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Frequently Asked Questions/Online Help
If you could not find the answer to your question, please send your question through "Contact Us". 1.
Are the PDH credits awarded by PDH Center through PDHcenter.com/PDHonline.org recognized by the various state boards of registration for PE & PLS?
[Back to Top] 2.
Are the LU credits awarded by PDH Center through PDHcenter.com/PDHonline.org recognized by the various state boards of registration for architects?
[Back to Top] 3.
How does your continuing education program work?
All PDHonline courses
are designed with a clear purpose and objective to maintain, improve, or
expand the skills and knowledge relevant to the licensee's field of practice.
Courses offered by PDH Center are the state-of-the-art in the field of
engineering and surveying. Each lecture is supplemented with new learning materials
including links to additional resources and a quiz to help the attendee earn professional
development hours (PDH units) or AIA Learning Units (LU). [Back to Top] 4.
How does your live webinar program work?
Through live webinars, we deliver our instruction to your home or office. Therefore, you do not need to travel. However, you need to have a computer with Internet connection and/or a telephone to participate. [Back to Top] 5.
How do I take an online course?
Because it is not necessary to study the course materials online immediately after purchase, there are three methods you may use to take an online course. [Back to Top] 6.
How much time will I be allowed to complete a course?
You have one year from the date of purchase to complete the course. [Back to Top] 7.
How much time do I have to complete a quiz?
There is no time limit while you take the quiz. If you can't finish the quiz in one session, you may want to save or print out the partially completed quiz for use next time because our server will not be able to remember your partially completed quiz. You must complete the quiz within one year from the date of purchase. [Back to Top] 8.
How do I pay for the online courses?
[Back to Top] 9.
Why didn't my credit card transaction go through?
Online credit card transaction failure could be caused by one of the following reasons:
To resolve this issue, you need to enter the special characters shown in a gray box of the payment screen as the Security Code. This Security Code is different from CVS (Card Verification Code) - last 3 numbers from back of card (or 4 numbers in small print on an AMEX card).
To resolve this issue, you need to contact your credit card company to ask them to remove any restriction they have placed on your credit card (they can do so instantly within their systems). Then you can re-submit your transaction online. [Back to Top] 10.
How do I know my credit card transaction is secure?
Our online ordering system uses the industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
technology powered by the credit card processors Authorize.net and PayPal.com
to encrypt the information you send us when you place your order. The transaction
information is encrypted on your computer, sent through the Internet as scrambled
code, and decrypted on the credit card processor's secure server. Therefore, your credit card
information is secure and cannot be read in transit. [Back to Top] 11.
How do I convert a CEU to a PDH or an LU?
1.0 CEU (Continuing Education Unit)
= 10 PDHs or 10 LUs. [Back to Top] 12.
How much do online courses cost?
The standard price of our online course ranges from $15 to $30 per credit hour.
Special discounts are available during promotional events. Group discounts
are also available to any company with four or more engineers and/or surveyors
who must meet continuing education requirements and register as
PDHonline users. To receive a special group discount, please contact us through email
or at 703-478-6833 for details. [Back to Top] 13.
How can I get a receipt for my purchase?
We will send you a receipt through email once we receive your online payment
or check payment. You may also print a payment receipt at any time from "My Account". [Back to Top] 14.
How can I get an additional certificate of completion?
You may print certificates of completion for the courses you have taken
from "My Account" (on the top menu bar). [Back to Top] 15.
How can I retrieve my password?
You may retrieve your password by using the "Forgot
Your Password?" feature on our home page or on the user login screen.
[Back to Top] 16.
How can I get a complete record of the courses I have taken from your website?
You can obtain a complete record of the courses you have taken from "My
Account" (on the top menu bar). [Back to Top] 17.
How can I contact the instructor?
You may contact the instructor using emails by clicking on the instructor's
name within the course or through email.
In your email, be specific about which course you would like to discuss. [Back to Top] 18.
How can I get a copy of the PDHonline course catalog?
We offer the catalog electronically for online users. You can print a copy of the PDHonline
course catalog from "Courses"
on the top menu bar. [Back to Top] 19.
How can I update my personal information?
You can update your personal information in "My
Account" or when you take a quiz. [Back to Top] 20.
How may I become a PDHonline course provider?
If you are interested in becoming a PDHonline course provider, you should submit
a resume, a brief biography and a list of proposed course topics to our email address.
We review your educational background and practical experience and
notify you of our decision within three business days. For more information,
please click "Provider"
on the top menu bar. [Back to Top] 21.
How many questions are in each quiz?
The number of quiz questions varies from course to course. There are a minimum of
10 quiz questions in each course offering less than 5 PDH credits, and a minimum of
20 quiz questions in each course offering more than 4 PDH credits. For courses approved by the Texas Land Surveying Board, there are 50 quiz questions for each course. For courses registered with the AIA/CES, there are 10 quiz questions for the first LU credit and 5 quiz questions for each additional LU credit. For example, a 4-LU course has a minimum of 25 quiz questions. [Back to Top] 22.
