and Credly, can be found HERE.

Does the program offer career services?

Career services are provided by Miles CPA Review and include live webinars each trimester.  Also, individualized support will be provided for all students approaching microcredential completion including resume and interview preparation support. Also included will be pathways plus career placement support post-CPA licensure.   

Where can I get more information about the Miles CPA Review program?

The Miles CPA Review program is offered complimentary to students enrolled in the microcredential. The review program includes CPA study guides (electronic versions) and an online test bank including multiple choice questions, simulations and mock exams. In addition, students can review over 120 hours of pre-recorded concept videos. For more information, email help@milescpacredits.com

Admission and Registration

How do I get started?

Submit your online application today.  Classes begin 8 times per year, approximately every 6 weeks, and you can register up to three days before classes begin.

What are the admission requirements for the Advanced Accounting Microcredential?

You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to enroll in this microcredential and you must also attest to possessing an intermediate knowledge of accounting, and sufficient preparation in English.  

Are transcripts from previously attended institutions required for admission/acceptance?

No. Transcripts will not be required. 

How soon can I start?

Classes begin during the Fall 2024 trimester. There will be six start dates for the microcredential during the 2024-25 academic year. Start dates for new students will be as follows: 

Fall 2024

  • Sept. 30 (F section)
  • Nov. 11 (H section) 
     

Spring 2025

  • Jan. 6 (E section) 
  • March 31 (F section)
     

Summer 2025

  • May 19 (E section)
  • June 30 (F section)
How will I register for my classes?

After completing your application and submitting payment, you will receive an email with your login credentials and a link to access your online registration portal. You will choose which course(s) you want to register for during the current trimester, and can plan your course schedule for future trimesters. In subsequent trimesters, you will return to this portal to register for classes until you complete the microcredential.  You can register for classes up to three days before the scheduled start date. 

How many classes can I take at one time?

The maximum number of courses that may be taken simultaneously is two (2). While not recommended, you could enroll in a maximum of six (6) courses in one trimester, 2 in the E section, 2 in the F section and 2 in the H section. 

How will I be notified of how many classes I have passed/completed and how many more I need to earn the microcredential?

The online portal will show you which courses you have successfully completed, which badges you have earned, and courses remaining to complete the microcredential. 

If I have questions throughout the application process, who can help?

Contact Miles CPA Review at: help@milescpacredits.com or 1-302-279-8206 

Tuition and Payment

What is the cost of this microcredential?

The cost for the microcredential is $2,970 and includes the following:

-Tuition and books/materials for eight (8) online, instructor-led courses to be completed within 24 months

-Access to online, non-credit CPA exam study materials, practice exam questions and other materials that you can review at your own pace

Payment in full is required to begin coursework. Additional courses, beyond the initial eight (8) included in the microcredential are available and will be charged at $99 per credit hour.  

What are my options to pay for this microcredential?

Payment in full is due to Franklin University after submitting your application and before you register for classes. You will receive a link that is unique to you that will take you to a payment portal online. You will have the option to pay via MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover®, AmericanExpress®, electronic check, or make an international funds transfer through Convera or Flywire. 

If you are paying with a credit/debit card, a convenience fee will be assessed. To avoid the fee, pay using the electronic check option which will ask you for your checking/savings account & routing number. 

This microcredential is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid (e.g. Pell grants, subsidized or unsubsidized loans) nor any private student loans.

Are there additional costs associated with books or courseware?

No. E-books and all support materials are covered within the cost of the microcredential. If you wish to have hard copy CPA Exam study materials sent to you, these are available for a nominal fee, payable to Miles CPA Review. 

Are there any refunds for withdrawing from the microcredential or dropping classes?

Withdrawing from the microcredential is different than dropping a course.  

If you wish to fully withdraw from the microcredential and not complete it, a formal withdrawal form (electronic) is required. Withdrawal forms submitted within the first two weeks of your first course, will receive a full refund.  Should you submit the withdrawal form after this, no refund will be issued.

Course drops are used when you wish to drop only a specific course(s) but still intend to continue and complete the microcredential. Course drops are requested within the online registration portal. Drops requested within the first week of any course receive a full refund applied to your student account. For drops submitted after the first week of any course, no refund will be issued.

Do partnership discounts apply toward the cost of the microcredential?

No. Partnership discounts do not apply to this microcredential. 

Does the Tuition Guarantee apply to the microcredential?

No. The Tuition Guarantee does not apply to this microcredential. 



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