Student Catalog and Handbook 2025-2026

Tax Preparation Specialist Certificate (TPS1)

The Tax Preparation Specialist certificate program is designed to provide entry-level skills for tax preparers. Topics include principles of accounting, tax accounting, business calculators, mathematics, and basic computer skills.

NOTE: Credits for ACCT courses other than ACCT 2140 and ACCT 2145 are awarded only if the courses have been completed within the last seven years. Courses over seven years old may be recommended by the program director and approved by the Dean of the School of Business and Computer Science if the student presents recent, documented, in-field experience or current accounting certification.

NOTE: It is recommended that students complete ACCT 1125 prior to ACCT 2120.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may be employed as entry-level tax preparers in a variety of state and local government, educational services, healthcare, and accounting services industries.

Credit Required for Completion: Minimum of 16 credit hours

Curriculum

Occupational Courses

CISM 2201: Students who successfully complete COMP 1000 prior to January 2018 may use that course to fulfill the CISM 2201 requirement for graduation.

ACCT 1100Financial Accounting I

4

ACCT 1125Individual Tax Accounting

3

ACCT 2120Business Tax Accounting

3

ACCT xxxx
Accounting Elective

3

CISM 2201Foundations of Computer Applications

3