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Business and Professional Development Programs

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Self-paced Career Training Programs

Format and Overview - Sustainable Energy and Going Green

      Biofuel Production Operations
      Building Analyst Quick Start Program (BPI BA Certification)
      Certified Green Supply Chain Professional
      Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager
      Certified Indoor Environmentalist
      Natural Gas Plant Operations
      Performing Comprehensive Building Assessments
      Principles of Green Buildings
      Senior Certified Sustainability Professional
      Wind Energy Professional
      Solar Power Professional

Format and Overview

Sustainable Energy and Going Green Career Development Programs

These programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations, all within a six-month delivery window.

ed2go (formerly Gatlin Education Services) builds their programs with a team of professionals from each respective field, who work with an existing text book or base of material to provide the most effective web-based learning experience. The Programs are all open enrollment, asynchronous, and interactive. Instructors are actively involved in the students' online learning experience. They respond to any questions or concerns as well as encouraging and motivating students to succeed. Each program has a set of lessons and tests; grades are a combination of computer-graded tests and the instructor’s evaluation of the students' work.

Demonstrations are available for many of the available certificate programs. Once you decide on a certificate program simply call the VSU Continuing Education Department or complete the online registration form and mail or fax it in us. After your registration and payment have been received you will be sent a confirmation email from VSU. GES will then contact you and give you the necessary information (URL, username, and password) to access your classroom. Within 3 - 5 business days they will ship you the appropriate courseware and your instructor will be alerted that he/she has a new student.

After you have received your materials, you will then have access to the course until you complete it. Most of the courses are structured to be completed within 6 months, however, if you need more time extensions are available. Upon notification from GES of satisfactory completion of the program you will be awarded a certificate from Valdosta State University indicating the continuing education credits (CEUs) earned.

Requirements: Details regarding computer programs and Internet access are included with each program description.

Financial Aid Options

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Biofuel Production Operations

The Biofuel Production Operations Online Training Program will give you the education you need to begin an exciting career in biofuel production. As a biofuel production operator, your job will be to ensure the quality and purity of the biofuel your plant produces. This involves inspecting and repairing equipment, operating computer systems, and handling lab equipment. This online program will ensure you have the skills you need to handle these tasks.

At the present time, hundreds of facilities worldwide are producing biofuels. Over the next few decades many advances will be made in this field, and hundreds of new facilities will be built to produce this type of fuel. This opens a new field for potential workers. For decades to come, biofuels will be produced and consumed in the United States, creating an ongoing demand for biofuel production workers
(400 hours/40 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:To enroll in this program, you should have basic computer skills and a high school diploma or the equivalent. This program is for you if you seek an entry-level position in the field of biofuel production.

Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.

      Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
                   If you need more time, extensions are available.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$2595

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Building Analyst Quick Start Program (BPI BA Certification)

The Building Analyst Quick Start Program was developed and written in partnership with nationally recognized building science experts. You'll learn about the principles of green buildings—from insulation to indoor air quality—as well as how to perform comprehensive building assessments. The Building Analyst Quick Start Program consists of two online training programs: Principles of Green Buildings and Performing Comprehensive Building Assessments.

Students who successfully complete the Building Analyst Quick Start program will have demonstrated that they have the requisite knowledge and ability to apply these concepts to real-world buildings and their systems. However, it's important to point out that there is no program, lab, or other educational substitute for time spent in the field, working in buildings and experiencing situations first-hand. This program is designed to put you into close simulations of situations you can expect to encounter in the real world. It requires you to learn what the various assessment tools and techniques are, when to use them, and how to use the information gained to prioritize decision making and how to report this information to various stakeholders.

This program has also been designed to help prepare individuals on the path to various NATE, NARI, BPI, RESNET, and other industry credentials related to green building performance. Instruction aligns with ANSI/ACCA Quality Installation and Maintenance Standards. This program is recognized by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and Building Performance Institute (BPI) for 28 hours of continuing education (28 CEHs) applicable to NATE and BPI recertification. Must obtain a 75% or higher to obtain CEH recognition.
(60 hours/6 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:This program is for you if you're beginning your career in home performance, whether as an HVAC technician; an envelope worker in areas such as air sealing, insulation, and vapor barriers; a siding and window specialist; or an employee in a similar occupation.

The program is also suited for people who will be engaged in conducting building assessments, energy audits, performance testing, energy ratings, green ratings, rating verifications, quality assurance, quality installations, building inspections, home inspections, home tune-ups, or other related building improvement, evaluation, or repair services

Requirements: High-speed Internet is recommended, but you can still take programs online using a dial-up connection. This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.

