SOXCPA | CERTIFICATION | CJSOXE

Note: Membership is not a prerequisite for obtaining certifications from the association.

Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE), distance learning and online certification program

Overview

J-SOX or JSOX is the unofficial term that refers primarily to Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, and the guidelines that followed. Japanese and foreign companies listed in Japan are required to prepare and submit internal control reports on a consolidated basis.

The reach of J-SOX extends to subsidiaries outside Japan (in the USA and Europe for example), because the provisions apply to the company as a whole. The subsidiaries outside Japan are involved in the testing and documentation of internal processes and controls.

Every month there are several new JSOX careers in many countries. It is important to know that very few professionals understand the JSOX requirements.

Objectives

The program has been designed to equip participants with the skills needed to understand and support compliance with J-SOX, as required for Japanese and non-Japanese firms and organizations listed on stock exchanges in Japan. The program also provides with the skills needed to become a Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE), a certification that provides independent evidence to firms and organizations that you have a quantifiable understanding of the subject matter.

Target Audience

All companies listed on Japanese stock exchanges are required to comply with J-SOX. This includes both Japanese and foreign companies listed in Japan.

If a foreign company has a Japanese subsidiary that is publicly listed, J-SOX applies to its consolidated financial reporting and internal control systems.

A range of professionals must have knowledge and experience with J-SOX, especially those involved in risk management, internal controls, compliance, IT, and audit functions.

1. Risk Management Professionals: J-SOX focuses heavily on internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), which are part of the organization’s overall risk framework. Risk officers must identify financial reporting risks, assess the effectiveness of internal control systems, and work with auditors to ensure appropriate risk-based control reporting and testing.

2. Compliance Officers: Ensuring that the company complies with J-SOX is part of the broader compliance program. These professionals develop and monitor compliance programs, coordinate J-SOX documentation and internal control policies, and liaise with external regulators and auditors.

3. Internal Auditors: J-SOX mandates an evaluation of internal controls. Internal auditors test the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, report deficiencies, track remediation, and prepare reports.

4. Information Technology (IT) and IT Audit Professionals: Many J-SOX controls are automated or system-based. IT professionals must manage access control and system change management, implement application controls for financial systems, and assist in General IT Controls (GITCs) assessments.

5. Finance and Accounting Professionals: They are directly responsible for preparing the financial reports that J-SOX aims to protect. Their tasks include implementing control procedures for financial accuracy, ensuring proper documentation of processes and reconciliations, and supporting the evaluation of material misstatements.

6. Legal and Corporate Governance Professionals: J-SOX ties closely with corporate governance and disclosure requirements. Legal professionals advise on liability, responsibility, and disclosure obligations, help define the scope of internal control reporting, and guide responses to control failures or material weaknesses.

7. Consultants and External Advisors: Companies often bring in outside experts to implement or assess J-SOX compliance. Consultants must design control frameworks, conduct independent assessments, and provide remediation strategies.

Course Synopsis

Part 1

- Introduction.
- The CJSOXE exam.

Japan's government structure
- The national, prefectural, and municipal levels.
- Japan, a unitary state. The single, central authority.
- Article 8 of the Constitution of Japan.
- The National Diet (Legislature), the Prime Minister (Executive), the Judiciary (Supreme Court and lower courts).
- Local governments, two main functions.
- Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC).
- National center of Incident readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC).

Part 2

What is J-SOX?
- The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA).
- The FIEA’s objectives.
- Kanebo.
- Livedoor.
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and J-SOX.

FSA, SESC, CPAAOB.
- The Financial Services Agency (FSA).
- The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC).
- The Certified Public Accountants and Auditing Oversight Board (CPAAOB).

Part 3

FSA, Corporate Governance Reforms. General Principles of Japan’s Corporate Governance Code.
a. Securing the Rights and Equal Treatment of Shareholders.
b. Appropriate Cooperation with Stakeholders Other Than Shareholders.
c. Ensuring Appropriate Information Disclosure and Transparency.
d. Responsibilities of the Board.
e. Dialogue with Shareholders.

Japan’s Stewardship Code.
- The principles of Japan’s Stewardship Code.

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) - Important sections.
- Article 24-4-2, Submission of Confirmation Letter for Annual Securities Report. (Note: It is similar to SOX Section 302).
- Article 24-4-4, System for Ensuring Appropriateness of Statements on Finance and Accounting and Other Information. (Note: It is similar to SOX Section 404).

