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How to Apply

The Autumn 2008 program is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Details will be posted in Spring Program location: Online Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition
• Earning the Certificate

Admission Requirements

Students must be very familiar with the materials and processes involved in the construction industry. This familiarity may be developed via coursework in fields such as engineering or architecture or via more than five years of field experience in commercial construction.

Individuals who do not have such a background are required to build knowledge by taking the two program prerequisite courses offered by the University of Washington, or by taking other similar courses offered elsewhere. See Prerequisite Courses for details.

Waivers for the prerequisite courses are possible, but not common. Information about waivers is found on the Prerequisite Courses page.

English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. For details, see English Language Guidelines.

Technology Requirements for Online Learning Format

Our online courses are designed to be viewed with Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, Netscape 6.2 and above, and Firefox 1.0 and above, using Windows or Macintosh operating systems. We cannot ensure that our courses can be viewed with other browsers and we do not have the resources to troubleshoot problems that may arise with Linux or other operating systems. Our courses require a modem speed of 56K (for dial-up connections) or a broadband connection (DSL or cable).

In addition to the basic requirements, for some courses you may need PowerPoint, Flash 6.0, Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher, Visio, Real Player, or Windows Media Player. Technical courses may require specialized software. If a course relies on software that is beyond the basic technology requirements, the software will be described in the course introduction. Please visit the Courses page and review the individual course introductions.

Application Process

The program beginning in autumn 2008 is no longer accepting applications. The next program begins in autumn 2009. Click here to be notified via e-mail when complete details for the next program are available online. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the next program:

Submitting your application early is encouraged because the program typically reaches its enrollment limit in early August.

To Apply: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing a) your relevant work and volunteer experience, and/or transferable skills and knowledge of the field, and b) how you expect the program will help you meet your professional goals
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience (see program prerequisites);
3. (If your application includes college coursework) A transcript from the institution, including the UW, which awarded your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received.

Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course and are encouraged to make their fall tuition payment no later than two weeks before courses begin. Enrollment in the program becomes effective upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a course-by-course basis. Tuition for the entire program is $3,281, excluding the registration and certificate program fees, textbooks and other materials. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each quarter.

Optional fees for a Uniform Access computer account are $55 (quarterly) for the classroom-based format, or $120 (six months) for the online learning format. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.

Earning the Certificate

Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the instructors and advisory board. Upon completion of each course, numerical grades are available to students. A grade of 2.0 or better is required in each course, and participants must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or better for all courses to receive a certificate. Participants who earn a grade of less than 2.0 in any course will be required to retake the course and earn a grade of at least 2.0 to receive the certificate. Participants may not take a course on an audit or satisfactory/nonsatisfactory basis.

When all required courses are successfully completed in this program, students earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony in Seattle and mailed to students who are unable to attend.