Online Training FAQ

GENERAL

What are the components of online training courses?
Each course consists of one or more live sessions, an archived recording of each live session, lecture notes, message board and a final exam.

If I cannot attend one or more live sessions, can I still participate in the course?
Yes, each live session is recorded and posted in the online course folder. Participants have anywhere from 3-5 days after the last live session to review the archived recording prior to completing the final exam.

Can I ask the instructor questions during the lecture?
Yes, during the live session questions can be asked via a chat feature. The chat feature works similarly to instant messaging.

There is also a message board for each course--if you have questions before or after the live session, they can be posted to the message board for the instructor, or other participants to respond to.

How do I retrieve the course materials?
Online training is very eco-friendly! All course materials are electronic and located in the online course folder. Upon registration, participants receive an ID and Password which allows them to login to the course folder.

What if I have questions after the live session is over?
Each course has its own message board. If you have questions before or after the live session, they can be posted to the message board for the instructor to respond to. Message boards are open throughout the duration of the course and for one-week beyond the last live session.

REGISTRATION

How do I register for online courses?
Registration for online courses is the same as for classroom courses; online, by mail, fax or phone. Basically, whatever way works best for you!

To register online, go to [Course Schedule]
To register by phone, call us at (408) 271-2685
To register by fax, send your registration form to (408) 271-9285
To register by mail, send your registration form to: IWRC, PO Box 8187, San Jose, CA 95155, USA.

Please note: Payment must accompany registration in order for your place in the course to be held.

What are the registration fees for online training courses?
Registration fees vary, depending on the course. Please check the descriptions found in the Course Catalog for the registration fees specific to the course you are interested in.

What forms of payment does IWRC accept?
IWRC accepts checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Online payments are through PayPal.

How do I know my registration is received?
You should receive a confirmation email from us within 2-3 business days. If you do not hear from us within 2-3 business days, please contact us at (408) 271-2685 or coordinator@iwrc-online.org.

How do I know what date(s) the course is scheduled for?
Course dates are posted in the Course Schedule as well as in your confirmation email.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

What are the technical requirements to take online courses?
In order to participate in the live sessions, you need to have access to a telephone and a computer with an internet connection.

Although a high-speed connection such as DSL or cable is best, dial-up users can still participate as long as they have a separate phone line for their internet connection.

Please note: Some dial-up participants have used a cell phone for the audio portion, which works well especially if you have unlimited minutes and a hands-free unit.

Are the telephone calls to participate in the live session toll-free?
Within North America the telephone calls are toll-free. Outside of North America, normal long distance rates apply.

PASSING REQUIREMENTS

What are the requirements to pass an online courses?
All of our online courses have homework and a final exam. A passing score of at least 70% is required in order to pass the course. Exams are timed and given only online.

How will I know if I passed the final exam?
Exam results are received immediately after completion.

Will I receive a certificate?
Upon passing the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion by mail within 4-6 weeks.

Do I have to participate in the live sessions to receive a certificate?
No, passing requirements vary by course. Check the Course Catalog for passing requirements for each course.

Can I receive continuing education credits for taking IWRC courses online?
The majority of state and provincial agencies accept IWRC courses to fulfill continuing education requirements; however it's always a good idea to confirm this with your local governing agency.

CANCELLATIONS

Can I get a refund if I have to cancel my registration?
You can cancel your registration at any time; however refunds are only available for cancellations made at least 7 days prior to the course date. After this refund cut-off date, only credits or transfers are available.

How do I notify you of my cancellation?
Cancellations must be made in writing in order to receive a refund, credit or transfer. Email your cancellation to us at coordinator@iwrc-online.org.

Please note: Make sure you contact us with your cancellation prior to the course. If you don't attend the course or complete the final exam and don't contact us before the course ends, your registration fee may be retained by IWRC with no option of a credit, refund, or transfer.

How long is my credit good for?
Credits are valid for up to one year and may be applied towards any IWRC training course.

Can I use my credit to buy literature or to renew my membership?
No, credits for courses can only be applied to other courses. Credits may not be applied to other programs such as membership, literatures, or conferences.

PRE-REQUISITES

Are there any pre-requisites for online courses?
IWRC's primary goal with our online training program is to make high quality, peer-reviewed training as accessible as possible.  As such, most online courses do not have a pre-requisite.  Check the Course Catalog for the pre-requisite specific to each course.

The class I am interested in requires completion of the Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation course. What if I have not taken the Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation course but have equivalent training and/or educational background?
You may be a good candidate for the Basic Proficiency Exam. The Basic Proficiency Exam (BPE) offers participants a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and if passed, fulfills the pre-requisite requirement. It is important to note that the BPE is longer and more in depth than the final exam for the Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation course.

What is the Basic Proficiency Exam?
If you already have extensive rehabilitation experience and training or haven't had access to the classroom-based Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation course, the Basic Proficiency Exam (BPE) offers you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge and fulfill the pre-requisite.

The BPE is a timed, comprehensive online exam based on material from the Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Manual (6th edition), including: basic physiology, species identification, restraint techniques, thermoregulation, stress, intake procedures, basic physical exam, emergency care assessment, shock, fluid therapy, syringe methodology, limb immobilization, zoonoses, nutrition, gavage, euthanasia, and minimum housing standards.

The fee for taking the Basic Proficiency Exam is $125. Passing the Basic Proficiency Exam does not give you continuing education credits or a certificate of completion.