FAQ on Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, July 2015, Financial Services Agency, Japan - Important questions.
- Why was the Internal Control Report system introduced?
- What are the details of the Internal Control Report system, and from when is it applied?
- Are foreign companies also obligated to submit an Internal Control Report?
- What are the standards for assessment and audit of the internal control over financial reporting?
- What was the background behind the establishment of the standards and practice standards for assessment and audit concerning internal control over financial reporting?
- What points should be kept in mind when operating the standards and practice standards for assessment and audit concerning internal control over financial reporting?
- What is the scope of "internal control over financial reporting"?
- How does the Japanese Internal Control Report system differ from the Internal Control Report system pertaining to financial reporting that was introduced in the United States by the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002?
- Are there penal provisions against those who violate provisions of Internal Control Reports? - Why was the Confirmation Letter system introduced concerning the contents of Annual Securities Reports, etc.?
- What kind of system is the Confirmation Letter system?
- Which companies are obligated to submit Confirmation Letters?
- Are foreign companies also obligated to submit Confirmation Letters?
- What kinds of disclosure documents require submission of a Confirmation Letter?
- Which members of the management need to include their titles and names in the Confirmation Letter?

Part 4

SOX vs. J-SOX. FSA, Eleven Misunderstandings about the Internal Control Report System.
1. Is the Internal Control Report System identical to the one originally introduced by the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act in the United States?
2. Is additional documentation always necessary?
3. Do all business operations require internal controls?
4. Do even small and medium-sized companies need internal controls as required for large companies?
5. Is a company subject to punishments, if any deficiencies are found?
6. Does a management always need to comply with suggestions from its auditors or consultants?
7. Will auditing costs be doubled?
8. Is an unlisted company also required to design internal controls, when entering into transactions with listed companies?
9. Is the absence of a project team a problem?
10. Does a company need to finish the whole preparation by the effective date?
11. Does a company need to postpone modifications to an IT system scheduled around the end of a fiscal year?

Basic framework of internal control.

Four objectives:
(i) effectiveness and efficiency of business operations,
(ii) reliability of financial reporting,
(iii) compliance with applicable laws and regulations relevant to business activities, and
(iv) safeguard of assets.

Six basic components:
(i) control environment,
(ii) risk assessment and response,
(iii) control activities,
(iv) information and communication,
(v) monitoring, and
(vi) response to IT.

FSA Statement, following the enactment of the Bill for Amendment of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, etc.
- Case Study.

On the Setting of the Standards and Practice Standards for Management Assessment and Audit concerning Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Council Opinions).

Practical Guidance for Audits of Internal Control over Financial Reporting (October 2007), from the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The intention of internal control audits.
(1) The objectives of internal control audits.
(2) The characteristics of the audit approach.
(3) The subject of internal control audits.

The relationship between the Financial Statement Audit and the Internal Control Audit.
(1) The combination of Financial Statement Audits with Internal Control Audits.
(2) Issues on using results of internal control audits in financial statement audits.
(3) Understanding management’s assessment of internal controls and audit planning.
(4) Procedures for evaluating assessment of the design/operation of internal controls.
(5) Evaluation of the assessment of company-level controls and the period-end financial reporting process.
(6) The relationship between audit procedures for internal control audits and those for internal controls in financial statement audits.
(7) Impact of results of internal control audits on financial statement audits.
(8) The impact of the results of financial statement audits on internal control audits.
(9) Company Law audits and internal control audits.

Evaluation of the assessment of IT general control.
(1) Positioning of IT general control.
(2) Evaluation of the assessment of the IT general control.
(3) Evaluation of deficiencies in IT general control.

Material weakness in internal controls.
(1) Deficiencies in internal controls.
(2) Guidelines for determining material weakness.
(3) Control deficiencies for which examination is necessary to determine whether they constitute material weakness.
(4) In the case that there are multiple control deficiencies.
(5) Response in case management has identified a material weakness.
(6) Reporting and remediation of material weakness.
(7) Influences on the financial statement audit.

Part 5

Case Studies.
- Case Study: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG).
- Case Study: Annual Securities Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (the 115th Business Term) Panasonic Holdings Corporation.
- Other case studies.

Part 6

The Japanese Basic Act on Cybersecurity.
(There are no exam questions from this presentation).
- Responsibilities of the National Government.
- Responsibility of Local Governments.
- Responsibility of Critical Social Infrastructure Providers.
- Responsibility of Cyberspace-Related Business Entities and Other Business Entities.
- International Cooperation.
- The Japanese Cybersecurity Strategy.
- Cybersecurity for All.

