How do I take tests in Penn Foster High School classes?
Exams and assignments for Penn Foster High School are completed online. Generally, your exams will be multiple choice and you’ll have one after each lesson.
How do I take tests in a Penn Foster Career Diploma Program?
Exams for Penn Foster Career Programs are taken online, for the most part. Some programs may have skills that need to be completed hands-on, such as externships in programs like the Pharmacy Technician Professional, Phlebotomy Technician, or Medical Lab Assistant Career Diplomas.
How do I take my tests in an online college degree program?
Most exams for Penn Foster’s college degrees can be completed online! Depending on the class, you’ll likely have a mix of short, multiple-choice tests, assignments, and proctored exams. Most proctored exams can also now be taken online!
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 Cognia and 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 listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by 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), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by 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.
What are online classes like at Penn Foster?
The format of your online classes at Penn Foster can vary depending on what program you’re in. Generally, our online classes are completely self-paced, with no scheduled class times or virtual classrooms. The classes are broken down into shorter lessons, which can consist of reading, interactive lessons and quizzes, and more.
How do I get "hands-on" training in my program?
Depending on your program, you could get hands-on training in a variety of ways! For programs with externship opportunities, like the Veterinary Technician Associate Degree, for example, you’ll be able to apply what you learned online in the real world. In other cases, you may get hands-on experience through virtual simulations or videos, allowing you to practice what you’re learning in real-time.
When can I call Student Services?
Student Services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, Eastern Time.
Are teachers available if you need help?
Yes, your teachers are here to help you if you get stuck or want support throughout your classes. The best way to contact your instructors at Penn Foster is to submit a case in the help center of your Learner Center. You can also talk to a teacher one-on-one by making an appointment to meet in your Learner Center.
Do Penn Foster's programs have videos?
Some courses may have how-to videos or supplemental videos to help you in your studies! You may also have interactive animations and simulations!
How long are the proctored exams in the degree program?
Proctored exams are generally timed and the time to complete them can vary based on the subject. Generally, you can expect that a proctored exam will take at least an hour.
How do I request my official Penn Foster transcript?
To get an official copy of your Penn Foster transcript, you should submit a request through Parchment. You can then have your records either sent to you or to another institution digitally or by mail.
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.
Are Penn Foster classes easy?
No, but “easy” can mean different things for different students. Just like a traditional school, there may be some classes you find easier than others, while some you’ll find challenging. It all depends on you, your study habits, and how you learn. Penn Foster classes are designed to help you build new skills on your schedule, so even if you do find a class tough, you can take your time as you work through it to make sure you do your best.
Can you fail a Penn Foster program?
It’s possible. Just like a traditional school, you’ll need to study and pass exams to earn your diploma or degree. If you fail a test or assignment, you can have an opportunity to retake it to earn a better score. When you do a retake, we honor the highest score you receive. If you fail an entire class – depending on what program you’re in, failing is considered either a grade below 70 or 65 – you will need to retake the class to graduate.
How many exams a week can you do at Penn Foster?
It depends on you, the time you spend studying, and your learning pace. Our programs are meant to be self-paced, so you control how long it takes you to complete your work. However, while there isn’t always a hard limit to the number of exams you can take a week, it’s important to take your time throughout your studies so you really learn the material.
Can you take Penn Foster classes if you have a disability?
At Penn Foster, we can accommodate students with different learning needs. If you need accommodations, reach out to our Learner Success team through your Learner Center to find out what you need to do.