Please note: AOL, MSN, Opera, Safari, and Camino browsers are NOT supported.

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Building Analyst Quick Start Program (BPI BA Certification)

Certified Green Supply Chain Professional

Gain the skills and knowledge you’ll need to “green” an organization’s supply chain. Global sourcing, material management, procurement/buying, transportation and logistics, and new product development require specialized knowledge to enable a company to achieve its environmental sustainability goals.The Certified Green Supply Chain Professional Online Training Program will give you the specialized knowledge to enable a company to achieve its environmental sustainability goals through global sourcing, materials management, procurement and buying, transportation and logistics, and new product development.
(60 hours/6 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience: There are no specific prerequisites for this program. Students should have basic keyboarding and computer skills and be comfortable navigating the Internet. They must also have an understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word recommended), and they need to have e-mail capabilities as well.

This sustainability certification program is essential for professionals working in or preparing for leadership roles tasked to support the sustainable business practices and goals of their organization. Professionals who need to create collaborative partnerships in order to improve sustainable business practices throughout the supply chain will also benefit from this program, as will sustainability consultants who must analyze greenchallenges for their clients and develop supply-chain strategies. Managers, directors, or vice presidents whose departments are within the operations or supply-chain groups and have responsibility for implementing green supply-chain practices will find this training useful. Professionals who need to develop collaborative supplier partnerships with OEM organizations they support as a Tier I or II supplier will benefit from this training.

Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. There are no specific computer requirements for this program other than an Internet connection (a broadband Internet connection is highly recommended). In addition, you'll need to have Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, Flash plug-in, and a QuickTime plug-in on your computer (all available through free downloads).

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Certified Green Supply Chain Professional career development program

Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager

Are you a facility manager, building engineer, or health and safety officer who wants to improve the indoor air quality of your building? Are you properly prepared to handle air quality complaints? Common mistakes can turn a small grievance into a wildfire of speculation and accusation.

In this Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager Online Training and Certification Program, you'll learn how to diagnose, resolve, and prevent indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints. You’ll also establish a comprehensive IAQ plan specific to your buildings.
(16 hours/1.6 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:There are no prerequisites to taking the CIAQM Program. There are, however, experience requirements for those students wishing to take the optional certification exam by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). ACAC requires a high school diploma or GED, along with two years of documented experience in property management, risk management, asset management, or corporate policy-making. Questions regarding certification should be directed to ACAC.

This program is for you if you manage indoor air quality complaints in buildings. Facility managers, building engineers, property managers, health and safety officers, and other building staff will find the program valuable for its training in improving air quality while reducing complaints.

Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. The Adobe Flash Player is required for this program. Click here to download the Flash Player.

All material is available online. You'll be able to save the entire text portion of the program as a PDF file so that you can reference the material even after you’ve completed the program.

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Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager - Career Development Program

Certified Indoor Environmentalist

Would you like to become an indoor air quality (IAQ) or green building consultant? Would you like to better understand how to create a healthy home or building by preventing, diagnosing, and resolving indoor environmental problems? If so, the Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) Course is just for you.
(32 hours/3.2 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:There are no prerequisites to taking the CIE Program. There are, however, experience requirements for those students wishing to take the optional certification exam by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). ACAC requires a high school diploma or GED, along with two years of documented field experience in conducting indoor air quality investigations. Questions regarding certification should be directed to ACAC.

If you'd like to become an indoor air quality or green building consultant, this program is for you. While the program is designed for students without any experience, you may more easily comprehend certain sections of the program if you have a background in HVAC, home inspection, construction, or healthcare.

Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.The Adobe Flash Player is required for this program. Click here to download the Flash Player.

All material is available online. You'll be able to save the entire text portion of the program as a PDF file, so that you can reference the material even after you’ve completed the program.

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Certified Indoor Environmentalist - Career Development Program

Natural Gas Plant Operations

The Natural Gas Plant Operations Online Training Program provides you with the knowledge and skills you'll need to begin an exciting career in natural gas plant operations. Natural gas has two things going for it. First, it provides clean energy. Second, it’s plentiful in the United States. For decades to come, natural gas will be produced and consumed in the United States, creating ongoing demand for natural gas plant operators.

For people who want to enter this field, it’s difficult to find suitable training to become an entry-level worker. This online program provides the fundamental technical background you need to get started in this field. This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.
(400 hours/40 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:To enroll in this program, you should have basic computer skills and a high school diploma or the equivalent. This program is for you if you’re seeking an entry-level position in the field of natural gas production.

Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.

