Frequently Asked Questions for CPE Virtual Certificate Program

• Do I need special software to complete the certificate program? +

  This is an online web-based program for system and browser requirements. Please refer to the system requirements page. 

• What is the time commitment to complete an individual module of the certificate program and to complete the overall program? +

  Within a certificate program, you can take the courses at any time. The length of time it takes will depend on the course itself and vary among programs. 
  

• Who do I contact if I have technical and access issues with the CPE Certificate Program? +

  Email or call ICPAS Member Services Department [email protected] 312.517.8786 or 800.993.0407. 

  
  

• How long do I have access to complete the Virtual Certificate Program? +

  You have a year from the time that you purchased the certificate program to complete it. If you do not complete all the courses within a certificate program, you will not receive a badge. 

  
  

• How long will it take for me to receive my certificate of attendance? +

  Please allow one business day to receive your COA via email. 

• Who do I contact if I am unable to access my certificate? +

  Call ICPAS Member Services Department at 312.517.8786 or 800.993.0407. 

  
  

• Do I have to be a CPA to purchase a certificate program? +

  No, you do not have to be a CPA to purchase a certificate program.

  
  

• Are there any prerequisites to take prior to starting a certificate program? +

  Most of our certificates do not have any prerequisites. However, we recommend familiarity with the subject area for a few.

  
  

• Do I have to accept/claim the digital badge? +

  You do not have to claim the digital badge; however, digital badges are becoming the standard for recognizing and publicizing professional development.
  

• How do I accept my digital badge for the certificate? +

  Emailed instructions from [email protected] will include the link to the AICPA Credlyenterprise site where you can log in and accept the digital badge you have earned. You will need to create a free Credly.com account.
  

• Who is Credly? +

  Credly empowers the recognition of lifelong achievement by offering the leading platforms for verifying, sharing, and managing digital badges and credentials. Thousands of organizations use Credly to make achievements visible, including Yale University, Harvard, the New York City Department of Education, Adobe, SUNY, Training Magazine, and the Smithsonian.
  

• How does Credly protect my information? +

  In order to claim your badge, you are required to share your name and email address with Credly; however, you are in control of what you share and make visible to other users. You can read more about Credly's privacy policy at https://credly.com/privacy. 
  

• How do I share my digital badge? +

  You can access this Credly support page for step by step instructions on how to share, embed, and download your digital badge.
  

• Does my digital badge expire? +

  Badges are automatically set to expire on an annual basis. If there have been no significant updates related to information covered in the certificate’s body of knowledge, your badge will be automatically renewed for another year. If significant changes to the information covered occur, you will be notified by ICPAS about additional education that must be completed to maintain the certificate. If additional education is required, and you complete it, you will remain a certificate holder and the digital badge will be updated to reflect competency in the new areas. If you do not complete the additional education, your certificate will expire and be no longer verifiable.
  

• If I have other badges that are not from the AICPA, is there a way to consolidate them into one place? +

  Yes, digital badges issued and received on Credly.com are fullycompliant with the Mozilla Open Badges standard. All Credly account holders can send their badges to the Mozilla Open Badge Backpack and import other open badges earned elsewhere into their Credly profile.
  

• Where do I go if I have questions about my digital badge? +

  You can email [email protected].  
  

• Can I combine a certificate course with another vendor? +

  No. You must complete all courses within a certificate program from ICPAS.