Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate School USA is licensed by the D.C. Education Licensure Commission. It is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) and has various approvals and affiliations.

Yes. Our communication, computer skills, leadership development, and management courses are useful for anyone looking to gain knowledge or improve professional skills. Many courses teach broadly applicable skills that can enhance your career, even if you don’t work in government.

All GSUSA courses are listed in our course catalog on our website. 

If you can’t find the course you need, use the live chat at the bottom right of your screen. You may also call our Customer Relations Center at (888) 744-4723 or email customerrelations@graduateschool.edu for assistance. 

In general, course materials are not sold separately from the course.

In general, most daytime courses run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, except certain CPE-designated courses, which run until 5 p.m. If your class is self-paced or asynchronous, you can access the content on your own schedule; for live classes, be sure to log in on time.

Yes. Graduate School USA stands behind the quality of our training. We have served over two million participants since 1921, and our courses consistently receive high ratings for relevance and effective delivery. If you feel a course did not meet its stated objectives, contact us to explain why, and we will either provide a refund or apply your tuition toward another GSUSA course or service. Your success is important to us, and we will work to make things right if you are not fully satisfied.

Our programs are primarily designed for adult learners. Undergraduate (for-credit) courses require students to be at least 21 years old and meet certain admission criteria (e.g., high school diploma/GED and a minimum GPA for credit programs). 

For non-credit courses, we have open enrollment – anyone 18 or older may register, regardless of educational background or employer. Non-credit classes do not require a formal application or fee; just register and pay the tuition to enroll.

Yes, we do! Graduate School USA offers a variety of online learning formats. Some programs may use a blended format combining live sessions with self-paced work.

Graduate School USA offers courses in two formats: live virtual instruction and on-site training. On-site sessions may take place at your facility or at Graduate School USA’s location at 600 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC, near the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station.

Yes, participants are expected to complete the entire course. Please make travel or work arrangements so you can be present for the full duration. If an emergency or unforeseen conflict arises that will cause you to miss class time, inform your instructor or our support team as soon as possible. You can reach us by using the live chat feature in the bottom right hand portion of your screen, or by sending a message to customerrelations@graduateschool.edu 

All instructor-led courses at Graduate School USA are taught live in real time by qualified instructors.. Instruction is interactive and often includes exercises, case studies, and other hands-on activities designed to reinforce learning.

To participate in live online instruction, students must have access to a personal computer with a reliable internet connection. Graduate School USA does not provide equipment for remote learners.

Certain courses may require the installation of specific software or access to a sandbox environment, particularly in technical or IT-related programs. Software requirements and prerequisites are outlined in individual course descriptions.

Zoom meeting links for our live online classes will be available at ClassesPortal.com 3 days prior to your class start date. You can use the live chat feature in the bottom-right corner of your screen for help, send an email the Customer Relations Center at customerrelations@graduateschool.edu, or call 1-888-744-4723, and we will make sure you get the access details you need.

Most courses include relevant training materials. The specific materials provided can vary by course – please see the individual course description for details on included materials. If any special materials or preparation are required on your part, we will notify you via email before the class begins.

If you haven’t seen your confirmation email, first check your spam or junk mail folder. If you do not see your course in the portal or if you have any doubts, please contact the Customer Relations Center for verification. You can reach us through the live chat feature in the bottom right-hand portion of your screen or call our Customer Relations Center at (888) 744-GRAD for help.

You can register for GSUSA courses in several ways. The quickest methods are to register online through our website or to call our Customer Relations Center to register by phone. All registrations must be accompanied by payment or approved payment information before we can officially enroll you in the class.

Yes. Once you have registered, you can manage many aspects of your enrollment through our ClassesPortal.com (an online student portal). By logging into the portal with the email address you used to register, you can: view your upcoming and completed courses, see details like class schedules, Zoom links, and course materials, download invoices/receipts, view or print your completion certificates, and request changes like reschedules.

Graduate School USA uses a few technologies for delivering online training. Currently, most live online classes are conducted via Zoom meetings/webinars, which allows for real-time video, audio, screen sharing, and chat interaction. For self-paced (asynchronous) courses, we use an LMS platform (D2L Brightspace) where you can log in and complete modules at your own pace.