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Natural Gas Plant Operations - Career Training Program

Performing Comprehensive Building Assessments

The Performing Comprehensive Building Assessments (PCBA) Online Training Program will give you a thorough understanding of the building assessment process. This intermediate program focuses on the skills you need to professionally conduct visual building inspections, perform diagnostic testing, determine residential building improvement opportunities, document a home's performance, prioritize improvements, and prepare a work scope that will guide the homeowner's decision-making process for making the improvements.
(30 hours/3 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience: This intermediate-level program is intended for those who are seriously pursuing a career in building, remodeling, or HVAC, or a trade industry related to home performance. We recommend that you take the Principles of Green Building program or have a solid understanding of building science concepts and house-as-a-system prior to enrollment.

The PCBA Program is also for you if you're seeking NATE, NARI, BPI, RESNET, and other industry credentials related to green-building performance.

Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. Please note: AOL, MSN, Opera, Safari, and Camino browsers are NOT supported.?

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Performing Comprehensive Building Assessments - Career Training Program

Principles of Green Buildings

The Principles of Green Buildings Online Training Program is designed to teach you the principles you must know in order to make buildings perform more efficiently. The program was developed and written in partnership with nationally recognized building science experts from Advanced Energy of North Carolina. The Principles of Green Buildings Online Training Program will also help prepare you for industry credentials for green building.
(30 hours/3 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:To enroll in this program, you must have a computer with Internet access and be comfortable with e-mail and Internet navigation.

This program is for you if you're beginning your career in the home performance workforce or exploring that realm of work. Home performance covers a broad range of trades and occupations, including HVAC technicians and building envelope workers, such as air sealing, insulation, and vapor barrier workers, and siding and window specialists.

Requirements:While high-speed Internet is recommended, you can still take the program using dial-up, but you'll have a limited experience. This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. Please note: AOL, MSN, Opera, Safari and Camino browsers are not supported.

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Principles of Green Buildings - Career Training Program

Senior Certified Sustainability Professional

Are you prepared for an exciting career as a leader in the green collar economy? Millions of new jobs in this rapidly growing sector will be available to people that set themselves apart from the crowd by earning the professional credentials and skills they need to lead sustainable business practices.

The Senior Certified Sustainability Professional Online Training Program will prepare you for an exciting career as a leader in the green-collar economy. As a certified sustainability professional, you’ll be responsible for setting the course and coordinating an enterprise's sustainability strategy. Millions of new jobs in this rapidly growing sector will be available to people who set themselves apart from the crowd by earning the professional credentials and skills they need to lead sustainable business practices.

(110 hours/11 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience: There are no specific prerequisites for this program, but before enrolling, you should have basic keyboarding and computer skills and be comfortable navigating the Internet and using e-mail. You should also have an understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word is recommended).

This program is for professionals working in or preparing for leadership roles tasked to support the sustainable business practices and goals of their organization.

Requirements: This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. There are no specific computer requirements other than an Internet connection (high-speed Internet is highly recommended). In addition, you'll need to have Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader, Flash Player, and a QuickTime plug-in on your computer (all are available through free downloads).

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Senior Certified Sustainability Professional - Career Training Program

Wind Energy Professional

Wind energy companies are growing exponentially to meet America's demand for clean, renewable, domestic energy. This entry-level Wind Energy Professional online training program prepares you for a career in the wind energy industry.

In this program, you’ll learn the basics of wind energy principles, including wind technology, wind energy anatomy, wind farm design, wind business, and characteristics of energy sources. This program covers the fundamentals of hydraulics and the basic theory and practice of electrical circuits, including calculations as applied to alternating and direct currents.

Learn the skills you need to succeed in the lucrative wind industry by signing up for this program today!
(240 hours/24 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:There are no prerequisites for this program. This program is for you if you’re seeking an entry-level technician position in the wind energy industry.

Requirements: This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. To take this program, you’ll need an Internet connection (high-speed is preferred). Your computer should run on a Windows or Mac operating system.

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Wind Energy Apprentice - Career Training Program

Solar Power Professional

In this program, you'll learn the fundamentals of photovoltaic solar powered energy systems, gaining the knowledge you'll need for an entry level position with a dealer, installer, or other photovoltaic industry company.
(120 hours/12 CEUs)

Prerequisites/Audience:There are no prerequisites for this program. This program is for you if you’re seeking an entry-level technician position in the wind energy industry.

Requirements: High-speed Internet is recommended. This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. *Please note: AOL, MSN, Opera, Safari, and Camino browsers are not supported. You also need to have the latest version of Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader to properly view all course content.

Please Note: This program cannot be taken on a Mac.

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Solar Power Professional - Career Training Program

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Sustainable Energy and Going Green Career Development Programs