Frequently Asked Questions

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• How long has Benchmark Learning been around?

  We opened in 1988, and Benchmark Learning has a history that goes back to 1972.
  
  

• How does Benchmark Learning compare with the rest of their competitors?

  We believe some of our strong points include our focus on customer service, the depth and breadth of our course offerings, early-adopter offerings, our diverse variety of delivery styles, instructor experience and class customization.

• What types of learning options are available?

  We offer Public Training, Private & Custom Training, FlexLearning, eLearning, Remote Learning and Personal Mentoring.

• What are our instructors’ qualifications?

  Our trainers and instructors have credentials that include degrees in IT and education, decades of experience and a true passion for teaching. We know our instructors are the best, because our students tell us so on a daily basis. Meet our instructors.

• What types of classes do we offer?

  Technical Training and Certification - Choose from a wide variety of technical classes and certification packages from developer to IT to Help Desk and ITIL. From Linux and IBM to Microsoft, Citrix or Novell, we have the class for you!
  
  Desktop Software - We offer both classroom and eLearning options for virtually every desktop software program used in the world of business. We feature the latest titles and provide solutions tailored to help you execute real-world business projects.
  
  

  Business Skills - Also referred to as “soft skills,” business skills training covers multiple topic areas, including time management, leadership, communications, presentations, sales, management, interviewing, negotiating, finance and more.

• What’s a typical day at Benchmark Learning like?

  You’ve chosen Benchmark Learning for superb education, and our goal is to surpass that expectation. You’ll learn from Educators that have real-world experience and love to teach (and are good at it). Learn more!

• How much are classes, and how do I pay?

  Class pricing is listed next to the course title as you browse the site. Payment must be received before the class date and can be made by check or credit card.

• How do I enroll in a class?

  It’s easy! Once you find a class on our Web site, just click on the date to go to our online registration form. Fill out this form, and you’ll be contacted by one of our Education Advisors to register for the class. Or if you prefer, you can call us at 952.896.6800.

• What is the cancellation/reschedule policy?

  If you wish to cancel or reschedule a class for which you have registered and been confirmed for in writing or via email, we will make every effort to accommodate your new requirements. However, since this involves additional costs for us, we do have a specific cancellation policy.
  
  A student or organization may cancel or reschedule by submitting written notice to info@benchmarklearning.com no later than ten business days prior to the start of the class with no penalty. If a cancellation or reschedule occurs less than ten business days before the start date of a class, the full invoice amount must be paid. 50% will be applied as cancellation/reschedule fee, with the remaining 50% applied as a prepayment credit towards a future class. This credit must be used within six months of the original class start date.
  
  A student or an organization that fails to submit written notice to info@benchmarklearning.com of a cancellation or reschedule and does not show for the class that they were registered and confirmed for in writing are obligated for 100% of the tuition. Full payment will be expected with no credit towards a future offering.
  
  Students may send a replacement if they are unable to attend but the replacement must meet the class prerequisites. 
  
  View our terms of agreement and cancellation/rescheduling policies for self-paying students.

• What is the policy for class cancellation due to inclement weather?

  In the event of inclement weather:

  • Announcements concerning class cancelations or delays will be made on the main page of our website www.benchmarklearning.com by 6:00am the morning of.
  • Communication will also be listed on www.wcco.com/schoolclosings in the event of a cancelation or delay.
  • Communication will apply only to our classes held in Edina. Our customer site classes run under the client’s cancellation policy.

• How do I get there? What restaurants are in the area? Where do I stay?

  Please visit the Contact Us section of our site for complete details.

• How do I access my Post-Class Support?

  For assistance with your Post-Class Support, email info@benchmarklearning.com. We also offer test prep.

• Can I apply my classes at Benchmark Learning for college credits?

  Courses at Benchmark Learning cannot directly be applied as college credits. However, they can help you towards your degree. We work cooperatively with Globe University / Minnesota School of Business to allow you to "pass out" of up to 75% of the requirements of a degree-based program on courses you have taken with us.

• What if I have special needs, like handicapped parking?

  Handicap parking is on the east side of the 4510 building in Edina. Please contact us if you require any other special services.

• How do I access the courseware files for my Business Applications course?

  View step-by-step instructions on how to access the courseware files for your course.
  

• How do I earn credits towards professional certification?

  What are PDUs?

  According to PMI, Professional Development Units (PDUs) are used to quantify approved learning and professional service activities for certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Program Management Professional (PgMP®) credential holders.

  
  

  What are CDUs?

  A Continuing Development Unit (CDU) is a measurement used by IIBA to award credit for participation in continuing development towards maintaining CBAP certifications.

  
  

  What are CEUs?

  A Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a measurement used to award credit for participation in classes, workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. in continuing education programs, particularly those required in a licensed profession in order for the professional to maintain the license.

  
  
  

  Which courses qualify for PDUs, CDUs and CEUs?

  All of our Project Management, Business Analysis, IT Service Management, Agile and Microsoft Project courses can be submitted towards gaining educational units for certifications.

  *Benchmark Learning does not guarantee PDU, CDU or CEU credits. Submit your eligible credit hours and the respective governing organization will determine if you qualify. Click here to learn more.

  
  
  

  How are the number of units determined for each course?

  PDU/CDU

  To calculate the number of PDUs or CDUs earned, use the following formula: one contact hour of learning relevant to project and/or program management within a structured activity or course equals one PDU.

  
  

  Each course day is equal to seven PDUs or CDUs because lunch is subtracted from the eight-hour day. Therefore, a three-day course earns 21 PDUs (7 x 3 = 21).

  
  

  CEU

  To calculate the number of CEUs earned, use the following formula: one contact hour of learning relevant to business analysis within a structured activity or course equals 0.1 CEU.

  
  

  Each course day is equal to one CEU because lunch is subtracted from the eight-hour day. Therefore, a three-day course earns 2.1 CEUs (0.7 x 3 = 2.1).

  
  
  

  What documentation of earned credit hours is required upon audit/request?

  Registration forms, certificates of attendance, course materials or a course outline summarizing the subject matter covered and the qualifications of the Educator are common forms of documentation that can be used upon audit or request.