Frequently Asked Questions

Correspondence Courses

1. What is the difference between a correspondence course and an Internet (online) course?
2. So, how are the QEST Correspondence Courses structured?
   What will I have to do in order to complete the course?
3. What is the process for registering & when can I register?
4. What do the class fees include?
5. Is it better to take a weekend course or a correspondence course?
6. Will you accept a purchase order from my agency?
7. Will I have an “instructor” to assist me with the course or will I be totally on my own?
8. How do I know which classes I need to take?
9. Will I have a deadline in which I need to complete the course?
10. I’ve heard that your instructional methods during weekend classes are not always “traditional”, does this also apply to your correspondence courses???
11. What if I have more questions?
12. 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 to 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 DODD expiration date!!!!  At least 30 days is needed to complete the process from registration, taking the course and receiving your certificate of completion.  

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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 your 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 DODD Certificate of Completion and receipt of payment will be mailed to you within 2 to 4 working days.      

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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 DODD 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!!!!

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 ($135 seminar paid to QEST) to the address listed below Payment can be made via check or money order. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Credit Cards for weekend and correspondence course payments. Debit cards are only accepted if they have the Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card logo on them.  Please call Lesha at 513-662-0170 to provide your credit card information.

QEST
3020 Goda Ave,
Cincinnati, OH 45211

College 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, along with the course.  You will complete all 3 forms and immediately 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

4. What do the class fees include?

Seminar Credit   (30 Hours)

The fee for seminar credit is $135 which includes all materials, instruction, pre-paid postage, 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 payable to QEST. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards.)

College Credit  (Through Cincinnati State College)

The fee for college credit is $360 which includes all materials, instruction, transcripts, pre-paid postage, 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!!!!)

 

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, pre-paid postage, 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. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Credit Cards. Please call Lesha at 513-662-0170 for further information.)

NOTE: Overnight/Express Fees Disclaimer
If your Ohio DODD renewal deadline is less than 30 days from the time you register to take a correspondence course, then you may be required to pay extra in order to cover Overnight/Express mailing fees. This will only be required if Overnight/Express mailing is needed in order to ensure that you meet your DODD renewal date.

5. If a weekend class is offered for the course topic that I need, would I be better off taking it vs. taking a correspondence course? 

This really depends on several factors that only you can answer:

1. What type of learner are you?  Self-learner or prefer to be “taught”?
2. Would you rather complete the course in 1 scheduled weekend or in 30 hours that is arranged around your schedule?
3. Would you have to travel to take the weekend course & would this create added expenses such as hotel, meals, fuel, etc…?
4. 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!!!!  You are given approximately 45 days 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.)

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6. Will you accept a purchase order from my agency?

Yes, purchase orders (P.O.) are accepted from county boards and provider agencies. During the registration process, inform us that you want to pay via purchase order, then mail or fax a copy of the P.O. to QEST.

Please make sure the following information is on the P.O.:

1. Your name
2. Amount approved for invoice
   ($360 college or $135 seminar/CEC/CPD)
3. Invoice contact person and their phone number
4. Address to send invoice

7.  Will I have an “instructor” to assist me with the course or will I be totally on my own?

 Lesha Self, M.Ed., is the instructor for all courses.  She is available via phone or e-mail during the time that you are taking your course.  Some reasons to contact her might include:

1. You have questions about the material or content.
2. You have questions or need clarification about the worksheets, test or college paper.
3. You have a desire to discuss the material or content further.
4. You do not know how to answer the questions because your job does not directly involve the material or content.
5. You have nothing better to do than to call Lesha at which time she will assist you in connecting with a social network or support group (LOL).

8.  How do I know which classes I need to take?

The Ohio DODD determines which classes you will need to take based upon your job and their review of your past transcripts/course completion certificates.  After your initial application for Certification/Registration with the Ohio DODD, they will send you a worksheet that details out what classes you will need, what type of credit (college or seminar) and the timeline in which you must complete the courses.  Be sure to take the classes within the specified time period or you will lose your job!!!!!

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. The dates that QEST will be closed this year are listed on the home page of this website. Please understand that you will not be able to begin courses or receive certificates of completion during the times that QEST is closed.

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9.  Will I have a deadline in which I need to complete the course?

Yes!!!!!   There will be a specific deadline date written in the course that you receive, this will be the date that all materials have to be received by QEST.  This date is approx 45 days from the time you receive the course in the mail.  This gives you 40 days to complete the course and a five “buffer” days for packaging and mailing it back to QEST. 

I am very flexible with due dates as long as you do not cut it too close to your Ohio DODD renewal date. All I ask is that you communicate your timeline needs to me so that we can work together to ensure your success!!!

10.  I’ve heard that your instructional methods during weekend classes are not always “traditional”, does this also apply to your correspondence courses???

You’ll have to take a correspondence course to find out for yourself!!! Let’s just say that these courses will challenge you to think in ways that will expand who you are as a professional and as a person!!!!!  Don’t worry, you won’t be asked to do anything “too weird”!!!  I do not ask you to do anything that I myself have not already done (I have completed all of the worksheets and tests myself and tested them on a focus group before they are ever incorporated into a course.) 

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11. What if I have more questions?

I would be happy to personally answer any questions that you may have!!!  You may either hit the “Contact” button on this website, or call me at (513) 662-0170.        

  

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12.  Why is there no “U” in QEST???

QEST is an acronym for “Quality Enhancement Services & Training”, thus there being no “U”.  If you put a “U” in the e-mail address, I will not get the message….matter of fact it goes to some other person who will not forward it to me!!!!  So, remember to mind your “U’s”!!!!!!!

 

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