Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to take a fully online course?

A fully online course is completed through a virtual learning platform. Course lessons, assignments, eBooks, and other required materials are provided online. Hardcopy textbooks or printed materials are not typically included.

Some fully online courses are self-paced or asynchronous, which means they may not include live class meetings or regular instructor-led sessions. Instead, learners move through the course materials online and receive support from student support specialists who can help with course access, navigation, general questions, and guidance throughout the learning experience.

Further information on the online student experience can be found HERE.

What is meant by training?

Training refers to the structured learning experience provided through the course. It may include online lessons, readings, videos, practice activities, assignments, quizzes, simulations, or other learning materials designed to help learners build knowledge and skills in a specific career or professional area.

Training is different from simply reading information on your own. A course is organized around learning goals, required content, and expectations for completion.

What kind of support is available during an online course?

Learners in fully online courses are supported by student support specialists. Support may include help with course access, online platform navigation, general course questions, progress guidance, and reminders about important requirements.

Support specialists do not replace instruction in courses that are not instructor led, and they do not complete coursework for learners. Their role is to help learners understand the process, stay oriented, and know where to go for assistance.

What is the difference between competencies and skills?

Skills are specific abilities a learner develops through training, such as using a software program, taking a blood pressure reading, preparing a document, following a safety procedure, or communicating with a customer.

Competencies are broader. A competency shows that a learner can apply related knowledge, skills, and judgment in a meaningful context. For example, a learner may develop several individual skills, but the competency is demonstrated when those skills come together to perform a workplace task accurately, safely, and professionally.

Both are important. Skills help learners build practical ability. Competencies help show whether learners can use those abilities in ways that reflect real expectations in the workplace, in certification preparation, or in continued professional learning.

What is a course assessment?

A course assessment is used to evaluate whether a learner has completed the required course activities and demonstrated understanding of the course material. Assessments may include quizzes, assignments, skills checks, projects, exams, or other required activities within the course.

Course assessments are part of the training program itself. Successfully completing a course assessment may be required to earn a certificate of completion or other CSU-issued documentation.

What is an industry certification?

An industry certification is a credential awarded by an external certifying organization, professional association, or industry-recognized body. Industry certifications are often used to show that a person has met a recognized standard of knowledge or skill for a specific occupation, technical area, or professional role.

Some CSU online career training courses are designed to help learners prepare for an industry certification exam. However, completing the course is not the same as earning the industry certification. In most cases, learners must separately register for, take, and pass the certification exam through the external certifying organization.

Certification exam requirements, fees, eligibility rules, testing procedures, and passing standards are set by the certifying organization, not by CSU. Learners should carefully review the certification requirements for their intended field before enrolling.

How is a course assessment different from an industry certification exam?

A course assessment is part of the training course. It helps determine whether the learner has met the course completion requirements.

An industry certification exam is usually a separate exam offered by an external certifying organization or professional body. These exams are designed to determine whether a learner meets industry-recognized standards for a specific occupation, skill area, or professional role.

Some courses are designed to help learners prepare for an industry certification exam, but completing the course does not always mean the learner has earned the industry certification. In many cases, the learner must register for, take, and pass the external certification exam separately.

What is an externship?

An externship is a short, practical learning experience that gives eligible learners an opportunity to observe or participate in a real workplace setting related to their training program. Externships may vary by program, employer site, availability, and eligibility requirements.

Externships are important because they help connect course-based learning to actual workplace expectations. They may give learners a better understanding of the field, strengthen professional readiness, and provide experience that can support career exploration or employment preparation.

Is an externship guaranteed?

Externship availability may depend on the program, learner eligibility, employer requirements, location, background checks, health or immunization requirements, scheduling, and site availability. When externship support is included in a program, learners are expected to follow the required process and meet all deadlines and documentation requirements.

What funding options may be available?

Learners may pay for eligible courses by credit card through the registration process.

Some learners may also qualify for workforce funding, such as WIOA funding, through their local workforce development board or an approved workforce partner. Workforce funding is not guaranteed and must usually be approved before enrollment. Learners interested in WIOA or similar funding should contact their county workforce development board or workforce partner to determine eligibility, available funding, required documentation, and approval steps.

When workforce funding is used, learners may need to follow additional requirements related to program approval, enrollment timing, attendance or progress reporting, course completion, and certification exam preparation.

What is the refund policy?

Learners may receive a 100 percent refund when the refund request is made within five business days of the enrollment date.

After five business days from the enrollment date, no refunds are available for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in schedule, changes in employment, technology issues, lack of course participation, failure to complete the course, or a decision not to continue.

Learners are encouraged to review the course format, requirements, technology expectations, funding approval status, and refund policy carefully before enrolling.