Online CPE Training
Many professional designations, such as CPAs, tax preparers, architects and lawyers, require continuing professional education--CPE. Requirements usually vary by State, keeping professionals updated with recent laws, events and current topics. Many people choose to take online CPE courses instead of regular classes these days.
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Types
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Online CPE courses come in many flavors. You could go to a class with an online instructor, a class without an instructor--all self-study, or you could attend a webinar, a web based seminar using the web and sometimes the phone.
Within the online CPE area, you may find that some classes are synchronous, where the instructor is online with the class at certain time. The other option is for asynchronous class, where students and teacher post and go to class at different times. Depending on your schedule, asynchronous may work better, giving you more flexibility. Check out all these details!
Advantages
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Online classes are convenient. You don't need to drive anywhere, find parking and walk anywhere. Online CPE courses allow you to learn at any time during the day at competitive cost. Compare the costs of attending a course online versus a live one and you will find a distinct decrease in fees in online mode. Let's not forget that online classes can offer you flexibility and the advantage of not having to miss work to get the CPE done.
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Disadvantages
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Online courses can be lonely. You are basically alone doing the work with nobody to talk to by your side. Many people find that going to school online is too impersonal and doesn't provide them with the motivation they need. It is also hard to network with other professionals while in the online mode.
Another disadvantage may be that reading lots of information on the computer screen can be tiring, forcing you to print all materials posted online for reading.
Considerations
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To do well with online CPE courses you should be organized and setup a schedule to go on the web for the classes. You need to be committed and to have a time-line to finish the course, especially on those that you can start and end anytime. This extra-flexibility can make some people lazy, even forgetting about the course.
Misconceptions
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Online CPE courses are not easier than regular courses. Many online CPE courses require passing a final exam, something that may not be necessary on a live setting.
Check with your State before signing up for online CPE courses to be sure you can get credit for the course you want. Online CPE courses are provided nationwide, but often enough each State has its own rules as to what courses are eligible for CPE credits.
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Resources
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