Certificate FAQs

Is there a time limit for completing the course?

Yes. The Academic Calendar outlines the time you have to complete your certificate course. See specific program information for more details.

What kind of materials will I receive?

Shippable course materials vary depending on the course selected. During the course, all electronic course materials are available for download through our online learning management system. Please ask your enrollment representative for more details.

What if I have a question or concern? Is there someone to speak to?

Yes. You can contact a customer service representative at 800-280-9718. Representatives are available to answer your questions or help you resolve any concerns. You can also contact our technical support department at 800-742-1309.

Will I have assignments or exams?

Your course may include exams, research papers, discussion boards, projects and other types of assignments where you will demonstrate mastery of the concepts.

Will my certificates state that I earned them online?

No, your certificates are the same as if you took the program in a campus-based setting.

Why should I consider professional certifications?

Many of Villanova University’s online certificate programs help individuals prepare for industry certifications, which are awarded by the following associated organizations (see specific programs for additional information):

National Contract Management Association (NCMA®) – CCCM, CFCM, CPCM
Project Management Institute (PMI) – PMP®, CAPM®, PMI-ACP®
International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®) – CBAP®, CCBA®
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®) – SHRM-CPTM, SHRM-SCPTM
Scrum.org – Professional Scrum MasterTM (PSM)

PMP, PMI-ACP and CAPM are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

What are CEUs?

Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies issues Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the college’s professional certificate programs and courses. CEUs may be used as education hours towards certification and re-certification for certain accrediting organizations and can be required by employers for tuition assistance purposes. CEU’s appear on Villanova University’s Certificate of Completion.

When does your next session begin?

Most classes start on the first of each month and are offered on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.* Because there is no lengthy application process for these professional development programs, students can usually begin the month immediately following the month they enroll.

*Courses may be canceled from time to time, in which case students will be notified as soon as possible.

When do I have to register for the program?

You can register anytime and begin the program on the first of the month.

Where can I find important notices for online students located in specific states or countries?

Click here to view more information on authorizations and oversight of postsecondary distance education options.
Click here to see a list of state agency contact information sorted by geographic location.

What are the minimum system requirements?

Click here for more information.

I have a disability; how do I request special accommodations?

If you have a disability that requires a special accommodation in order to participate in an online course, you must identify yourself as a person with a disability and request an accommodation from the University. Your enrollment representative will provide further details about the process for receiving special accommodations from the University.