Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get started?
Go to the Course Catalog page and determine which courses you want to take. Once you determine which courses you want to take, Register within the Learning Management System. Once you have registered, log into the Learning Management System. Now that you have a private connection, purchase the courses you want to take from the Course Catalog.

2. How much does it cost to enroll and take a course?
The cost for each course is $ 35.00. You can also purchase the complete module for $ 150.00 which contains all five courses and a comprehensive exam. You save $ 35.00 when you buy the entire module.

3. How do I pay for the courses?
You pay online through an online shopping cart similar to other online purchases. There are five methods of payment (see image below). Click Here for some additional help.

4. Can you explain how the educational program works?
The program is organized into distinct modules that progress to higher levels. You start with a basic level of business finance which includes accounting, finance and risk. This makes up the very first module. Once you have mastered this module, you progress to becoming analytical by taking the courses that comprise Module 2 – Business Analytics. You are not required to work through the entire program and you do not have to take all courses that make up a module. So the program is open to however you want to use it!

5. Can I get credit for taking a course?
Yes, you should be able to apply for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits or Continuing Education Units (CEU). However, you need to double check with your institution to make sure. They may not recognize NASBA accreditation. Listed below is a summary of recommended credits:

	CPE	CEU
Program Component	Credits	Credits
M1C1 - The Basics of Accounting	2.5	.3
M1C2 - Introduction to Financial Analysis	3.0	.3
M1C3 - Fundamentals of Corporate Finance 1	4.5	.5
M1C4 - Fundamentals of Corporate Finance 2	4.0	.4
M1C5 - Risk Management	4.0	.4
M1CE - Complete Package - Module 1 *	26.0	2.6
M2C1 - Problem Solving and Decision Making	4.0	.4
M2C2 - Analytical Tools and Techniques	4.0	.4
M2C3 - Developing Requirements	4.0	.4

* includes Comprehensive Exam for Master Level Certification

6. I am a Project Management Professional (PMP). Can I earn PDU's (Professional Development Units) for taking any of the courses?
Only Course 5 - Risk Management qualifies for PDU's since the course has to be relevant to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Several of the courses to be offered in Module 2 should qualify for PDU's. The number of credits for PDU's is the same as CPE's.

7. Does the Program have plans to obtain additional accreditation?
Yes, as the Excellence in Financial Management Program grows and builds a history of participation, there are plans to obtain other accreditations. For example, Module 2 on Business Analytics parallels many of the concepts advocated through the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) and the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

8. Who created the courses?
All courses were created by Matt H. Evans, CPA, CMA, CFM – an independent consultant in the greater Washington D.C. area. The courses are somewhat similar to the free courses offered at www.exinfm.com/training.

9. How do these courses differ from the free courses offered at www.exinfm.com/training?
The courses offered within the Excellence in Financial Management Program are organized into an overall program. These courses have been through an accreditation process and you should be able to obtain credit for taking a course. Additionally, all content contained within these courses has been re-freshed to ensure it is current. And a fair amount of the content is new - such as accounting, risk management and private capital. One thing that is not different is the clear and easy-to-understand style in which the material is presented. So if you found the previous free courses useful, then you should find these new courses very useful.

10. After registering, no real content found
You need to purchase courses from the course catalog. You will not find any content by merely registering within the Learning Management System.

11. After purchasing a course, how do I load the course
Log back into the Learning Management System. Under My Learning Path you should see the courses you purchased. Click on the course link. This brings up all of the components that comprise the course. On the Course Content tab, click on the Course Title to load the course instruction module. Click Here if you need more help.

12. When I load the course it opens in a small window. How do I enlarge the window
Point your mouse over the very lower right corner of the box, left click your moust and drag the window down. Click Here for an example of how this is done.

13. I noticed that Module 1 - Business Finance is available. When will other modules and courses be available?
Module 2 - Business Analytics will start to roll out in 2012 and get completed in 2013. Two more modules are planned in years ahead. So the entire program will eventually consist of 20 courses with each module supported by a master level certification.