Why can't I enter PDHonline Course Library after I completed the registration?
If you're using Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or higher: On the browser menu bar, click 1. Choose Tools, then 2. Internet Options. 3. Click the Privacy tab, 4. Move the slider to the bottom to Accept All Cookies. Note: You may also click the Edit button to override cookie handling for individual websites or click the Advanced button to override automatic cookie handling. If you're using Internet Explorer Version 5.0 or 5.5: On the browser menu bar, click 1. Choose Tools, then 2. Internet Options. 3. Click the Security tab. 4. Click Internet, then Custom Level. 5. Scroll down to Cookies and Enable per-session cookies (not stored). If you're using Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later version: On the browser menu bar, click 1. Tools, then 2. Options, then 3. Click the Privacy icon, 4. Select "Accept cookies from sites". If enabling the cookie function in your browser does not eliminate the problem and your web browser is not the latest version, we recommend you to download the latest Microsoft Internet Explorer or download the latest Mozilla Firefox. [Back to Top] 23.
Why can't I login using my email address (user ID) and password?
1. Your computer memorized a different password for the corresponding email address. In this case, do not use the password memorized by your computer. Instead, type in your password. Please note that password is case-sensitive. 2. If you do not remember your password or are not sure what password you used before, you may request your password by using the "Forgot Your Password?" feature on our website. If you do not receive your password within five minutes, please check your junk or spam email folders. Sometimes, valid emails could land in these folders. 3. The other possible
cause is that your web browser's cookie
function may be disabled. To test if your computer can communicate with our server, you may try to log into our website using the following dummy account: [Back to Top] 24.
Why can't I open the PDF files on your website?
This could be caused by one of the following reasons: [Back to Top] 25.
Why can't I access the course or quiz after online payment?
To activate the course or quiz, you must click the "Click here to continue" link at the end of the online payment screen to fully complete the process. If you
cannot access the quiz or course materials after online payment, please notify
us through "Contact Us"
or call us at 703-478-6833. Once we receive your notification, we will activate
the quiz or course for you, and send you an email notification about the
quiz or course activation. [Back to Top] 26.
Why do you have several almost identical websites?
To provide the highest quality service
with the least interruption, we operate several mirror sites for the convenience
of our valued customers. PDHcenter.com,
PDHonline.com and PDHonline.org
are just some of the websites owned and maintained by our organization. If you
have difficulty in accessing one of our websites, please try to access another
one. All of our online courses are available through any of the above websites.
You may even use the same user ID and password to access any of our websites.
[Back to Top] 27.
What are the advantages of taking online courses?
Taking PDH online courses are
In short, taking online courses is more convenient, more efficient, and more economical than attending seminars or conferences. [Back to Top] 28.
What happens if I miss the live webinar?
You will be automatically enrolled into the next session. Most of our webinars are offered once every three to four months. Please check our website for specific webinar schedule. [Back to Top] 29.
What computer system and software do I need to view online courses?
Computer: IBM PC or compatibles, Apple Mac Operating System: Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me/XP/NT/Vista or Mac OS/OS X Web Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later, or Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later. Adobe Acrobat Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later is required because most of our course materials are provided in PDF format. Click the button below to download the latest version of FREE Acrobat Reader. [Back to Top] 30.
What is the passing score for PDHonline quizzes?
The passing score is 70% for all PDHonline
quizzes except those registered with AIA/CES or approved by Texas PLS Board. The passing score for AIA/CES registered courses and Texas PLS Board approved courses is 80% and 95%, respectively. [Back to Top] 31.
What should I enter as the Security Code on the payment screen?
You need to enter the special characters shown in a gray box of the payment screen as the Security Code when you place your order online. The Security Code is different from CVS (Card Verification Code) - last 3 numbers from back of card (or 4 numbers in small print on an AMEX card). [Back to Top] 32.
What are the definitions of PDH, LU and CEU?
