Frequently Asked Questions Below are commonly-asked questions, and their respective answers. Please contact us directly if you don’t find the information you are looking for. Q. How much education should I have to enroll in Sonoran Desert Institute’s Programs and Courses? A. We don’t require any student to have a specific amount of formal education before enrolling in Sonoran Desert Institute training programs. Each program is specifically designed for people who want to know more and are willing to put forth a reasonable effort toward their own self-improvement. You need no previous experience in the field because your course begins with the basics and builds on that foundation with each new lesson. Q. I’ve never taken a home study course. How does Sonoran Desert Institute at-home training work? A. Forget about those big, forbidding 400-page textbooks you had in school. Sonoran Desert Institute breaks down your course into a series of logical, bite-size lessons, written in clear, everyday language and loaded with diagrams and illustrations that help you actually see what you’re learning. Self-test questions highlight key points, graded lesson tests reinforce your understanding of concepts, and hands-on projects give you a chance to practice what you learn using professional, real-world equipment. But Sonoran Desert Institute at-home training doesn’t mean you study by yourself. Instead, you’re a “classroom of one.” Using convenient consultation forms that you exchange by mail and by commenting on your tests, quizzes, and projects, your personal Sonoran Desert Institute instructor gives you the feedback and advice you need to succeed. Our on-line programs also provide for more individualized study to help you master the material and be successful! Q. Is home study recognized? A. The U.S. Department of Education endorses home study, as do leading educators worldwide. Home study courses are offered by hundreds of top universities and by all branches of the Armed Forces. And – more people enrolled for home study courses last year than entered all colleges and universities as freshmen! And, in Arizona and other states, our programs are eligible for Workforce Investment Act funding for qualified students. Check with your local WIA office to determine if you are eligible for these programs Our programs, aside from being licensed and accredited are also approved for Veterans’ funding and to participate in the DANTES program. We are also listed as an accredited school by the U.S. Department of Education at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Q. Do home training programs cost a lot? A. No. In fact, home training programs are one of the best educational investments available today. Tuition for Sonoran Desert Institute’s programs and courses in most instances is less than the cost for one semester’s attendance at many colleges, vocational or trade schools. It’s also less than the same training would cost at a private school. What’s more, all the materials, tools, and equipment you train with – even the software – are yours to keep. Financial aid is also available to those who qualify. We are approved to offer SLM educational loan programs, and you can even use your VISA or MasterCard for full tuition, down payment, and/or monthly payments where applicable. But don’t let price be your only guide. You should also keep in mind the thoroughness of training materials and the reputation of any school you consider. (See the enrollment agreement for your specific program or course on this website for the exact tuition. Q. May I progress through my course as fast or as slow as I like, or am I tied to some sort of schedule? A. Naturally, your Sonoran Desert Institute instructor will do everything possible to ensure that your progress is strong and steady. But one of the biggest advantages of Sonoran Desert Institute at-home training is that you’re not locked into a predetermined rate of study. For example, a steady pace of completing two to four lessons per month means you’ll make good progress while you ensure maximum learning retention. Some of our on-line programs are timed in weeks to help you keep up and master the coursework. At that rate, you can expect to complete your course in about 12 to 18 months. But if you prefer, you may take as many as three years to complete your training, even longer for a nominal servicing fee. Q. What if I find it necessary to interrupt my training? A. If unforeseen circumstances should make it necessary to interrupt your training, Sonoran Desert Institute will gladly grant you an extension so that you can continue your studies at a later date. Should you move, your training privileges will follow you wherever you go. (Some shipping restrictions may apply in countries outside of North America.) Q. Do I have to pay for my course if I can’t continue? A. Sonoran Desert Institute permits you to withdraw from training if you’re unable to continue your course. As an Arizona Private Licensed School and a DETC Accredited Institution, Sonoran Desert Institute provides a special cancellation policy designed for your protection if you must discontinue your training. Of course, we hope you’ll complete your Sonoran Desert Institute course, and we’ll do everything we can to help you toward that objective. Q. Do I need to be licensed or certified to work in my field of Study? A. Depending upon your career field, some states may require formal licensing or certification. Our Student Services staff is here to help you navigate the various requirements in your state. If you do have to comply with your state requirements we will help you answer questions related to your education for the state regulators. You can check the specific program page on our Web Site for links to regulations in your home state, if applicable.