Graduate School USA is committed to providing equal access to our programs for students with disabilities. If you require any special accommodations under the ADA, you should notify us in advance. To request accommodations: please complete the online Special Accommodation Request Form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar. We ask that you send your request at least four weeks before your course begins so that arrangements can be made. For any questions about accommodations, you may contact the Special Accommodations Coordinator at (202) 314-3654 or via email at regina.gibbons@graduateschool.edu.

After you register for a class, an account is created for you in our ClassesPortal.com (the online student portal). To log in, go to ClassesPortal.com and enter the email address that you used when registering for your course. If it’s your first time logging in, you will receive a 6-digit code to your email. Once logged in, you’ll have access to your personal dashboard with all your course information.

The ClassesPortal.com is your one-stop hub for managing your classes. In the portal, you can:

• View your upcoming and completed courses: See a list of all classes you’re enrolled in, including past courses and those currently in progress or upcoming.
• Access course information: For each course, you can view details like the schedule/timing, the instructor’s name, and location (for now, location will be “Online” or a Zoom link).
• Download receipts and invoices: You can download receipts and invoices right from the portal for any class you’ve registered for (look for options like “Download Receipt/Invoice” in your course details).
• View and print your certificates: After you complete a course, your certificate of completion will be available in the portal for you to view or download as a PDF. 

Request a reschedule: If you need to change your class date or retake a class, you can submit a request through the portal.

When you’re enrolled in a class, your student account at ClassesPortal.com will display a detailed page for that course under "View Course." Here, you will find direct links to your class materials, Zoom links, and any items to complete before class. If you're unsure how to navigate your student portal, use the chat box at the bottom right of the screen for live help.

Yes – every student who successfully completes a course at GSUSA will receive a Certificate of Completion for that course. You can retrieve your certificate by logging into www.classesportal.com with your email. Once logged in, you can see your certificates for courses you completed and met the course requirements.

We understand that schedules can change. GSUSA allows students to reschedule (transfer) their registration to a future session of the same course, subject to certain conditions.

To initiate a reschedule, log into your ClassesPortal.com account and find the class you want to reschedule. Choose the option to request a reschedule, then select an available future date for that same course.

After logging in to your ClassesPortal.com, navigate to your upcoming registrations. Select the course you wish to reschedule. If the class is eligible for rescheduling (i.e., it hasn’t started yet and is within the allowed timeframe), you will see a button or link to “Request Reschedule”.

If you need to cancel your registration completely (not transfer to another date), you must contact our Customer Relations Center. Graduate School USA will provide you with a refund if you cancel your enrollment prior to the start of your course or if you do not attend any part of the course. 

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather, or other events beyond our control. In the event a class is cancelled, we will notify you as soon as possible.

GSUSA offers several Certificate Programs (comprehensive programs composed of multiple courses in a curriculum). Unlike a degree program, our certificate programs generally do not have a selective admissions process – anyone can apply if they are interested. You can then register for those courses through the normal registration process (online). Most students aim to finish within 1–3 years. If you have questions about how to begin, reach us through the live chat feature located in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen or contact customerrelations@graduateschool.edu for guidance.

Possibly, yes. If you have completed equivalent coursework at another institution and believe it overlaps with courses in a GSUSA certificate program, you can request a review for credit transfer or waiver. If you have questions about a specific course’s acceptability, you can reach us through the live chat feature located in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen or email customerrelations@graduateschool.edu.

Yes. If you previously completed GSUSA courses that are part of the certificate curriculum, those should count toward the certificate (as long as they are still current in terms of content). When you enroll in the certificate program, any required or elective courses you have already finished with us will be applied to your progress – you won’t have to retake them.

No, we do not currently allow the substitution of work experience for certificate program course requirements.

Currently, the primary way to track your progress is to maintain a record of the courses you have completed and compare them against the certificate requirements. We provide a certificate program checklist/page (often available on our website for each program) where you can mark off completed courses and attach your completion certificates for reference

It’s not too late! Many students pause their certificate progress due to life events or work changes. You can resume your certificate program even if significant time has passed. The first step is to reach us through the live chat feature located in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen or contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss your situation. There may have been updates to the program requirements, so the Registrar can advise if any of your previously taken courses are no longer applicable or if new courses have been added.

Absolutely! You are welcome to pursue multiple certificates. Many of our students go on to earn more than one certificate of accomplishment from Graduate School USA.

