Certificate of Proficiency (Untranscripted): Tax Preparer

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

A tax preparer certificate prepares a student with knowledge and practical experience for individual income tax preparation and receive the qualifying education required by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) to become a California Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP). 

California law requires anyone who prepares (or assists with) tax returns for a fee, and is not an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA), to register as a tax preparer with CTEC.

All CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTP) must...

• First complete qualifying tax education from a CTEC-Approved Provider

• Obtain a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS

• Purchase a $5,000 tax preparer bond

* CTEC now requires all new applicants to pass a background check and fingerprinting procedure (Live Scan) in order to become registered with CTEC. 

• Register with CTEC within 18 months from the completion date on the certificate of completion

• CTEC requires a Registration Fee (amount varies by year)

Upon completion of this certificate program, a student would fulfill the education requirement to become a CRTP.

Entry-level employment opportunities include tax specialist and tax practitioner. 

Growth potentials include management-level positions and self-employment opportunities. 

process and file an individual federal tax return.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

11-14 units
ACCT 101
Financial Accounting
The study of accounting as an information system, examining why it is important, and how it is used by investors and creditors to make decisions. Coverage includes the accounting information system and the recording and reporting of business transactions with a focus on the accounting cycle, the application of generally accepted accounting principles, the classified financial statements, and statement analysis. It also includes issues relating to asset, liability, and equity valuation, revenue and expense recognition, cash flow, internal controls and ethics.
    ACCT 104
    Federal and California Taxes
    Learn how to prepare federal and California state income tax returns for the individual. Learn tax theory and rules behind the Form 1040 and the most common IRS Schedules, such as Schedules A, B, C, D, E, and common income adjustments and tax credits. This course is CTEC qualified. This course may be repeatable as continuing education for professional certification.
      ACCT 106
      Work Experience - Accounting
      This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of paid work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
      *Spring Course Only
        ACCT 125
        Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) I
        This course will cover Federal and California individual income tax theories and laws to prepare students to successfully pass the IRS-provided online Basic, Advanced, and additional tax exams and be eligible to volunteer in the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The successful completion of the course and passing the exams will prepare students to work as an intern or volunteer at a VITA site to prepare tax returns and have face-to-face interaction with taxpayers.
        *Fall Course Only
        • Recommended Preparation: ACCT 104