Top Questions

to ask before you enrol in a course

When you've made the decision to study, it's important to do your research and ask course providers plenty of questions before enrolling in a course.
That way, there are no surprises and you'll know exactly what to expect from your studies.

Here are some questions we think you should be asking (and our answers below!)
1. How long has your training organisation been in business?

Applied Education was established in 1999 by Brett Thornett CPA and Dan Logan BA(Ed). Both are still active trainers and assessors within the institution and take an active role in promoting the bookkeeping and accounting industry.

2. Do you specialise in a particular industry?

Applied Education’s primary focus is in the bookkeeping and accounting industry. Whenever you speak to someone at our institution they will be familiar with the concepts and issues in this field.

3. Do your trainers/assessors currently work in the industry, or have relevant industry experience?

Yes – our team of assessors and lecturers have been in the accounting industry for most of their careers. Our highly qualified team of professionals including CPAs, tax agents and professional accountants - are some working currently in the industry.

4. How do your trainers and assessors keep their knowledge current?

Along with working within the industry to maintain their knowledge, our staff undertake ongoing professional development including regularly attending events such as annual industry conferences, as well as internal presentations and training.

5. What are the levels of qualification you offer?

Our nationally-recognised accounting training courses range from the Certificate III in Accounts Administration all the way through to the Advanced Diploma of Accounting. View the full list on our accounting and bookkeeping courses page. We also have a Business Faculty offering a range of business qualifications and short courses.

6. What are the job prospects like for the financial services industry?

Accounting and bookkeeping is one of the largest employment industries and typically posts stable jobs figures. Read further analysis of the industry in our article on the job outlook of the industry.

7. How comprehensive are your assessments?

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 create in-depth assessments for our students. We use a combination of online tests and quizzes, written assignments and software-based assessments.

8. How will I obtain feedback on my assessments?

Marking keys containing suggestions and feedback are uploaded directly to our online student platform, so you can access them at a time that is convenient for you. If you require further assistance, you are then able to contact the assessors through our online support ticket system, via phone, or by posting in our Facebook support groups or private student forums.

9. What do you offer in the way of student support and resources?

We have a comprehensive range of support options for our students:

  • Dedicated support phone line
  • Online student forum with hundreds of posts and responses - search your query and chances are someone has already asked the same thing!
  • Private Facebook Group - Accounting & Bookkeeping - for our students only. Our members are typically very active with replies often posted within minutes!
  • Video tutorial of key learning concepts for many units are available online (this can be particularly helpful if you are struggling to understand any of the concepts). Here's a sample:
  • Extra upskill courses included FREE with selected qualifications - learn Xero, MYOB, Payroll Administration and more (upskill selections dependent on enrolled course)
10. What software do you use for assessments?

This will depend on the course you are studying. For example, our Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping uses a combination of MYOB and Xero, though some assessments can also be completed in any software of your choice. Our Australian Taxation Law course allows students to use the ATO stationery or their own practice software to complete tax returns.

11. Do you teach online accounting software?

Yes – Applied Education is an Approved Xero Training Provider and we include Xero units in our Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping course. We also offer MYOB Online Courses depending on the course you enrol in.

12. Do your courses meet BAS agent registration requirements?

Yes, Applied Education is approved by the Tax Practitioners Board to provide BAS Agent and Tax Agent courses.

13. What textbooks do you use, and are these included?

We provide a variety of learning material depending on the course. For most courses we provide digital training manuals for free with the course, along with a range of extra learning materials to supplement the course content. Digital training manuals are non-printable and non-editable, however for most courses students also have the option to purchase hard copy manuals. The diploma and advanced diploma level accounting units require the purchase of textbooks directly from the publisher. Applied Education students receive a discount.

14. Do you include any professional memberships?

Depending on the course you study, you may be given a student membership to the following organisations:

15. Can I speak to a trainer in person or is it all done through email?

Yes, you can speak to a real person! We have a dedicated telephone support line and assessors on hand to answer your questions. We also have online forums and a Facebook support group where you can seek advice from your peers and other students studying the same units as you.

16. What is the average time taken to complete the course?

This will depend on the course you are studying, as well as your ability as a student and the time you have available to commit to your studies. If you have prior experience or knowledge of certain topics this will allow you to complete the course sooner. For example, the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping can be completed in as little as 6 to 9 months for someone with previous bookkeeping experience.

17. What is the maximum time I can take?

This will depend on the course you are studying. For a Certificate IV course you'll have 12 months to complete it, whereas with a full Advanced Diploma course you will have up to 18 months to complete the course.

18. What if I don't finish on time, are there any penalties?

If you feel that you are unable to complete your course prior to the expiry date, we offer a once-off 6-month extension at a cost of $100 per incomplete unit.

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