Frequently Asked Questions
Click on any question below for an instant answer. For additional questions or clarification, please contact PDI's Program Coordinator, Allison Wynne.
- What are my course completion documentation options?
- How many courses can I enroll in? Is there a timeline minimum?
- If I register today, how long do I have to wait before I can begin my course?
- If I have questions, who do I contact?
- What is the refund policy?
- Are PDI courses approved by my district/state?
- Is the university credit from ACE and UCSD at the graduate level?
- What are the differences between the three enrollment options?
- Why did the wording regarding credit from UCSD change from post-baccalaureate to graduate-level continuing education?
- How do I update my contact information?
- Which email should I use at checkout?
1. What are my course completion documentation options?
The documentation you need depends on your particular state or school district requirements. The Professional Development Institute offers two options to document completion of your online course. Register for a PDI course plus university credit through American College of Education or UC San Diego if your district/state requires that you present an official university transcript to document course completion. If your state or district does NOT require a university transcript, PDI offers the option of obtaining an official PDI grade report to document course completion. Review detailed information about PDI Grade Reports.
*Please note: Course credit values are determined in partnership with accredited universities and may be updated to reflect current academic standards. While course content remains consistent, credit equivalencies are subject to change based on periodic reviews. We ensure all listings reflect the most current credit values at the time of enrollment.
**It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure all course requirements have been completed and a final grade has been issued in order to be eligible for grade documentation. Please continue to check your course regularly to confirm that your final grade has been posted.
2. How many courses can I enroll in? Is there a timeline minimum?
We understand that online training is designed to be flexible and work with your schedule. However, to maintain the integrity of our courses and the online educational experience, PDI, ACE, and UCSD have specific completion timelines. You may register for as many courses as you wish. However, in order to fully absorb the content of the online course, you must spend at least three weeks to complete EACH of your PDI courses. Remember, these guidelines apply to each course. So, if you are taking two courses, you must spend a total of six weeks in the courses (three weeks PER course). The timeline begins from the day you are enrolled and runs consecutively, not concurrently, when taking multiple courses.
3. If I register today, how long do I have to wait before I can begin my course?
Once you register, you will receive your course access information and instructions within 48 business hours. If you do not receive your course information within 48 business hours, please check your e-mail junk/spam folders. If you are using a district e-mail address, there may be a firewall that is preventing PDI's e-mails from getting through. If this is the case, please contact PDI's Program Coordinator, Allison Wynne, at allison@webteaching.com with a personal e-mail address.
4. If I have questions, who do I contact?
Most questions can be answered using information on the PDI website. However, for additional information, please feel free to contact PDI's Program Coordinator, Allison Wynne, at allison@webteaching.com. You will receive a response within 48 business hours. Or, you can call PDI at 949-263-4931.
5. What is the refund policy?
The following policy applies to refunds for online courses.
- Within 24 hours of registration/No access or participation in course/Full refund
- After 24 hours of registration/No participation in course/Full refund LESS $50 processing fee per course (only if refund request is within 7 days of registration)
- Participation in course/No refund
- No course changes after 7 business days from purchase.
6. Are PDI courses approved by my district/state?
Each district and state has its own requirements for acceptance of professional development courses. PDI provides a detailed syllabus and course approval form on every course page to submit to your district or state for approval prior to registering for a course.
7. Is the university credit from ACE and UCSD at the graduate level?
Yes. Credit from American College of Education is delivered at the graduate level and is degree-eligible, allowing learners to apply up to nine credits toward select advanced degree programs. Credit from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies is delivered at the graduate level for continuing education purposes, but it is not part of a formal degree-bearing program.
8. What are the differences between the three enrollment options?
You can choose from three flexible enrollment options designed to support credential renewal, salary advancement, and professional growth.
Course + American College of Education (ACE) Credit
Choose this option if you want graduate-level, degree eligible credit.
- Each course is worth 3 semester units of graduate-level credit from the American College of Education (ACE)
- Credit is degree-eligible
- Learners may transfer up to 9 credits toward select M.Ed. programs at ACE, subject to university policies and approval
- Commonly used for salary advancement, credential renewal, and degree pathways
Course + UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies (UCSD) Credit
Choose this option if you need graduate-level continuing education credit.
- Each course is worth 3⅓ semester units (5 quarter units) of graduate-level continuing education credit from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
- Credit is not degree-eligible
- Commonly used for salary advancement, credential renewal, and continuing education requirements
Course-Only
Choose this option if you need professional development hours but do not need university credit.
- No university credit is awarded
- Courses are worth 45 professional development/in-service hours unless otherwise noted
- Commonly used to satisfy employer, district, or state professional development requirements
*Important Information About Credit and Hour Values
The credit and hour values associated with our courses are determined in partnership with accredited universities. Occasionally, universities update their credit policies or academic standards, which may result in changes to the amount or type of credit awarded for a course. While the course content and learning experience remain the same, credit and hour values may be adjusted over time.
We always display the current credit and hour value on each course page, and the value shown at the time of enrollment is the value you will receive upon successful completion.
Please note: Course-only enrollments completed prior to February 2026 were valued at 50 hours. Current course-only enrollments are valued at 45 hours unless otherwise specified.
Choosing the Right Option
Depending on your career goals and school district requirements, choose the enrollment option that best fits your needs. PDI always recommends confirming with your state licensing agency, school district, employer, or salary advancement office that the course and credit option you select will meet your intended purpose before enrolling.
9. Why did the wording regarding credit from UCSD change from post-baccalaureate to graduate-level continuing education?
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies started an institutional review process in late January 2026. Under new academic leadership, the university confirmed in late May 2026 that these courses are appropriately designated as graduate-level continuing education credit.
This clarification reflects the academic level and intended audience of the coursework and does not represent any change to the course content, rigor, instructional quality, or learning outcomes.
10. How do I update my contact information?
If you need to update your name, mailing address, or email address, please contact Allison Wynne at allison@webteaching.com.
11. Which email should I use at checkout?
If you are purchasing courses for the first time, please use your personal email address as district emails can be blocked. If you are a returning PDI participant, please use the same email address PDI has on file for you when checking out.
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