Part 7

Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI).
(There are no exam questions from this presentation).
- Data Protection for Japanese legal entities and persons.
- The European Commission's adequacy decision on Japan.
- Basic Principles.
- Reporting Leaks.
- Restrictions on Provision of Personal Data to Third Parties.
- Restrictions on the Provision of Personal Data to Third Parties in Foreign Countries.
- Restrictions on the Provision of Information Related to Personal Information to Third Parties.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI).

Closing Remarks.


Become a Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE)

We will send the program up to 24 hours after the payment. Please remember to check your spam or junk folder, as emails with attachments may occasionally be filtered there.

You are entitled to a full refund within 60 days of your payment. If you decide not to proceed with any of our programs or services for any reason, simply send us an email — we’ll process your refund with no questions asked.

Payments are processed by our strategic partner and service provider, Cyber Risk GmbH (Dammstrasse 16, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland, registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zürich, Company Number: CHE-244.099.341).

The all-inclusive price is $297 (one time fee). There is no additional cost, now or in the future, for this program.

First option: You can purchase the Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE) program with VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.

Purchase the CJSOXE program here (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.)






Second option: QR code payment.

i. Open the camera app or the QR app on your phone.

ii. Scan the QR code and possibly wait for a few seconds.

iii. Click on the link that appears, open your browser, and make the payment.



Third option: You can purchase the Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE) program with PayPal



What is included in the price:

A. The official presentations (936 slides, delivered as downloadable PDF files).

The presentations are effective and appropriate to study online or offline. Busy professionals have full control over their own learning and are able to study at their own speed. They are able to move faster through areas of the course they feel comfortable with, but slower through those that they need a little more time on.

B. Up to 3 online exam attempts per year.

Candidates must pass only one exam to become CJSOXEs. If they fail, they must study the official presentations and retake the exam. Candidates are entitled to 3 exam attempts every year.

If candidates do not achieve a passing score on the exam the first time, they can retake the exam a second time.

If they do not achieve a passing score the second time, they can retake the exam a third time.

If candidates do not achieve a passing score the third time, they must wait at least one year before retaking the exam. There is no additional cost for any additional exam attempts.

To learn more, you may visit:

https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/Questions_About_The_Certification_And_The_Exams_1.pdf

https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/CJSOXE_Certification_Steps_1.pdf

C. The Certificate, with a scannable QR code for verification.

You will receive your certificate via email in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf), with a scannable QR code for verification, 7 business days after you pass the exam. A business day refers to any day in which normal business operations are conducted (in our case Monday through Friday), excluding weekends and public holidays.

D. One web page of the Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association (SOXCPA) dedicated to you (https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/Your_Name.htm).

When third parties scan the QR code on your certificate, they will visit the web page of the Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association (SOXCPA) that is dedicated to you. They will be able to verify that you are a certified professional, and your certificates are valid and legitimate.

In this dedicated web page we will have your name, the certificates you have received from us, pictures of your certificates, and a picture of your lifetime membership certificate if you are a lifetime member.

Example: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/Emma_Schneider.html

Professional certificates are some of the most frequently falsified documents. Employers and third parties need an easy, effective, and efficient way to check the authenticity of each certificate. QR code verification is a good response to this demand.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. I want to know more about the Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association (SOXCPA).

The SOXCPA is the largest association of Sarbanes-Oxley professionals in the world. It is a global community of experts working in risk and compliance management that explore career avenues and acquire lifelong skills.

The SOXCPA is wholly owned by Compliance LLC, a company incorporated in Wilmington, NC, and offices in Washington, DC, a provider of risk and compliance training and certification in 57 countries.

Several business units of Compliance LLC are very successful associations that offer standard and lifetime membership, weekly or monthly updates, training, certification, Authorized Certified Trainer (ACT) programs, interest representation, and other services to their members. The business units of Compliance LLC include:

- The Basel iii Compliance Professionals Association (BiiiCPA), the largest association of Basel iii Professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.basel-iii-association.com

- The Solvency II Association, the largest association of Solvency II professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.solvency-ii-association.com

- The International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP). You may visit: https://www.risk-compliance-association.com

The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) certificate, from the IARCP, has become one of the most recognized certificates in risk management and compliance. There are CRCMPs in 57 countries. Companies and organizations around the world consider the CRCMP a preferred certificate.

