Frequently Asked Questions
Correspondence Courses
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What is the difference between a correspondence course and an Internet (online) course? - So, how are the QEST Correspondence Courses structured?
What will I have to do in order to complete the course? - What is the process for registering & when can I register?
- What do the class fees include?
- Is it better to take a weekend course or a correspondence course?
- Will you accept a purchase order from my agency?
- Will I have an “instructor” to assist me with the course or will I be totally on my own?
- How do I know which classes I need to take?
- Will I have a deadline in which I need to complete the course?
- I’ve heard that your instructional methods during weekend classes are not always “traditional”, does this also apply to your correspondence courses???
- What if I have more questions?
- Why is there no “U” in QEST???
- 1. What is the difference between a correspondence course
and an Internet (online) course? - Correspondence courses are much more flexible than Internet or online courses!!!!! With an Internet course, you have to be logged on specific dates and/or times to take the course. With a Correspondence course, you learn at your own pace and do not have to be “tied” to a computer to complete the course assignments. In fact, no computer is needed at all to take these courses: You can literally work on the course anywhere that you choose at any time that you choose. You do NOT have to wait for specific dates to register or take the course: Whenever you need it, let QEST know and we will get you started on your course.**
** Note: Courses do take 30 hours to complete, so please allow enough time to receive and complete the course before your ODMRDD expiration date!!!! At least 30 days is needed to complete the process from registration, taking the course and receiving your certificate of completion. - 2. So, how are the QEST Correspondence Courses structured?
What will I have to do in order to complete the course? - First, you register for and pay for the course. (See #3 below) Once your payment is received, the course will be mailed to you via Priority Mail. Your course contents will include the book which is written by Lesha Self and customized for the Developmental Disabilities field in Ohio; content worksheets for each chapter of the book; and activity worksheets for each chapter. The content worksheets cover the “meat” of the material and the activity worksheets help you apply the material to your job/life. You will read the book, complete all the worksheets and complete an open-book test on the material. You will also keep track of you time spent on the course via an included “time sheet”. (If taking the course for college credit, there is also a 5 page paper to write about the course materials). Once you have completed all of the course materials (30 hours worth of instruction), you will bundle them in the included pre-paid, pre-addressed Priority Mail envelope and send them back to QEST. Once received your materials will be personally graded by Lesha and your ODMRDD Certificate of Completion and receipt of payment will be mailed to you within 48 hours.
- 3. What is the process for registering & when can I register?
- You can register at any time!!!!! The registration process depends on what type of credit you want:. Please see below under the type of credit you desire for the specific registration process.
To allow yourself ample time to complete the course, be sure to register for correspondence courses at least 45 days (seminar) and 90 days (college) prior to your ODMRDD Expiration Date…See home page of this website for dates that QEST will be closed because you cannot start courses during times that we are closed!!!!
You will be required to pay an extra $50 Fee for Express Mailing & Emergency Processing if you register less than 45 days (seminar) or 90 days (college) prior to your ODMRDD Expiration Date. This will make your total fee ($410 College) or ($185 Seminar or CEC/CPD)
Seminar (30 hours) or CEC/PDC/Growth Hours (30 hours)
Seminar or CEC/CPD Credits: Here is how to register and pay for the course:Step #1
Register to take the course by clicking on the “Correspondence Course Registration” button or by calling QEST at (513) 662-0170. You will receive a reply from QEST that you have been registered. If we need additional information we will either e-mail or call you.
Step #2
Send your payment via check or money order ($135 seminar paid to QEST) to:
- QEST
3020 Goda Ave,
Cincinnati, OH 45211College Credit (3 quarter hours)
College Credit: Here is how to register and pay for the course:Step #1
Register to take the course by clicking on the “Correspondence Course Registration” button or by calling QEST at (513) 662-0170. You will receive a reply from QEST that you have been registered. If we need additional information we will either e-mail or call you.
Step #2
I will mail you the registration forms (3 forms) for Cincinnati State. You will complete all 3 forms and mail them back to me with payment of $360 (Payable to Cincinnati State via check, money order, Visa or Mastercard) (Debit cards are NOT accepted) (If you want to pay via credit card let me know before I send you the forms as there are special places you have to sign for credit card payment). You will mail these items to me at:
QEST
3020 Goda Ave,
Cincinnati, OH 45211
College Credit (Through Cincinnati State College)
The fee for college credit is $360 which includes all materials, instruction, transcripts and the instructor taking care of all of your registration paperwork with Cincinnati State. (For regular processing of correspondence courses, there are NO hidden fees….You pay $360 and that is all!!!!) (College credit may be paid via check, money order, Visa or Mastercard to Cincinnati State. Debit cards and cash are not accepted!!!!)
Seminar Credit (30 Hours)
The fee for seminar credit is $135 which includes all materials, instruction and your certificate of completion. (For regular processing of correspondence courses, there are NO hidden fees….You pay $135 and that is all!!!) (Seminar credit may be paid via check or money order to QEST)
Continuing Education Credits (CEC) or
Continuing Professional Development Units (CPD) or
Growth Hours (30 Hours)
The fee for CEC or CPD credit is $135 which includes all materials, instruction and your certificate of completion. (For regular processing of correspondence courses, there are NO hidden fees….You pay $135 and that is all!!!) (CEC/CPD credit may be paid via check or money order to QEST)
You will be required to pay an extra $50 Fee for Express Mailing & Emergency Processing if you register less than 45 days (seminar) or 90 days (college) prior to your ODMRDD Expiration Date. This will make your total fee ($410 College) or ($185 Seminar or CEC/CPD)
- 5. Is it better to take a weekend course or a correspondence course?
- This really depends on several factors that only you can answer:
- What type of learner are you? Self-learner or prefer to be “taught”?
- Would you rather complete the course in 1 scheduled weekend or in 30 hours that is arranged around your schedule?
- Would you have to travel to take the weekend course & would this create added expenses such as hotel, meals, fuel, etc…?
- Most importantly, are you a self-starter/self-motivated or a procrastinator? (Please note that if you tend to be a procrastinator then a correspondence course is probably NOT for you….there is a 30 day time frame in which you must complete the course so it is vital that you are self-motivated and work on the course consistently from the time that you receive it.)
Please make sure the following information is on the P.O.:
- Your name
- Amount approved for invoice
($360 college or $135 seminar/CEC/CPD)- Invoice contact person and their phone number
- Address to send invoice
- You have questions about the material or content.
- You have questions or need clarification about the worksheets, test or college paper.
- You have a desire to discuss the material or content further.
- You do not know how to answer the questions because your job does not directly involve the material or content.
- You have nothing better to do that night than to call Lesha at which time she will assist you in connecting with a social network or support group (LOL).
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW YOUR EXPIRATION DATE AND TO TAKE YOUR COURSES EARLY. I recommend that you take your courses at least 6 months prior to your expiration date. Do not assume that I will be able to get a course to you immediately as I am often out of town conducting trainings. Also note on the home page of this website the dates that QEST will be closed in 2008...you will not be able to begin courses during these dates and the sending of certificates of completion may be delayed during these dates.