Policies and Procedures
Eligibility
NBSA Certification programs are all open enrollment and suitable for students of all ages and educational backgrounds. Affiliation with a university or school is not required. Completion of a high school diploma or GED is recommended but not required for all programs. However, students are expected to have sufficient English language skills to complete course work. See the Certification Programs section for program-specific requirements.
How to Apply
Prospective students will be required to complete an application form from NBSA or their program sponsor.
Contact us toll-free at 1 (866) 994-4441 to obtain an application form. Completed applications may be faxed or mailed to the NBSA.
Prerequisites
Refer to program details to ensure you meet any and all prerequisites prior to submitting your application for enrollment. You may be requested to provide verification of your prerequisites in the form of written references, transcripts or other appropriate materials. Students may be required to complete a Prior Learning Assessment before acceptance into a program.
Certificates and Modules
NBSA Certifications are built on a series of modules and will validate your competency in the skills typically required for a job or job area. To earn a certificate, students must successfully complete all of the component modules that address specific skill areas.
Prior Learing Assessment (PLA)
A Prior Learning Assessment will be required for acceptance to all 200-Level or higher programs. The PLA will measure your skills and knowledge across all program components to ensure you are equipped to successfully complete these more advanced programs. Training Specialists will discuss PLA results with students. Please note that this is not a graded test, but rather an indication of the student's likelihood of success in the chosen program. A PLA is not required but may be recommended for the 100-Level programs. The PLA will be administered online following your enrollment. Speak with our Support Staff or your Training Specialist for further details.
Students who feel they can demonstrate proficiency in one or more modules of their chosen program, without training, may request exemption from one or more modules. In this case, students will be required to take a more comprehensive test that focuses on a single module. Students must score 70% or higher on this test to be excused from the course work and the module test. The exemption PLA score will be the participant's final grade for that module. Students who score less than 70% on the exemption PLA will be assigned required course work and must take the associated module test. There is no penalty for an unsuccessful exemption PLA and no fee credit as a result of exemption. Application for exemption must be made to the Training Specialist upon entry into the program and in advance of any course work being assigned.
Schedules and Deadlines
A schedule for program completion, along with specific deadlines, will be provided to each student following acceptance. The schedule will be set to accommodate each student's specific needs as much as possible. However, once set, the student will be expected to meet all deadlines. In the event that deadlines are missed, students may find it difficult to complete the program within the allotted time frame.
Program Extensions
Program extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances. Students must complete a "Request for Extension" and submit it to their Training Specialist for consideration. All requests will be reviewed on an individual basis and granted based on merit of the application. For more information on program extensions, please contact our Support Team at 1 (866) 994-4441.
Missed Appointments
If a student is unable to keep their scheduled appointment, it must be rebooked at least 24 hours in advance. Students who miss appointments run the risk of exceeding the maximum time allocation for program completion. If two consecutive appointments are missed, a student may forfeit the support of their Training Specialist.
Skill Transfer Policy
Students who complete two or more certificates will only be required to complete common modules once. For example, a student who completes the Customer Service Representative Certification will complete the module on "Interpersonal Communication." Should this student choose to further their education and take the Customer Service Supervisor Certification (which also includes the "Interpersonal Communication" module), the student will receive immediate credit for this module and no further training or testing in this module will be required.
Registration Fees
For current registration fees please contact us at 1 (866) 994-4441 (toll-free). Our Support Team will help to identify if you are eligible for full or partial funding through one of our program sponsors. Program fees are due in full at time of registration.
Refunds
Program fees are fully refundable within the first 48 hours following acceptance into the program. In exceptional circumstances a refund may be considered following the initial 48-hour period. Students who wish to withdraw and apply for a refund should contact the NBSA Support Team immediately at 1 (866) 994-4441.
Program Timelines
All programs are self-paced and must be completed within six months of acceptance. Training Specialists will typically schedule course work for a 12-week period. However, based on a student's needs, this may be extended up to 24 weeks. A student's previous experience, education and personal motivation will generally determine the pace of their learning.
Students With Disabilities
Students requiring special accommodations are asked to notify their Training Specialist during the first meeting. Training Specialists will work with students to provide reasonable accommodation to enable program success, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Evaluation and Grading
An online self-administered, open-book, timed test must be completed for each module of the program. Each test will include 40 questions presented randomly from a pool of topical questions. A grade of no less than 70% in each module is required. Test retakes will be arranged in the event additional study is required. There is no final exam.
Incomplete Status
Students who do not complete their program within six months will be identified as "Incomplete" and will not receive a final grade. Participants enrolled in a sponsored program may find that the sponsor imposes a shorter completion schedule.
Transcripts and Certificates
A detailed transcript and university-issued certificate will be mailed to all students who successfully complete their certification program. Fees may apply for duplicate certificates or transcripts. Students should expect receipt of their final transcript and certificate within six (6) weeks of program completion.
Training Specialist Support
All students are assigned a Training Specialist who will guide and coach them through the program. Each student will receive up to 10 hours of one-on-one telephone support through a series of scheduled appointments from time of enrollment through certification.
Hours of Operation
With the exception of holidays, Training Specialists and support staff are available by telephone or email weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Additional Support
Students will receive contact information for additional support resources upon acceptance into the program. Program Assistants are available as needed to assist students with technical questions or urgent concerns that cannot wait until the next scheduled appointment.