So I can take the course and NEVER have to show up anywhere or sign anything in person?
That's correct, as mentioned above. If you renew with AceCFI that's all done electronically and how it's done is explained on their website after you've completed the FIRC course.
What does the course entail? GLEIM was 16 separate lessons, each with a 10 question test.
The course consists of 12 lessons (each ends with a quiz of 5 questions) and a final exam at the end which consist of 15 questions, reviewing questions/topics of the previous lessons.