You can find more about the demand for CRCMPs at: https://www.risk-compliance-association.com/CRCMP_Jobs_Careers.pdf


CRCMP


2. Does the association offer training?

The SOXCPA offers distance learning and online certification programs in most countries, and in-house instructor-led training programs in companies and organizations in many countries.

A. Distance learning and online certification programs.

1. Certified Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CSOE). To learn more, you may visit: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/Distance_Learning_and_Certification.htm

2. Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE). J-SOX is the unofficial term that refers to Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Law that was promulgated by the Japanese National Diet in June 2006, and to other laws, guidelines, and standards. The Japanese framework is modeled after the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act. To learn more, you may visit: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/CJSOXE_Distance_Learning_and_Certification.htm

3. Certified EU Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CEUSOE). E-SOX is the unofficial term that refers to the 8th company law directive of the EU, and some other European directives and regulations that collectively achieve the objectives of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. To learn more, you may visit: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/CEUSOE_Distance_Learning_and_Certification.htm

B. Instructor-led training.

The association develops and maintains three certification programs and many tailor-made training programs for directors, executive managers, risk and compliance managers, internal and external auditors, data owners, process owners, consultants, suppliers, and service providers.

For instructor-led training, you may contact Lyn Spooner at: lyn@sarbanes-oxley-association.com


3. Is there any discount available for the distance learning programs?

To keep our programs as affordable as possible for all members, we do not offer a discount on the first program. However, you will receive a $100 discount on your second and every subsequent program. Note: There is no discount for the CSOE program, as the price ia already very low.

It is recommended to start with the Certified Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CSOE) program. The all-inclusive price is $147. After you purchase the CSOE program, you can purchase:

1. The Certified Japanese Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CJSOXE) program at $197 (instead of $297),

2. The Certified EU Sarbanes-Oxley Expert (CEUSOE) program at $197 (instead of $297),

3. The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) program at $197 (instead of $297),

4. The Certified Information Systems Risk and Compliance Professional (CISRCP) program at $197 (instead of $297),

5. The Certified Cyber (Governance Risk and Compliance) Professional - CC(GRC)P program at $197 (instead of $297),

6. The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional in Insurance and Reinsurance - CRCMP(Re)I program at $197 (instead of $297),

7. The Travel Security Trained Professional (TSecTPro) program at $197 (instead of $297).

To find more about programs 3 to 7 above, you may visit the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP) at: https://www.risk-compliance-association.com/Distance_Learning_and_Certification.htm

Cyber Risk GmbH (Dammstrasse 16, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland, CHE-244.099.341), acting as a strategic partner and authorized service provider of the SOXCPA, extends a $100 discount on each of the online training programs listed below to individuals who have previously enrolled in any online training program offered by the SOXCPA. This special offer is designed to support your continued growth and professional development.

1. NIS 2 Directive Trained Professional (NIS2DTP)

2. Digital Operational Resilience Act Trained Professional (DORATPro)

3. Critical Entities Resilience Directive Trained Professional (CERDTPro)

4. Data Act Trained Professional (DataActTPro)

5. Data Governance Act Trained Professional (DatGovActTP)

6. European Chips Act Trained Professional (EChipsActTPro)

7. Digital Services Act Trained Professional (DiSeActTPro)

8. Digital Markets Act Trained Professional (DiMaActTPro)

9. Artificial Intelligence Act Trained Professional (AIActTPro)

To receive the URL for the discounted rate, please email us with the subject line: "Request for Discounted Program URL."

In the email, please let us know:

a. Which was the name and email address of the person or legal entity that had purchased the program from the SOXCPA.

b. Which is the program you want to purchase now at $197 instead of $297.

You will receive the URL for the discounted price for your second and subsequent programs within 48 hours (business days).


4. Are your training and certification programs vendor neutral?

Yes, absolutely. All of our training and certification programs are completely vendor-neutral. This means we do not promote or rely on any specific tools, products, or service providers. Instead, we focus on universally applicable concepts, frameworks, and best practices that are recognized across the industry. Our goal is to provide participants with knowledge and skills that are transferable to any organization or environment, regardless of the technologies or vendors they use. By staying independent from vendors, we ensure that our programs remain objective, practical, and relevant to a wide range of roles and sectors.


5. Are there any entry requirements or prerequisites required for enrolling in the training programs?

There are no entry requirements or prerequisites for enrollment in our programs. We believe that learning should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, academic credentials, or professional experience. In contrast to providers that set stringent prerequisites or entry barriers, our approach prioritizes accessibility and openness. We do not believe that the opportunity to learn and grow should be limited by prior qualifications. Whether you're just beginning your career, changing paths, or expanding your expertise, our programs are designed to support individuals at all levels. Each course provides a clear and structured learning path, allowing individuals at all levels to gain valuable insights, and build practical skills. Our approach empowers motivated learners from different industries and career stages to gain value and opportunity from the program.


