Frequently Asked Questions About FMN

The course topics are designed for learners in the finance and accounting professions. The Financial Management Network subscriptions provided by DFAS are available only to DFAS employees.

When Can I Take These Courses?

Courses are accessible any time, day or night. As with any training, if you will be participating during duty hours, you will need to coordinate with your supervisor.

Where Can I Take These Courses?

The courses are delivered through the internet, so they can be completed anywhere that you have an internet connection.

How Much Does this Cost?

DFAS has centrally funded a specific number of individual subscriptions for use by DFAS employees. There is no direct cost to the user or the business line for a subscription.

Where Can I Get Full Descriptions of the Courses?

Descriptions are available in the course catalog which you can access from the Welcome page.

How Long are the Courses?

FMN On-Line courses are 2 hours each.

What is My User Name?

The standard username for FMN is your DFAS e-mail address. Here’s an example: john.doe@dfas.mil.

What Is My Password?

You can establish the password of your choice when you register online. If you have forgotten your password, there is a link on the login screen that will allow you to enter your username and have the password sent to you. If you cannot remember your username, please send an e-mail message to dfaselearningcenter@dfas.mil.

I used FMN Online in the past. Will my old user number still work?

DFAS is now working under a new contract based on individual subscriptions, so your old FMN user information will not work in the current system. Instead, you’ll register with a new user name, password, and subscription code.

How Do I Register?

Select the “First Time Users” button on the FMN Welcome Page. Complete the requested information to create an account.

Prior to starting a course, you will need to request a code to activate your subscription. To request a code, send an e-mail to DFAS eLearning Center@dfas.mil. Once you receive the code, you will select “Your Account,” enter the code in the Billing Code box, and select Submit. You only need to enter the code once. If you attempt to enter the code again on subsequent logins, you will receive an error message.

How Do I Start a Course?

After you have created an account and entered your billing code, select the “Course Catalog” button to view the available courses. When you have chosen a course, select “Enroll.” Be sure the “use subscription” option is activated (instead of the use credit card option).

Should I Use Real Player or Windows Media Player?

If you are working from a DFAS computer, please use Windows Media Player.

Why does the video seem slower than the audio?

The default setting for the FMN video is to “Play as Slideshow.” This option actually uses a series of still images for the video portion and requires less bandwidth. The slideshow option is the one you should use at DFAS. If you are working at home, feel free to select the “Play as Video” option for a streaming video presentation.

How Many Courses Can I Take?

There is no limit to the courses you may take through your DFAS subscription.

How Long Do I Have to Complete a Course?

Once you have registered and obtained a subscription, you should complete your first course within 30 days. DFAS has a limited number of licenses, and if you have not completed a course within the first 30 days, we may reallocate your subscription to another employee.

Do I Have to Finish the Whole Course at Once?

No. You can stop and start a course as often as you wish. The FMN programs are designed to start at the beginning of the course. However, you may skip to where you stopped by clicking on its link.

How Many Courses Can I Take at the Same Time?

We suggest that you do not start a second course until you have completed the first, i.e. no more than one at a time.

When Do All Courses Need to be Completed?

Our current subscriptions expire at the end of the fiscal year. Our intent is to renew the program for the next fiscal year. However, it would still be a good idea to complete any course you have started before September 30th.

When Does a Course Count as Complete?

For a course to count as complete, you will need to pass the post-test with a score of 70% or higher.

Can I Stop and Start the Final Test as I Do with the Course, or Do I Have to Complete the Test at One Sitting?

Tests must be completed in one sitting. The system will not save results half-way through or pick up where you left off if you exit and return to the program.

How Long Do the Tests Usually Take?

1/2 hour or less, depending on difficulty and person taking the test.

How Many Chances Do I Get to Pass a Test?

If you do not pass the test with a score of 70% or higher the first time, you may take the test again. If you do not pass the test on your second attempt, you will be required to wait for 30 days to take it again. There is no limit to the number of times the test may be taken.

Where do My Scores Go?

The only people who have access to your scores are you and the staff in the DFAS Learning and Development Division. Upon request, your manager may be informed of your course usage and completions. Your completed courses will also be included in your learning history, available to you from the DFAS e-Portal.

Can I Access the Course After I Pass the Test?

Yes, you can access the same course as much as you'd like throughout the year.

Where Else Can I Learn About These Topics and Earn CPE Credit?

DFAS offers additional classroom and online training in the areas of finance and accounting. For more information, go to the DFAS e-Portal, select Human Resources, and then select Growth & Learning.

How Can I Get Professional Credit for the Course?

First, you must complete the test with a score of 70% or higher. SmartPros, the vendor for FMN, is approved by NASBA as a sponsor of CPE credit courses. As such, they follow all NASBA guidelines. You will have the option to print a certificate after you pass the test.

Where Can I Go for General Questions or Suggestions?

Select the “Additional Help” button on the FMN Welcome page to review Frequently Asked Questions and tips. Select the “Help” button to review steps for using the program features and hardware requirements. If your question is still not answered, you may send an e-mail message to dfaselearningcenter@dfas.mil

Where Can I Go for Technical Support?

For help with technical problems related to the FMN program or site, please contact admin@smartpros.com or call 914-345-2620 ext. 1177. If you have a specific problem with your DFAS computer, please contact your local helpdesk.