If you need a duplicate course completion certificate, we can provide one. Since we now offer digital certificates through the portal, the easiest first step is to log in to the ClassesPortal.com and see if the certificate for that course is available to download (for courses taken after the portal implementation).

Yes, you can request a replacement program certificate of accomplishment as well. Unlike individual course certificates (which you can often get online), program certificates are issued upon completing all requirements and are signed by GSUSA officials. If you need a duplicate, send a request via email to the Registrar’s Office.

If you took a GSUSA course that was delivered as a custom on-site training for your agency (i.e. arranged by your employer for a group), it can count toward a certificate program provided that the course is equivalent to one in the certificate curriculum and a roster was received from your agency.

Graduate School USA can issue transcripts for any academic credit courses or CEU records you have with us. We do not fax or email official transcripts due to security and authenticity concerns. Official transcripts (printed on official paper with the GSUSA seal) cost $20 each. Unofficial transcripts (for your personal use) can be emailed or faxed to you free of charge. You can learn more about the transcript request process here.

Graduate School USA became the custodian of Southeastern University’s student records after SEU closed in 2009. If you attended Southeastern University (Washington, DC) and need copies of your transcripts, enrollment verifications, degree verifications, or a duplicate diploma, GSUSA can assist. 

For enrollment or degree verification letters, or diploma copies, instructions are provided on that SEU page as well. If you need personal assistance, you can contact the records custodian (currently Reginald Henderson at GSUSA’s Registrar’s Office) for SEU-related inquiries. Please visit the Southeastern University Information section on our site for full details on how to request these documents.

Graduate School USA can deliver our courses directly to your agency or organization for groups of employees. If you have a group of approximately five or more participants who need training, consider an on-site (or virtual private) course just for your team. To arrange training at your location (or a private online session), please contact our Business Development team at onsite@graduateschool.edu. 

Another way to request on-site training is via our website: find the course you’re interested in and fill out the On-Site Request Form. Provide details like the number of participants, preferred dates, and any customization requests.

Graduate School USA’s training programs are available through multiple federal procurement channels designed to support efficient and compliant acquisition.

We also accept Government Purchase Card transactions for micro-purchases (typically under $10,000) and respond to Requests for Quotations (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for larger or customized training initiatives. Our services are authorized under the Government Employees Training Act (5 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), and we are fully familiar with federal training procurement processes, including the use of SF-182 and other agency-specific documentation.

Whether through GSA schedule, purchase order, credit card, or interagency agreement, Graduate School USA is committed to providing flexible and straightforward procurement options. For vendor-specific information, our Unique Entity ID (UEI) is LA83MCFN1ST3, and our CAGE Code is 99AA0. To request our tax ID or additional documentation, please contact our Business Development team at onsite@graduateschool.edu.

Yes. Graduate School USA is an approved vendor under the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), FSC Group: Professional Services, Contract Number:47QRAA24D004K. We are authorized to provide services under the following Special Item Numbers (SINs):

• 611430 – Professional and Management Development Training
• 541611 – Management and Financial Consulting, Acquisition and Grants Management Support, and Business Program and Project Management Services
• OLM – Order-Level Materials

Graduate School USA’s GSA contract offers standardized pricing for instructor-led and online training, custom course development, consulting, and related services. For formal quotes or tailored solutions, please reach out to our Business Development team at onsite@graduateschool.edu.

Yes. Federal agencies frequently encounter year-end budget constraints and inquire whether current fiscal year funds may be applied to training that is delivered in the subsequent fiscal year. Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 32.7 – Contract Funding, updated August 7, 2025, and supported by Comptroller General decisions, training is generally considered a bona fide need of the fiscal year in which it is ordered, provided the service is non-severable. A non-severable service is defined as a complete, standalone course rather than an ongoing or continuous engagement.

Comptroller General decisions, including B-233243, B-213141-O.M., and B-321296, affirm that agencies may obligate current fiscal year funds for training that begins in the next fiscal year if the following conditions are met:

• The training provider requires registration during the current fiscal year
• The course is scheduled for a specific future date
• The time between registration and delivery is reasonable and not excessive

This guidance permits agencies to obligate end-of-year funds for a Graduate School USA class that begins in one fiscal year and concludes in the next, without violating fiscal law. The Office of Personnel Management also supports this interpretation under the bona fide need rule.