14. How does a course work?
Courses are presented online by clicking on the link within My Courses. The course loads as a new window within the Learning Management System. Courses are organized into chapters with review questions at the end of each chapter. Courses include inter-active features such as audio-video files. You can get a feel for how the course works by going through the Getting Around Course document. You should also watch the video: How to Complete a Course.

15. Can you explain how the learning management system works?
The Learning Management System (LMS) delivers the courses, exams and evaluations. All of the information is managed around your own profile. You can select and track your entire progress. The Learning Management System also has soft learning tools such as course forums. You can llearn more about how the LMS works by downloading the Getting Around LMS document.

16. I get an error message when I try to register - System Error
Make sure your web browser accepts cookies and turn off popup blockers. If this does not work, you may need to see how you can "white list" the URL address. Click Here for additional instructions.

17. Can you explain the comprehensive exam and master certificate?
Each module has a comprehensive exam package that includes all five courses + a comprehensive exam covering the entire module. The comprehensive exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions randomly selected from a database of 200 questions. If you can correctly answer 70% or more of the questions, a professional looking certificate is generated. You can take the exam up to four times within a year. You should purchase the complete module package ($ 150.00) if you want to obtain a Master Level Certificate.

18. Once I purchase a course, how long do I have to take and use the course?
You have one year from the date of purchase to use a course. After you complete the course, you can access over and over again by going to My Transcripts which stores all of your completed courses. Click on the link View Completion Details to see your completed course components.

19. Can I purchase all five courses and the exam at the same time and get a discount?
Yes, look for the Module Complete Package. You save $ 35.00 when you buy the entire module at once.

20. Can I obtain a permanent copy of a course for future reference?
Unfortunately, the content of the courses must remain resident with the Learning Management System so that the program can continue to meet the accreditation standards. Please note that you have access to the course for a full year + most courses have supplemental files which you can download and refer back to for future reference. It is possible to create an “exe” file version of the course. However, this will require a license agreement for private use and non-distribution of content. You can send me an email if you want such a file. There is a $ 25.00 charge per course for this service.

21. How long do I have to pass the Final Exam and Comprehensive Exam?
You have one year from the date of purchase of a course to pass the Final Exam. You are allowed to take the Final Exam and the Comprehensive Exam four times. If you do not pass after four attempts, then you have to purchase the course again for another one year period.

22. What does the Certificate of Completion look like - can I see an example?
Click Here for an example of a Certificate of Completion.

23. What does the Master Certificate for a module look like - can I see an example?
Click Here for an example of a Master Certificate.

24. After I have completed an entire module, can I reference some professional designation behind my name?
Provided that you have passed the Comprehensive Exam, you can reference that you have obtained a master-level diploma from the Excellence in Financial Management Program. Anyone who wants more information about the program can visit www.exinfm.com/elearning. Please note that there is no professional designation that you can use behind your name (such as CPA, CA); but having completed a master level exam within this program is the next best thing to getting a professional designation.

25. Is there any live support available to help me get through a course?
Yes, collaborative support is provided within the Learning Management System. This takes the form of forums whereby participants can learn from one another. You must purchase a course to have access to the forums. There is also a one-day live workshop taught in Washington D.C. in support of Module 1. Click Here for additional information.

26. I passed the exam, but I did not get any information about the questions I missed.
Since the courses are "accredited" the exams cannot provide feedback on questions missed. However, I can send you a detail report of the exam. Send me an email with your complete name. My email address is matt@exinfm.com.

27. I completed the course. How do I get back in to look over the course again once I'm done?
Log back into the learning portal and click on the My Transcript tab. This will bring up all of your completed courses. Click on the View Completion Details link to bring up the entire course program.

28. Can an organization purchase the courses for distribution outside of your Learning Management System?
Unfortunately, all courses must remain resident to the Learning Management System. This is important for quality control and compliance with the accreditation standards. However, your organization can take advantage of portal copies of the Learning Management System. See Organizational Options for more information.

29. Can an organization get a discount for purchasing a large number of courses?
Yes, see the information about bulk discounts on the Organizational Options page.

30. How can I submit a problem about this program?
Complete the General User Survey. You can also drop me an email if you prefer: matt@exinfm.com.