Hi Paul
The recurring course program only allows one course to be created so probably not suitable for you - there are also some other limitations so we recommend using Certifications.
The opportunity to complete the course needs to be on a fixed date, but the schedule can be at any point as long as all courses are completed within a 2 year cycle for the individual.
This sounds like you should use the recertfiaction setting Use certification completion date which means this can be completed before the expiry date and the recertifaction will be based on when this was completed plus the 2 years which is the Certification is active for setting.
Thereis a report Certification Overview that shows the certification and progress of courses in the certification similar to the program Overview report.
regards
Craig