Graduate School USA’s Business Development team is committed to responding promptly to all on-site training inquiries. Upon receipt of a request submitted by chat, telephone, email, or through the online form, a representative will initiate contact within one business day to acknowledge the inquiry and begin gathering the necessary information. Contact us at onsite@graduateschool.edu.

If the requested training involves customization, Graduate School USA will schedule a scoping meeting to review the request in detail. When alignment is confirmed, a project plan or proposal will be prepared, generally within five business days.

Yes. Graduate School USA offers the ability to tailor existing courses to reflect agency-specific policies, procedures, examples, and case studies. Content, emphasis, and course length may be adjusted to meet organizational needs, where practicable and within reasonable instructional parameters. 

For agencies with unique training requirements not addressed by existing catalog offerings, Graduate School USA can evaluate requests for new course development. When such alignment is established, a project plan or proposal will be developed, typically within five business days.

All customization and course development services are provided through the labor categories defined in Graduate School USA’s GSA Schedule contract number 47QRAA24D004K.

Yes. If your center has a preferred instructor, such as someone who previously led a course and received strong evaluations, you may request that individual for your on-site training. 

When coordinating your training, please include the instructor’s name in your request. Scheduling is subject to the instructor’s availability on your preferred dates. If the requested instructor is unavailable, Graduate School USA will notify you and offer either alternative dates or a similarly qualified instructor to ensure instructional continuity and quality.

Yes. Graduate School USA can customize existing On-Demand (self-paced) courses to reflect agency-specific regulations, policies, or case examples. Development time and associated costs will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the requested changes.

All customization services are provided through the labor categories defined in Graduate School USA’s GSA Schedule contract number 47QRAA24D004K.

Yes. Graduate School USA routinely customizes training to reflect agency-specific policies, regulations, and operational context. Our instructors are experienced in working with federal, state, and local agencies and can tailor content to ensure the training is directly applicable to your organization.

All customization services are delivered under the labor categories defined in Graduate School USA’s GSA Schedule contract 47QRAA24D004K, ensuring full compliance with federal acquisition standards. For non-federal clients, services are available at open market rates.

Our online registration system supports multiple registrations in a single transaction if you are enrolling several people. When prompted “Do you want to process registrations for others?”, choose YES. You can then input the details for the next participant or add another class for the same participant, and continue this process to add all desired registrations to the cart. 

Once you’ve entered all participants and classes, proceed to checkout and pay in one go (if by credit card). The system will send confirmation emails to each enrollee. You (as the purchaser) will get a receipt for the transaction.

Graduate School USA routinely works with training centers to establish deferred or pre-pay accounts. This arrangement allows centers to deposit funds in advance, which are then drawn down as participants register for courses. It offers a streamlined and efficient method for managing training payments, particularly for organizations with ongoing enrollment activity.

To initiate this process, please contact the Business Development team at onsite@graduateschool.edu. Once funds are received, an account number will be issued for use as a payment reference across all course delivery formats, including open enrollment, private group training, and on-demand self-paced learning.

Yes. Graduate School USA can shorten courses upon request.

All customization services are delivered under the labor categories defined in Graduate School USA’s GSA Schedule contract number 47QRAA24D004K, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition standards.

Yes. Graduate School USA can shorten courses upon request; however, it is important to consider the instructional trade-offs. For example, the standard 10-day Basic Position Classification course may be condensed into a 5-day format to accommodate agency scheduling needs. While this modification is possible, it will necessarily reduce the breadth of content and limit opportunities for practical application.

The full two-week version is designed to provide comprehensive instruction, including extensive exercises and coverage of multiple classification standards. A shortened version would emphasize core concepts and reduce time allocated for hands-on activities. During the planning process, Graduate School USA will collaborate with your center to identify which instructional elements are most essential to retain.

This process begins with a scoping meeting to define instructional objectives, content priorities, and delivery parameters. Based on that discussion, Graduate School USA will assess whether the proposed modification aligns with its instructional capabilities and the desired learning outcomes. When alignment is confirmed, a project plan or proposal will be developed, typically within five business days.

All customization services are delivered under the labor categories defined in Graduate School USA’s GSA Schedule contract number 47QRAA24D004K, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition standards.