Professional Certificate Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of Certificate Programs do you offer?
A: We offer a wide variety of Certificate programs from Real Estate to Sewing. For more Information visit http://continuinged.columbusstate.edu/prof_dev.php or call 706.507.8070.

Q: How does this whole Certificate Program thing work anyway?
A: It’s simple if you follow just a few steps!

Attend a program orientation.
Request copy of, complete and return the Enrollment Request & Agreement form.
Request copy of the Application for Certificate form.
Take the classes. Instructor will initial satisfactory completion on the “Coursework completed” section of the application form at the end of each course.
When all coursework is finished, return the completed Application for Certificate to Continuing Education (CE) staff.
CE verifies the student has met attendance and completion requirements.
Certificate is printed and mailed to student (unless pick-up requested).

Q: Do I have to take the Orientation?
A: No, but it is highly recommended as it will provide information about the courses, content, and certificate application process. You can attend the orientation at any point during the program.

Q: Do all the certificate programs need an application to earn the certificate?
A: No. As of Fall 2011, only Photography, Sewing, Cake Decorating, Visual Arts, Project Management, Homeland Security for the Private Sector, and Medical Coding & Billing require applications for certificate. Programs consisting of only one course do not require an application for certificate.

Q: How long will it take to complete a program?
A: It depends on the program. You can reasonably expect to complete a program in 1-2 years, depending rotation of courses.

Q: What it I’ve already taken some classes before deciding to go after the certificate?
A: No problem, if you’ve successfully completed them within the last 2 years. Attend the orientation, complete and return an enrollment form, and begin keeping track of the classes that you’ve already taken on the Application for Certificate. Subject to program coordinator approval, the instructor initials requirement may be waived for the past courses you have already taken with instructors that are no longer teaching for CE, once attendance and completion has been verified by CE staff.

Q: Are there any equivalent classes or classes that can be substituted?
A: To be determined on a case-by-case basis by the program coordinator and instructor. If it is determined that other coursework, training or experience is equivalent, the program coordinator will prepare and sign a Class Exemption Certification Letter for you. This must be presented as proof of exemption with the completed Application for Certificate when you reach that point.

Q: Is there any sort of attendance or completion requirement for each class?
A: Yes. You must have an 80% or better attendance record to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and therefore ensure satisfactory attendance for certificate programs. Your instructor may also have specific learning objectives that need to be achieved, depending on the course. The instructor’s initials on the Application for Certificate indicate satisfactory achievement of course objectives and at least 80% attendance of the class.

Q: How do I know what classes I need to earn the certificate?
A: Program curricula are printed in the catalog and are available on the web at:

http://continuinged.columbusstate.edu/prof_dev.php

Q: What is the turn around time for the certificate to be printed and mailed?
A: Verification should be complete within 3 business days. Pick-up certificates should be ready on the 4th business day. Mailed certificates should be outgoing on the 4th business day.