How ChatGPT Works (and When to Use It) (Video) (Course Id 2801)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is designed for anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE), particularly CPAs and accounting professionals seeking an introductory understanding of ChatGPT.
• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  This course explains how ChatGPT works, clarifies common misconceptions about AI, and demonstrates how to effectively and safely use the tool in professional accounting environments.
• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  Participants can use this knowledge to apply ChatGPT more effectively in their daily work, craft better prompts, and recognize when AI-generated outputs require review or should not be relied upon.
• Why is this course important to a CPA or Accountant?
  This course is important because it helps CPAs and accountants understand the strengths, limitations, and risks of using AI tools like ChatGPT, ensuring responsible use in professional decision-making and client work.
• When is this course relevant or timely?
  This course is especially relevant now, as ChatGPT and similar AI tools are increasingly being integrated into everyday business and accounting workflows.
• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  This is a self-study video course that participants complete at their own pace, followed by a final exam requiring a passing score of 70% to earn CPE credit.

ChatGPT is increasingly present in everyday business work, but effective use depends on understanding what the tool is actually doing — and where its limits are. This course provides a clear, practical introduction to how ChatGPT works and how it is commonly used in professional environments, particularly in accounting and related roles.

The session explains the basic role of large language models, addresses common misconceptions about AI, and walks through the ChatGPT interface to show how interactions are structured. Participants will see examples of effective prompting, understand typical strengths and failure modes, and learn how to recognize situations where human judgment and review are essential.

This course is designed to provide clarity and confidence, not technical depth. It focuses on safe, responsible use and helps participants understand when ChatGPT can support their work — and when it should not.

Video - NASBA QAS - NASBA Registry - 2801

Course Learning Objectives

1. Describe how ChatGPT functions at a high level and how it is commonly applied in professional settings.
2. Identify common misconceptions, limitations, and risks associated with using AI tools in accounting and business work.
3. Recognize characteristics of effective prompts and interactions with ChatGPT.
4. Distinguish between tasks that can be supported by ChatGPT and those that require direct human review and judgment.

Chapter 1 - How ChatGPT Works (and When to Use It)

Chapter 1 Review Questions