A Professional Development Hour (PDH) is defined as one contact hour of instruction, presentation or study. The term PDH is commonly used in the engineering community. The maximum PDH credit for a seminar that starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. with an hour lunch is eight (8). Short breaks are permissible as long as a minimum of 50 minutes of presentation/participation/study per hour is undertaken. If there are no breaks, or there are breaks of less than 10 minutes per hour, no additional time may be claimed. PDH credit cannot exceed the actual contact clock hours. PDH credit is rounded off to the nearest half hour. No activity under a half hour is accepted for credit. For example, a qualifying activity of 30 to 49 minutes would be reported as 0.5 PDH and an activity of 50 to 70 minutes would be reported as 1.0 PDH. A PDH is sometimes called a PDU (Professional Development Unit). The Learning Unit (LU) is used by the American Institute of Architects' Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES) and is based on a 60-minute hour. Time beyond 60 minutes is recorded in quarter hour increments (e.g., 1 hour 45 minutes = 1.75 LUs). Credit should be stated as an AIA/CES Learning Unit hour (AIA/CES LU). In order for programs to qualify for Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) credit, providers must demonstrate that 75% of the content specifically addresses one or more HSW-related issues. Programs that qualify for HSW credit are identified as "AIA/CES Learning Unit (HSW)" or "AIA/CES LU (HSW)." The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized and uniform unit of measure for continuing education and training. One CEU is awarded for each 10 contact hours of instruction or study. When a provider of CE activities fully follows the requirements of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) in awarding CEUs, 10 PDHs will be credited for 1 CEU. However, one should be aware that some organizations may advertise CEU credit without having met the requirements of the IACET. [Back to Top] 33.
What is the PDH or CPC requirement in each state?
Typically, each licensee is required to obtain a total of 15 (30 if biennial) PDH units during a renewal period year. In Louisiana and Texas, 1 PDH unit must be earned in Engineering Ethics during the renewal period. Mississippi requires 2 PDH units of Ethics training during three renewal periods. In the state of Florida, each licensee must obtain 8 PDH units during each license renewal biennium; four (4) hours must relate to the licensee’s area(s) of practice and 4 hours must relate to the Board’s Laws and Rules (Florida Statute Chapter 471 and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61G15). For more information regarding specific PDH or CPC requirements in your state, please visit our webpage State PDH Requirements or visit your board website. [Back to Top] 34.
What kinds of activities are qualified as PDH activities?
For additional
information on typical qualifying and non-qualifying PDH activities, please
study "NCEES:
Continuing Professional Competency Guidelines ". [Back to Top] 35.
What does HSW mean for AIA/CES registered courses?
HSW stands for Health, Safety and Welfare. American Institute of Architects (AIA), many state architectural boards and some state engineering boards require that a certain number of continuing education hours are in the subject areas that relate to the health, safety and welfare of the public. All PDH online courses that qualify for AIA HSW credits are clearly indicated in the course titles. [Back to Top] 36.
Do I have another chance to take the quiz if I fail on the first attempt?
Yes, you may repeat the quiz until you pass (at no additional charge within one year of purchase). Once you pass the quiz, you can still access the quiz within 30 days. [Back to Top] 37.
Do I have to be online the entire time to take a course?
No, you may print the course materials and study them off-line, at your convenience. [Back to Top] 38.
Do I need to submit a copy of the certificate of completion to my state board?
Usually you do not need to mail your certificates of completion to your board unless you are asked to do so on the renewal form or when you are audited. However, you should keep a copy of the certificate of completion for your own record. [Back to Top] 39.
Do you offer corporate training programs?
Yes. We can design, implement, maintain or provide your corporate online training program. Please contact us through email or at 703-478-6833 for details. [Back to Top] 40.
Do you report PDH credits to all the state boards?
No. However, we submit monthly or quarterly reports to all the state boards that require reporting from approved continuing education providers. Four state boards currently require reporting. They are Florida PE & PLS Boards (monthly), North Carolina Board (quarterly), Tennessee PLS Board (monthly), and Texas PLS Board (monthly). During the license renewal season, we file our Florida and Texas reports more frequently to facilitate the renewal process. Our reports include the names and license numbers of all registrants completing the PDHonline courses during that month or quarter and the PDH credits earned. [Back to Top] 41.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Group discounts are available to any company with four or more engineers and/or surveyors who must meet the continuing education requirements. To receive a special group discount, please contact us through email or at 703-478-6833 for details. [Back to Top] 42.
Do you share my contact information with anyone?
No. Information about you is required to process your orders and will only be used to provide a more personalized experience during your learning sessions. PDHonline.org/PDHcenter.com respects your personal privacy. We will not release your name, address, telephone number or email address to anyone without your consent. [Back to Top] 43.
Do you accept all major credit cards?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards through Express Checkout or PayPal.com. You need to choose Express Checkout if you want to use American Express corporate cards or Discover Cards. [Back to Top] 44.
Do you offer correspondence courses?
Yes. You may call 703-478-6833 to place your order. There
is a shipping and handling fee for each correspondence course. [Back to Top] 45.
Do you offer live seminars?
Yes, we offer live web seminars (webinars) through the Internet for certain topics. You can attend our webinars from your home or office using a computer and/or telephone. [Back to Top] 46.
Do you report Learning Units directly to the AIA for AIA members?
