Penn Foster Learning Experience

Penn Foster Career School is committed to the successful completion of your coursework and earning your diploma. The typical Penn Foster student experience goes like this:

The Enrollment Process
Your Student ID Number
Begin Your Studies
Getting Help When You Need It
Taking Examinations
Graduation

STEP ONE - The Enrollment Process

Select the career training program that interests you. The Penn Foster Career School website offers program overviews, curriculum outlines, tuition schedules and information on career services for graduates. You can even view forecasts of employment demand and salary ranges by career.

When you are ready to enroll in a program, simply complete the student online application form, or call our toll-free number to speak with an enrollment advisor. You can also request to receive an information package by mail with an enrollment form included.

STEP TWO - Your Student ID Number

As soon as your enrollment form is processed, you will receive your Student ID Number. If you enroll online or by phone, you will receive your Student ID Number immediately. You’ll need to use your Student ID Number if you wish to access your initial study materials online. If you enroll by mail, your Student ID Number will be included with your mailing label in the first package of books and learning materials.

STEP THREE - Begin Your Studies

All your learning materials and supplies will be shipped directly to you. You can also log in through the Penn Foster Career School website to begin your studies immediately. Use your Student ID Number to register as a new student. You will be able to download some of your first study materials. You should begin your lessons as soon as possible, the sooner you start, the sooner you'll earn your Diploma.

STEP FOUR - Getting Help When You Need It

Your courses are designed so that you can study independently. However, if you have a question about anything in your program, just call our toll-free instructional support hotline. Faculty and instructional advisors are available to answer your questions from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. On weekends and holidays, you can leave a message and your call will be answered the next business day. You can also contact your instructors by email or, if you prefer, by regular mail.

STEP FIVE - Taking Examinations

At the end of each lesson, you take an exam. You can complete your exam online through our website. You can also submit your examinations by mail. As soon as you pass your exam, you can go on to the next lesson. New course material will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have books and learning materials to continue moving forward.

Your examinations and projects will be graded on the following scale:

Lesson Grade (%)	Letter Equivalent	Rating
92-100	A	Excellent
81-91	B	Good
75-80	C	Average
70-74	D	Passing
Below 70	F	Failing

An overall program average of 70%, or above, is required to graduate and earn your diploma.

FINAL STEP - Graduation

Once you have passed all your courses, you will receive your diploma from Penn Foster Career School (high school students receive their diploma from Penn Foster High School). Depending upon the program you choose, you can complete your training in just a few months from today! Or, take up to two years to complete a program.*

Graduates of Penn Foster are also eligible for Graduate Career Services which include assistance with online job searches (by career and region), preparation of cover letters, tips on interviewing, and much more. As part of your graduation package, we offer a Certified Professional Resume Writer free of charge to help you compose your resume.

* Students enrolled in the High School Program may take up to three years.