6. I want to learn more about the exam.

You can take the exam online from your home or office, in all countries.

It is an open book exam. Risk and compliance management is something you must understand and learn, not memorize. You must acquire knowledge and skills, not commit something to memory.

You will be given 90 minutes to complete a 35-question exam. You must score 70% or higher.

The exam contains only questions that have been clearly answered in the official presentations.

All exam questions are multiple-choice, composed of two parts:

a. A stem (a question asked, or an incomplete statement to be completed).

b. Four possible responses.

In multiple-choice questions, you must not look for a correct answer, you must look for the best answer. Cross out all the answers you know are incorrect, then focus on the remaining ones. Which is the best answer? With this approach, you save time, and you greatly increase the likelihood of selecting the correct answer.

TIME LIMIT - This exam has a 90-minute time limit. You must complete this exam within this time limit, otherwise the result will be marked as an unsuccessful attempt.

BACK BUTTON - When taking this exam you are NOT permitted to move backwards to review/change prior answers. Your browser back button will refresh the current page instead of moving backward.

RESTART/RESUME – You CANNOT stop and then resume the exam. If you stop taking this exam by closing your browser, your answers will be lost, and the result will be marked as an unsuccessful attempt.

SKIP - You CANNOT skip answering questions while taking this exam. You must answer all the questions in the order the questions are presented.

We do not send sample questions or past exams. If you study the presentations, you can score 100%.

a. When you are ready to take the CSOE exam, you must follow the steps: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/CSOE_Certification_Steps_1.pdf

b. When you are ready to take the CJSOXE exam, you must follow the steps: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/CJSOXE_Certification_Steps_1.pdf

c. When you are ready to take the CEUSOE exam, you must follow the steps: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/CEUSOE_Certification_Steps_1.pdf


7. How comprehensive are the presentations? Are they just bullet points?

The presentations are not collections of bullet points, they are thoughtfully structured, in-depth learning materials designed to provide clear explanations, context, and real-world relevance. Unlike slide decks that rely on brief summaries, our presentations guide you through each concept in a comprehensive and engaging manner. They are highly effective for both online and offline study, making them ideal for professionals who value substance and flexibility in their learning experience.


8. Do I need to buy books to pass the exam?

No. If you study the presentations, you can pass the exam. All the exam questions are clearly answered in the presentations. If you fail the first time, you must study more. You can:

- Highlight key terms and sections to help you focus during review.
- Add digital sticky notes (just like Post-it notes) anywhere in the document to remind yourself where specific answers or explanations are.
- Underline or circle text using freehand drawing tools.
- Add bookmarks to easily navigate to important sections.
- Search each document using keywords to quickly find what you need.


9. Is it an open book exam? Why?

Yes, it is an open book exam. Risk and compliance management is a field that requires deep understanding, critical thinking, and the ability to apply principles in real-world situations, not simply the ability to memorize facts. The goal of our certification programs is to help you build lasting knowledge and practical skills that you can confidently use in your professional role.

In real-life scenarios, risk and compliance professionals have access to regulations, frameworks, and reference materials, and are expected to use them thoughtfully. Our open book exam reflects this reality by assessing your comprehension and ability to apply what you've learned, rather than testing your memory.


10. Do I have to take the exam soon after receiving the presentations?

No, there is no set exam date, you may take the exam at any time that suits you. Your account will not expire. Any future updates to the training materials will be made available to you at no cost.

The Association reserves the right to amend the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) at any time. Any changes will become effective upon publication on the website of the association, and will apply exclusively to training programs purchased after the date of modification.

For our distance learning and online certification programs, the General Terms and Conditions in effect at the time of purchase shall apply for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of payment. If a participant does not pass the exam within this 18-month period, access to the program will remain valid, and the participant may take the exam at a later date. In such cases, however, the participant shall be subject to the General Terms and Conditions in force at the time the exam is taken.


11. Do I have to spend more money in the future to remain certified?

No. Your certificate is issued with lifetime validity and does not expire. There are no renewal fees, no hidden costs, and no requirement to retake the exam in the future. Once certified, you remain certified.