Yes, we report your Learning Units directly to the AIA on a monthly basis. It will take approximately one week following the end of the month for your Learning Units to appear on your AIA transcript. To ensure that your LUs are included in our report, you must provide your AIA membership number in your profile, and you must take the courses listed under the category "AIA/CES Registered Courses". If you take courses not registered with AIA/CES, you must report the earned Learning Units using the Self Report Form provided by AIA/CES. To update your profile, please visit "My Account" on the top menu bar. [Back to Top] 47.
Do you offer a course on Florida Board Laws and Rules?
For FL PE: Starting from June 1, 2007, all courses in FL Board Laws and Rules must be pre-approved by the Board. Currently, we do not have one that has been pre-approved but are in the process of getting the course approved. We plan to have one ready by December 2010. Please check back in a few months. You have until 2/28/11 to meet the Board requirement in Florida.
[Back to Top] 48.
Do you offer audio courses?
Yes. We have several audio courses available under Electrical Engineering and Ethics Categories. You may download them for your personal use only. We do not offer audio courses for rental. [Back to Top] 49.
Do you offer video courses?
No. We do not have PDH courses on video tapes or CD/DVD for rental. [Back to Top] 50.
Which states have mandatory Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) requirements?
Currently, thirty-four states require evidence of Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) or Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) as a condition for renewal of the individual's professional license. Most other states are expected to follow suit in the near future. The web sites of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Institute of Architects contain a summary of CPC and MCE status in each state. To learn more about the CPC or MCE requirement of each state, you may visit these two websites or go to the website of a particular state board of registration for professional engineers, land surveyors or architects. [Back to Top] 51.
Is one PDH unit equal to one hour of continuing education (one contact hour)?
Yes, one PDH (Processional Development Hour) is equal to one hour of continuing education or one contact hour. See the table below for typical conversion from other continuing education activities to PDH: CONVERSION
TABLE [Back to Top] 52.
Where can I get answers for other questions about continuing education?
The following state boards of registration for PE and PLS provide answers to FAQ or supply detailed
information regarding continuing education on their websites: [Back to Top] 53.
Can I access online courses from any computer after the purchase?
Yes. To access your account, you need to login using the same user ID (your email address) and password you used previously. [Back to Top] 54.
Why can't I find my PDH records at myfloridalicense.com?
As a Florida Board approved continuing education provider, PDHonline.org/PDHcenter.com submits a monthly PDH report to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. However, the board currently does not have the capability to enter the PDH records into the Florida DBPR LicensEase database of myfloridalicense.com. That is why your account at myfloridalicense.com does not show PDH records for the courses you took with us. However, you may manually enter your PDH credits through myfloridalicense.com starting September, 2006. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to self-report your PDH through Florida DBPR's website: [Back to Top] 55.
Why can't I find my previous PDH course purchase or completed course records in My Account?
This may be because you have more than one account with us. If your email address has changed, you should still use the old email address and the associated password to access your previous account information. If you would like to combine the account information, please provide us your old and new email addresses through "Contact Us" or call us at 703-478-6833. [Back to Top] 56.
Why can't I receive the password I requested through your website?
[Back to Top] 57.
Why can't I access your webinar using my Mac?
You need to install Camino browser on your Mac in order to access our webinar facility. Here is the link to the Camino website:
[Back to Top] 58.
Can I receive credits if I forgot to enter the coupon code at the time of online purchase?
No. Our office policy requires that all coupon codes be entered at the time of online purchase because we do revenue sharing with our course providers in real time. Thank you for your understanding. [Back to Top] 59.
Can I get a refund for my purchase?
As a registered user, you may preview almost all of our courses prior to the purchase. To protect the interest of our course authors, we'll refund your payment only if the course is not accepted by your state board. If you have not completed the quiz, you may request a course exchange if you find the course is not suitable for you. In this case, please send your request through "Contact Us" or call us at 703-478-6833. [Back to Top] 60.
Can I order several courses all together?
Currently, you can't order several courses in one transaction. If you wish to order multiple courses at one time or prefer to have one credit card transaction for several purchases, you may place your order over the phone at 703-478-6833. Please have your course numbers and card information ready.
[Back to Top] 61.
Can I use the coupon code for multiple courses?
Yes. You may apply the coupon code to all of your purchases as long as the code has not expired. You need to enter the coupon code in Step 2 of the payment process for each course.
[Back to Top] 62.
Can I share my discount coupon code with my colleagues?
Yes. You may share the coupon code with your colleagues and friends.
[Back to Top] If you could not find the answer to your question, please send your question through "Contact Us". |
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If you have a question or experience a problem using our website, we strongly
recommend that you read our
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
page before you fill-out the contact form on the right. Oftentimes,
your question has already been answered in the FAQ.
All of
our online courses comply with the Continuing Professional Competency
Guidelines published by National Council of Examiners for Engineering
and Surveying (
PDH Center is an AIA/CES Registered Provider (Provider #J681).
Continuing education credits awarded by PDH Center through PDHcenter.com/PDHonline.org
are acceptable by 
