Public Service & Continuing Education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page should serve to answer your most frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question on this page, please visit the Contact Our Team page to direct your question to the appropriate person, or email Continuing Ed at conted@northgeorgia.edu.

For questions about a specific program, you may want to consult the FAQ for that program. See individual programs for further information.

Q. What is my user name?
A. You can set your own user name, though we generally recommend that you use something simple to remember, like your email address. You will need your user name and password to register online. If you've forgotten your user name or password, go here to look up your password. If you've never registered with us before, you can set up your user name and password when you register for the first time.

Q. Is financial aid available for Continuing Education courses?
A. Since Continuing Education courses do not lead to a college degree, they are not eligible for the traditional forms of financial aid, such as the Hope Scholarship. However, some private lenders will help you finance continuing education and certificate programs. Find more information on financial aid that may be available to you or call 706-864-1918.

Q. Can I use my credit card to pay for a course for someone else, like my child or spouse?
A. Yes, we accept VISA, Mastercard  and Discover. When registering a family member or friend, give us the name and address of the student first. We will also ask for the name of the credit card holder.

Q. When is payment due for a Continuing Education course?
A. Full payment is due at the time of registration.

Q. My company has offered to pay for this course. Can you invoice them directly?
A. Yes, if you supply us with your company's purchase order or educational voucher. Please check our invoice policy for more details.

Q. Where are your courses held? Where are you located on campus?
A. Most Continuing Education classes are held in the Continuing Education building in Dahlonega. Any classes that will be held elsewhere will be clearly marked. Click here for detailed directions.  

Q. What certificate programs do you offer?
A. We offer the following certificate programs:

Q. What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?

A. A certificate program is an extensive course or series of courses designed to prepare you for a specific function. A certification is a recognized credential that confirms your ability in a particular area. Certifications are often offered through professional organizations and usually require passing an exam or series of exams. Many of the certificate programs that we offer here prepare you for a specific certification exam.

Q. Can my Continuing Education courses be applied toward a college degree?
A. No, courses taken through Continuing Education are awarded CEUs (Continuing Education Units), not college credits. They are not transferable to be applied toward a college degree. Please tell someone on the continuing education team or your instructor if you wish to receive CEU credit for your class.

Q. What is your refund policy?
A. To receive a refund, you must notify us in writing at least three working days before the start date of the class. You will receive a refund of your registration fee minus a $20 processing fee. No refunds will be given on cancellations made within three working days of the course starting date. If payment is made by credit card, your account will be credited. Other refunds may take 3-4 weeks. Driver's License numbers or other ID may be required to process refunds. You will receive a full refund if the class is canceled by North Georgia Continuing Education.

Q. The course I want is full. Can I be added to a waitlist?
A. Yes, if the course you want is already full, you can automatically add your name to our wait list through the online registration process or by calling the registration office. If a student drops this course, we will call waitlisted students in the order their names were put on the waitlist. No payment is made at the time of being placed on a waitlist.

Q. What kind of application do I need to complete for a Continuing Education course?
A. Our courses are non-credit, non-degree programs and do not normally require applications for admission. However, there are some programs and courses that do require an application process or placement test prior to registration. Check for details in individual course descriptions as you browse our site.

Q. Are there additional fees for books / software?
A. This varies by course. Check the course description for information about inclusion of books, supplies and materials.

Q. Do I need an transcript from my old school?
A. No. Continuing Education courses are open to the general public.

Q. Do you provide job placement?
A. Our focus is on training. We do not offer formal job placement or career counseling services. Occasionally employers provide us with job information. When this happens, we will email participants in the relevant program and post the information on our job board.

Q. When should I register for courses?
A. We recommend that you register for courses as early as possible. If the course you want is already full, you can add your name to the waitlist. We also recommend that you sign up for the next available course since the waitlist gives no guarantee of availability. On rare occasions one of our courses will not have enough students registered, and we have to cancel the course. The decision to cancel a course is usually the week the course is held. Waiting until a few days before the course to register could cause unnecessary cancellations.

Q. What happens if my course is cancelled?
A. In the event of a cancellation, we will provide you with a 100 percent refund or transfer to an equivalent course.

Q. If I can't find what I'm looking for on your website, who can help me?
A. Visit our Contact Our Team page, where you can find phone numbers and email addresses for key contacts within Continuing Education, who will be glad to answer your questions. You may also call our Registration department at 706-864-1918.