FAQ
Frequently asked questions to help choose your course
If you're considering enrolling in one of our nationally-recognised Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses or a Skill Set, the following commonly asked questions and answers may be helpful to you.
This will depend on the course and the student, as everyone studies at a different pace. There is a maximum time limit for each course ranging from 6 to 18 months depending on level studied, but students often complete their studies faster than the maximum time allowed.
If you feel that you are unable to complete your course prior to the expiry date, we offer a 6-month extension at a cost of $100 per incomplete unit. We recommend you contact Student Services about a month before you course expires to discuss your circumstances.
For all our courses, you must:
- be at least 18 years of age. If you are 17 years of age, please talk to an enrolment advisor as we may have a more suitable pathway option for you; and
- have basic proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Excel and computer knowledge such as uploading and downloading files.
Some qualifications:
- have formal prerequisites; that is, you must have attained a prior specific qualification.
- for government funded courses, there are funding eligibility requirements.
- have additional requirements in order to work in a specific industry, e.g. relevant experience for Tax Agents and vocational competency for Trainers and Assessors.
All entry requirements are statement on the individual course pages on the website.
If you are looking to become a BAS agent or Tax agent, we have courses that meet all the education requirements required by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
We use a variety of training manuals and learning material from various publishers depending on the course.
For most courses, digital course training manuals are included at no additional cost. These electronic manuals are non-printable and non-editable, if you prefer hard copies they can be purchased at additional cost. Prices vary depending on the course.
Some courses require the purchase of textbooks from an external publisher, however Applied Education students receive a discount.
Yes – Applied Education is a MYOB Education Partner and an expert in Xero Accounting Software training. We use Xero with some units in the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, Diploma of Payroll Services and the BAS Agent Registration course.
We also offer online short courses in MYOB and Xero accounting software.
Students have access to a full range of support options, including:
- Dedicated phone support line
- Online forum with hundreds of posts and responses
- Dedicated private Facebook group for students only - connect with other students and have your questions answered within minutes!
- Huge collection of video tutorials presented by our qualified trainers covering key learning concepts.
- Recorded lectures for our Certificate IV and above courses
- Additional online courses (depending on enrolled course) including Xero Online Learning, MYOB, Payroll and Microsoft.
This will depend on the course of study. For example, our Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookkeeping uses a combination of MYOB and Xero, though some assessments can be completed in a software package of your choice.
The Australian Tax Law courses allow students to use the ATO stationery or their own practice software to complete example tax returns.
We have been delivering most of our nationally recognised courses since 2011, and have been offering industry-leading training since 1999. This experience has enabled us to provide very comprehensive assessments to our students.
We use a combination of online assessments/quizzes, written and software-based assessments.
Applied Education uses the Microsoft Windows operating system and we are unable to support issues relating to a Mac computer. If you have a Mac please talk to a course adviser before enrolling.
#Â Mac Users, Tablets and MYOB
MYOB software cannot be downloaded to tablets including Chromebooks.
MYOB is not compatible with Apple’s operating system since 2020.
If you only have access to a Mac computer, and your course include units with MYOB software, we recommend you first contact Apple to confirm if the following options are feasible on your computer:
- purchase and install on your mac a windows emulator such as "parallels" to run windows on a Mac at your own cost; or
- use the free inbuilt Mac Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac computer and purchase a Windows OS software licence.
Microsoft Windows is the required operating system for the study of our courses. All student data files are supplied in Windows format. We are unable to support issues relating to the Mac operating systems.
You will also need Microsoft Office word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
Internet access – reliable internet connection. All data files, learning activities and MYOB software are available to download via our student portal.
Mac Users and Microsoft course:
All learning material for Microsoft courses are based on a Windows Operating System. The learning concepts are still valid on a Mac computer, however although layout and features on Apple computer may differ.
Tablets/Chromebook:
Tablets and Chromebooks should not be used as the primary device for most of our courses. They have limited functionality and are not compatible with MYOB accounting software.
All assessments are submitted and feedback provided through our online Student Platform. We have one lead assessor per unit so there is consistent feedback, but there is always back-up to help students. Students can contact assessors via ticket, Q&A forum or phone call if they need further assistance.
We do not "pass" or "fail" students. Our courses are assessed under the Principles of Competency-based training, students have to demonstrate their ability to complete all activities in each unit of competency. Competencies focus on knowledge and skills that are required in the workplace. If you would like to learn more about Competency-based training, here is a fact sheet on VET training at https://www.myskills.gov.au/media/1776/back-to-basics-competency-based-training.pdf
It is very normal for students to have to resubmit part of an assessment, this is part of the learning journey. Students are encouraged to contact the assessor for support.
Yes, our assessors are available from 8.30am to 1pm AWST via our Student Support line 1800 678 073. We also have an online forum, dedicated Facebook support group and an Online Support Ticket system so all student questions are tracked and answered.
Yes. Our team of assessors and trainer, led by Brett Thornett CPA, have been in the accounting industry for most of their careers.
View our team profiles here
We are not able to offer job placements.
However, we are approached by employers who value our education standards and are looking for bookkeepers, payroll specialists or accountants and we will post job vacancies on our Facebook Group.
Yes, Applied Education is approved by the Tax Practitioners Board for BAS Agent courses and Tax Agent courses.
Yes, depending on the course of study, we include at no additional cost, student memberships with the following member organisations:
- The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers; or
- The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (formerly known as Tax and Super Australia)
These memberships are specifically designed to support you in your studies and your career journey towards becoming a registered Tax or BAS agent in Australia.