FAQs

General Questions

  1. How much time is involved to spend on the online courses?

The amount of time varies with each course, but you should be prepared to spend up to 10 hours per week on course readings and research. There are different components to each course which will include end of lesson quizzes, a mid-term assignment half-way through the course as well as a final exam.

  1. Will I learn as much from my online courses as I would in the traditional stream?

The material used for online courses is similar in content to the hard copy material. As the online stream is a self-study format, the time and effort you put into the course will be directly related to the knowledge obtained.

  1. Can I start my course at any time or are there specific dates for the sessions?

Online courses have no specific start or end dates. Registration is available at all times and you can schedule your course work independently. However, there is a maximum time frame ("course end date") by which time the course and final exam must be completed; otherwise, deferral fees apply.

  1. Do I need to go online at any particular time?

Online courses may be completed at your own pace and there is no required login time. However, you may want to check periodically for any Teacher/Marker announcements or assignment feedback.

  1. What support can I expect from my Teacher/Marker?

The marker will address any questions that are communicated by email.

In all cases, your Teacher/Marker will provide guidance and support by email. In addition, feedback will accompany the marked mid-term assignment which is worth 30% of the overall course grade.

  1. What if I have technical difficulties?

The IMA staff is available to answer and assist with all technical difficulties, including functionality of the online learning platform.

  1. How big are the online classes?

Since students are free to register as you please there are no set classes and you work independently from each other.

  1. Is it necessary to complete the Quizzes?

Yes. The system will not allow you to move to the next lesson until the current lesson quiz is complete. The first attempt at the lesson quiz will be graded and quizzes, cumulatively, will count toward 10% of the overall course grade.

The Quiz Review allows you to discover the answer to any incorrect questions. As online courses are self-study, it is highly recommended to re-answer the incorrect quiz answers until all are correct, in order to enhance your learning. The quiz review needs to be finished in order for the quiz mark to appear.

  1. How long does it take to get my Quiz results?

Results for the lesson quiz will be available immediately following submission.

  1. Are there any assignment or mid-term exams?

There is no mid-term exam. However, each course will have a mid-term assignment. The assignments are submitted to the marker for marking and feedback.

  1. Is there a final exam and if so, when is it and what is it worth?

Each course has a final exam. All lessons and quizzes must be completed prior to writing the exam. All exams are to be scheduled by the student at an approved test centre. The exam is worth 60% of your overall course grade. The final exam must be completed prior to your "course end date"; otherwise, deferral fees will apply.

  1. Where do I write exams?

The IMA has partnered with ProctorU to give candidates the flexibility to write their final exams online from the comfort of home. The Exam must be completed within the time allowed prior to your course end date; otherwise, deferral fees will apply.

Note: If you are unable to complete your exam online, contact the IMA office for a list of pre-approved test centres nearest you.

  1. How do I register to write my exam?

See "About the Exam" box

  1. What do I do if, in case of an emergency, and I am unable to write the scheduled final exam?

If you are unable to write the final exam, you must notify ProctorU and the IMA office immediately. It is your responsibility to reschedule your exam.  When re-scheduling the final exam, continue to monitor the course access end date to ensure the new date falls within the time frame of your course access. If not, deferral fees will apply.

  1. What do I receive at the end of the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate and a grade report. ForEthical Guide for the Assessor you will receive a certificate and an indication of pass/fail.

  1. Are textbooks required and if so, are they included in the cost of the course?

The online course material is available in hard copy to purchase through the IMA Office.

  1. Are IMA online courses eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits?

IMA online courses have been approved for CPD credits.

  1. How many online courses can I take at one time?

Online learning can be very demanding and requires a considerable time commitment. If you are willing to make this kind of a commitment, you may take more than one course at a time. It is suggested not to exceed two courses simultaneously.

Registration Questions

  1. When will I receive my online course access information?

Access information will be emailed to you immediately following payment of the registration.

  1. What are the key elements to online learning?
  • Students may register any time.
  • Students may complete the course at their own pace.
  • The IMA online courses are delivered via an learning platform over the internet.
  • Learning material is available online. A hard copy version of the material may be purchased and used as ongoing reference, if desired.
  • Announcements from the teacher/marker are posted online.
  • Students may communicate with teachers/markers online.
  • Students complete a quiz online at the end of each lesson.
  • The mid-term assignment is submitted online to the teacher/marker for marking and feedback.
  • The final examination is undertaken at a localized test centre in a session you schedule.
  • The fee is included in the course fee.

Technical Questions

  1. What is a learning platform?

The IMA's learning platform selected one widely used for online courses.

  1. What does my computer need to use the learning platform?

The following desktop browsers work best:

  • Firefox 24® and later
  • ChromeTM 3.0 and later
  • Safari® 6 and later
  • Internet Explorer® 9 and later

  1. How do I ask for help?

If you have difficulty in accessing your online course or emailing your Teacher/Marker, please email the IMA atinfo@theima.ca or call 905 884 1959 or 1-877 877 8703.

  1. How do I reset my forgotten Password?

Click on "Forgotten your username or password?" at the top right of Moodle under the boxes to login. On the next page, follow the instructions at the top of the page and use the appropriate box to your situation.