Frequently Asked Questions
How Can We Help You?
The most common questions we get asked are listed here along with answers and/or links to where you can find more information on our site. You can also use the search box at the top of the page to help you find information, or contact us directly with a question if you can't find the answer here.
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- Essentially, online education is a method of completing a program of studies without attending a physical class, facilitated by the
use of the Internet and the World Wide Web to allow the interchange of ideas, information, assignments and evaluation.
Please see How it Works for full details.
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- We offer a variety of business, technology and digital arts programs.
Please see our Program List for full details.
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- Our online programs are designed so that people with no experience at all in computers will learn all they need to know to become computer
experts. At the same time, those who are already experts will find that our programs are challenging and interesting.
Please see our Admission Requirements for full details.
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- CD-ED is: registered with the Department of Education & Culture; an award-winning member of the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce; a Better Business Bureau accredited business; and registered with both the National Association of Private Career Colleges and the Private Career College of Nova Scotia association.
In addition, as part of the government registration process, each of our programs must go through two industry reviews before we are allowed to offer them. This means that two companies who specialize in the trade we’re offering must go through the program and sign a form that says that yes, it is suitable for the industry and yes, they’d hire a graduate of this program.
Please see our Credentials for full details.
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- Our basic diploma programs are designed to be completed within 52 weeks. This is the maximum allotted time to complete any program based on an estimated average of 20-25 hours of study per week, depending on the program chosen. Some students may be able to spend more time or work at a faster pace and thereby finish in fewer weeks.
Our advanced diploma programs take 64 weeks to complete.
No program is allowed to run longer than scheduled.
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- CD-ED offers continuous intake service with several start dates each quarter. Usually you can start between 6-10 weeks after submitting your application; however, some start times fill up fast, so you should apply early to ensure you get the spot you want.
Please speak to your Admissions Representative for more details.
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- Our prices are all-inclusive - you won't need to allocate extra funds for textbooks or a computer, and there is no federal or provincial tax on our tuition fees.
Course fees vary but the average cost is $8,777.
Please see our Tuition Information for full details.
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- Yes. Federal and provincial aid is available in most provinces, along with other funding options such as EAPD, student line of credit, Worker's Compensation, HRSDC, Corporate Sponsorship, insurance companies, and more.
Please see our Funding Options for full details.
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- You have the option of a desktop PC, a laptop, or in some cases, a Mac Mini (dependent on course and software compatibility). CD-ED guarantees that the system you receive is brand new with all pertinent warranties intact. The make and model of these systems is subject to availability from our supplier and quantity of in-house stock. We of course ensure that each computer meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for the software in the program you are taking.
CD-ED stocks a minimum number of computers at one time to ensure that the system you receive has as much warranty value retained as possible. The best resolution to this question is to call ahead as you progress through the enrollment process and inquire about the configuration of in-stock systems - the system you receive will be similar.
Please see What You Get for full details.
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- Probably not - all connections are colour-coded for problem-free setup. However, assistance is always available - simply call 1.866.446.5898 to be transferred to our tech support line and within a few moments, you can be ready to power up your system and get started.
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- It depends on what program you are taking. All the necessary software for your program is included with your CD-ED tuition fees and remain yours to keep. Depending on your program, this could include individually licensed versions of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, or any number of other industry-level programs. Our software is often educationally licensed to keep course costs down for you.
Please see What You Get for full details.
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- If you have a computer that meets minimum specifications for completion of the course, total fees may be reduced by the computer rental
fee in order to include only the tuition fees, textbooks and software fees. Contact a representative at 1.866.446.5898 for further information.
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- Ours is an extremely flexible system but it is not wide open. Although you're free to start at any time, and free to work at any time or any place, you will be given a schedule which will require you to submit assignments on a weekly basis.
You will be required to commit 20-25 hours per week to your studies. The reason for this time commitment is to make sure you that have put in enough study and practice hours to be employable upon graduation.If you do not put in the hours, you may not graduate and despite our best efforts, without your efforts you will find yourself without the necessary skills to impress employers and get hired.
Please see How it Works for full details.
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- Students will receive feedback from:
Instructors: Instructors are in contact with students on a continual basis. Students are encouraged to contact their instructors with any questions or concerns. Instructors also give personal comments and feedback on any project-based assignments or exams. Student progress is monitored by the instructor who has been assigned to the student during the registration process. Students who are falling behind schedule will be contacted, through email or over the phone, by their instructor, to identify any problems and suggest corrective measures that can be taken to catch up.
The Web Site: When students complete a test, it will be automatically corrected and returned to the student. Our Testing Centre provides students with a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of their mark in any particular course, as well as a Report Card of their progress, to date. Marks for submitted assignments are also included in course and program summaries.
Please see How it Works for full details.
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- Usually, no. Department of Education regulations state that assignments must be completed by your end date, which means you must submit your assignments via your personalized schedule. However, we do try to be as accommodating as possible, so if a serious emergency comes up, speak to your instructor immediately. We will discuss each situation on a case by case basis.
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- No. Your diploma program is completely online.
Please see How it Works for full details.
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- Upon successful completion of your program, you will receive a diploma stating that you are a graduate of a program which has been registered under the Private Career Colleges Regulations Act of Canada.
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- Yes, we will help you. No, do we do not job placements.
With students in every province spread out over thousands of small towns and large cities, it is simply impossible to create the enormous contact network we would need to try and maintain a placement centre.
Instead, we have hired a Career Guidance Counselor who is here to answer any question you have and help you find the perfect job for you.
The Career Guidance Counselor will be in touch with you 30 days before you graduate to send you your Career Guidance materials.
She will review and critique your resume, help you write your cover letter, help you search and interpret job posts, and prepare you for any interviews you have.
If you have graduated on the President's List, she may call the interviewer on your behalf. You will have lifetime access to the Career Guidance Counselor as an alumni.
We will do all we can to ensure you are job-ready, but of course getting the job is up to you in the end.
Please see our Career Guidance Program for full details.