12. Ok, the certificate never expires, but what about changes in the field?

Things do change. While many organizations introduce mandatory recertification as a recurring revenue stream, we’ve taken a different approach. Although we were advised to "introduce multiple recurring revenue streams to keep business flowing", we made a conscious decision to prioritize long-term value for our members over short-term profit. That’s why no recertification is required for our programs.

Instead, we are committed to keeping you informed and up to date, at no cost. We invite you to visit the Association’s Reading Room each month and explore our newsletter, where you’ll find valuable insights, regulatory updates, timely alerts, and new opportunities. This ongoing access ensures you remain current and well-informed in a dynamic and constantly evolving field.


13. How many hours do I need to study to pass the exam?

You must study the presentations at least twice, to ensure you have learned the details. The average time needed is:

- 29 hours for the CSOE program,
- 32 hours for the CJSOXE program,
- 38 hours for the CEUSOE program.

This is the average time needed. There are important differences among members.


14. I want to receive a printed certificate. Can you send me one?

Unfortunately this is not possible. You will receive your certificate via email in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf), with a scannable QR code for verification, 7 business days after you pass the exam. A business day refers to any day in which normal business operations are conducted (in our case Monday through Friday), excluding weekends and public holidays.

The association will develop a dedicated web page for each certified professional (https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com/Your_Name.html). In your dedicated web page we will add your full name, all the certificates you have received from the association, and the pictures of your certificates.

When third parties scan the QR code on your certificate, they will visit your dedicated web page, and they will be able to verify that you are a certified professional, and your certificates are valid and legitimate.

Professional certificates are some of the most frequently falsified documents. Employers and third parties need an easy, effective, and efficient way to check the authenticity of each certificate. QR code verification is a good response to this demand.

You can print your certificate that you will receive in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf). With the scannable QR code, all third parties can verify the authenticity of each certificate in a matter of seconds.


15. Which is the refund policy?

The association maintains a clear and customer-friendly refund policy. You are entitled to request a full refund within 60 days of your payment, no questions asked. If, for any reason, you decide that one of our programs or services is not right for you, simply send us an email within this 60-day window.

Once we receive your request, we will process your refund within one business day. There are no forms to fill out, no explanations required, and no delays. Our goal is to provide a risk-free and stress-free experience.


16. Why should I get certified, and why should I choose your certification programs?

1. Global Recognition: The Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association (SOXCPA) is the largest association of Sarbanes-Oxley professionals in the world.

2. Flexible and Convenient Learning: Our training programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Participants can access course materials and complete the certification exam anytime, from anywhere. This is especially beneficial for professionals with demanding schedules who need to learn at their own pace.

3. Affordable, All-Inclusive Pricing: Each program is offered at a low, all-inclusive price. There are no hidden fees or additional costs, now or in the future, for any reason.

4. Discounts on Additional Programs: When you enroll in a second program, you receive a $100 discount. This means the all-inclusive cost for your second (and every additional) program is $197 (compared to the regular price of $297). There are no hidden fees or recurring charges. This discount is our way of supporting your continued professional development.

5. Multiple Exam Attempts Included: Each program includes up to three exam attempts per year at no additional cost, as outlined above.

6. No Recertification Required: Your certificates are issued with lifetime validity. No recertification is required, and your credentials will not expire.

7. Potential for Career Advancement and Industry Recognition: There is a clear and growing demand for qualified professionals in risk and compliance management. Certified individuals are often recognized by employers, may enjoy broader career opportunities, and may be preferred for promotions or new roles. Earning a professional certification demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and your active engagement in a global community of experts.

However, it’s important to note that no certificate, regardless of its reputation, can guarantee a new or better job. Career advancement depends on many factors, including supply and demand, market conditions, and timing. Certification is a valuable asset, but it is only one part of a larger professional development journey.

8. The fit and proper requirement in regulations: Firms and organizations hire and promote fit and proper professionals who can provide evidence that they are qualified. Employers need assurance that managers and employees have the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate risks and accept responsibility. Supervisors and auditors ask for independent evidence that professionals are qualified, and that controls can operate as designed, because the persons responsible for these controls have the necessary knowledge and experience.

9. Increased Earning Potential: Professionals who invest in gaining new skills and recognized certifications may become eligible for higher-paying roles. Training and ongoing professional development may significantly enhance your earning potential and contribute to long-term career success. However, it’s important to understand that increased earnings are not guaranteed. Compensation and career advancement depend on various factors. Certification is a valuable tool, but not a guarantee on your path to career growth.


Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association, some of our clients