How do I take my tests in the high school and career programs?
Exams will be taken online for all career and high school programs. Some programs have requirements that cannot be fulfilled online, for example certain programs have externships that must be completed in the field.
How do I take my tests in the degree programs?
Degree programs often have proctored exams at the end of each semester that must be taken in a public building with a proctor present during the exam. These cannot be taken online. Other course exams are different depending on the subject. Many exams can be taken online. Some courses are graded based on projects, not exams. In most cases these projects are completed on your computer and then uploaded to the school's Web site.
How long does a program take to complete?
Study times vary by program, depending on the number of hours you can commit to studying each week. All of Penn Foster's programs are self-paced and flexible, to best fit your schedule.
What will I get when I finish the high school program?
When you complete the high school program, you will receive a nationally and regionally accredited diploma. Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited for grades 9 through adult by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (CSS-MSA) and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
What will I get when I finish a Penn Foster Career School diploma program?
When you complete a Penn Foster Career School diploma program, you will receive a nationally and regionally accredited career diploma. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 215-662-5603, www.msa-cess.org. In addition, Penn Foster Career School is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Penn Foster has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
What will I get when I finish a Bachelor's degree or Associate degree program?
When you complete one of the degree programs, you will receive a nationally accredited degree. Penn Foster College is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.
What will I get when I finish a certificate program?
When you complete one of the certificate programs from Penn Foster Career School, you will receive a regionally and nationally accredited certificate of completion. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 215-662-5603, www.msa-cess.org. In addition, Penn Foster Career School is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Penn Foster has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
How long has Penn Foster been in business?
Penn Foster has been in operation since 1890.
Are there online classes?
There are no virtual classrooms, since Penn Foster is a self-paced school. There are some programs that have webinars the student must log into and attend. In addition, there are live Q&A webinars available on the Penn Foster Community Web site.
How do I get "hands-on" training in my program?
Many programs offer hands-on training opportunities in a variety of ways, including work experience options, practical exercises, practicums, and residential labs.
When can I call Student Services?
Student Services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Eastern Time.
Will there be instructors to help me, and how do I contact them?
Yes, instructors are available over the phone Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Eastern Time. They are also available through email and typically respond within 24 hours. You can even contact instructors on the Community by sending a message or joining a discussion group.
Do Penn Foster's programs have videos?
Videos are included in some programs, but not all of them. There are also informational videos with students, instructors, and staff on the Community.
How do I take my tests in the degree programs?
Degree programs often have proctored exams at the end of each semester that must be taken in a public building with a proctor present during the exam. These cannot be taken online. Other course exams are different depending on the subject. Many exams can be taken online. Some courses are graded based on projects, not exams. In most cases these projects are completed on your computer and then uploaded to the school's Web site.
How long are the proctored exams in the degree program?
Degree students must complete proctored exams at the end of each semester. A proctored exam is approximately one hour in length, and students are typically required to take between two and four proctored exams on various subjects at the end of each semester.
What will I get when I finish a Bachelor's degree or Associate degree program?
When you complete one of the degree programs, you will receive a nationally accredited degree. Penn Foster College is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.
How do I request my official Penn Foster transcript?
You can submit a request here to have a copy of your official Penn Foster transcript sent to you.
What type of programs are offered under Penn Foster College?
Penn Foster College is authorized to award Associate of Science Degrees, Bachelor of Science Degrees, Undergraduate Certificates, and Career Diplomas.
Once I complete my program, am I qualified to immediately enter my vocational field? If not, what other steps do I need to take to get certification or licensure?
Certification and licensure requirements will vary depending on the program, vocational field, and state. Students should check with the governing body in their state that oversees their field of interest, to determine their state’s requirements.
Will I be able to use your program as certification to work in my state?
This will depend on the program, as some states may require additional education or may have requirements our programs do not meet. Students are encouraged to check with the governing body in their state that oversees their vocational field to determine what their state’s requirements are.
What will I get when I finish a Penn Foster Career School diploma program?
When you complete a Penn Foster Career School diploma program, you will receive a nationally and regionally accredited career diploma. Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 215-662-5603, www.msa-cess.org. In addition, Penn Foster Career School is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Penn Foster has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
How do I take my tests in the high school and career programs?
Exams will be taken online for all career and high school programs. Some programs have requirements that cannot be fulfilled online, for example certain programs have externships that must be completed in the field.
How do I request my official Penn Foster transcript?
You can submit a request here to have a copy of your official Penn Foster transcript sent to you.