Questions & Answers
Below you will find a list of the most commonly asked questions. Should the list not answer your questions or concerns, please call us at 800-474-8013, we will be happy to assist you.
General Questions:
Q: Who take courses at IIEI?
A: IIEI has an “open enrollment” policy. Anyone interested in the course topics may enroll. Our courses appeal to individuals with years of experience in international trade and to individuals wishing to break into the industry and start a new career. The courses provide practical skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the rapidly changing world of international trade and U.S. government trade regulations. Many companies that need to comply with U.S. Government regulations, such as ITAR, choose to enroll their staff into our courses.
Q: What level of education is required?
A: There is no requirement as to education level, but some college-level coursework experience will be helpful. Degree seeking individuals will need to meet degree program enrollment requirements. Many government regulation courses expect that the students have at least a basic understanding of the material. If you are unsure about your experience with a subject, an Advisor can better detail the experience recommended for any course.
Q: Do I earn college credit for the courses I take?
A: The International Import-Export Institute is an accredited Business School within Dunlap-Stone University. Students earn college credit if they successful pass the class.
Q: Where does IIEI find their training educators?
A: All of IIEI training educators are members of the international trade community that have at least a masters degree and have an expert understanding of the area they teach.
Questions about the online classroom & Discussion Questions (DQs):
Q: Where do I take the courses?
A: The courses are online, allowing you to attend class from a computer with internet access, anytime that is convenient with your schedule– the classroom is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Q: I haven’t been in school or taken a college level course in over 20-25 years, and have never experienced online education, enrolling into an online class feels a bit daunting.
A: Many new students are in the same situation. Prior to class starting, new students receive an online classroom instruction from their Advisor. We noticed that after a week’s worth of classroom participation, these students feel comfortable with the online environment and develop a routine for their studies.
Q: How does the online classroom work?
A: The classroom environment is not set up like a webinar or video, so you don’t need to login to the classroom at a specific time or day. IIEI’s online interactive classrooms are designed to give students the utmost convenience. On Thursday, the first day of class, each student can login to the classroom to access the lecture, assignments and requirements for the upcoming week, including all due dates. In addition, students will receive discussion questions (DQs) to respond to in the discussion area. This will continue every Thursday and each week will end on Wednesday until the class is finished. To earn maximum grading points, students participate in the classroom 5 out of 7 days, and choose their starting day at any hour of the day.
Q: How does the discussion area work?
A: After each student receives their discussion questions from the instructor they will answer the questions and “post it” in the discussion area of the classroom for the other students and the instructor to see. Also, each student reviews the other students’ postings and responds to them. The instructor frequently responds to students’ answers and expands the idea or asks questions to allow the student to expand the professional discussions.
Q: When do I have to be in the discussion area?
A: There is no set time for anyone to be present in the discussion area. The discussion area in each classroom works like a “post it” board allowing students from any time zone around the world to participate in any course. The classroom is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to address the specialized problems my company deals with in the classroom?
A: Yes, the discussion area gives students the opportunity to address questions and comments into the classroom and have it addressed by the instructor and the other students.
Q: How current are the courses?
A: The courses are constantly revised as information is received at the institute. IIEI receives a constant flow of information from numerous sources, such as government, member’s contributions, advisory board members and private industry.
Questions about Industry Certification
Q. Why does the International Import-Export Institute partner with IIEI Certification?
A. We support the “One World, One Standard” program of theirs, and that everyone should be on the same page knowledge-wise to help facilitate global trade. We want to be part of that effort. Also, because the knowledge requirements for IIEI Certification are in perfect alignment with the international trade topics and courses taught at our school. The school views it as strategic advantage to be able to offer college accredited courses that help prepare people for IIEI Certification’s various examinations as well as careers in international trade.
Although not a reason for the partnership, it should be noted that IIEI Certification is a separate division of Dunlap-Stone University’s parent corporation.
Q: Do the courses prepare me to take the industry certification examinations offered by IIEI Certification?
A: Yes. Specific courses offered help individuals prepare to sit for specific IIEI Certifications. To view our school’s recommended course of study for IIEI Certifications, click here or contact an Advisor 800-474-8013.
Q: How will a professional certification benefit my career?
A: Professional certifications in all industries offer individuals the opportunity to distinguish themselves as experts in their field. IIEI Certification acts as a third party validation body to anyone holding its certification.
Q: Is it possible to double-up on courses to get through the certification training faster?
A: Most of the trade compliance courses offered at the International Import-Export Institute are condensed into 6 weeks rather than most university’s 14-16 week time frame. Professionals working full-time and taking our courses find they spend a minimum of 12-15 hours per week for their class. We advise strongly against doubling up on courses when working full time, especially for new students.
Q: Do I have to pay for the whole certification training up front?
A: No, never is a student required to pay for more than one class at a time. However, full payment of a training program, should there be more than one course recommended for a certification, will ensure a seat in each sequential class allowing you to finish your training as soon as possible. There is a separate test and application fee assessed by IIEI Certification should a student desire to take one of their industry certification examinations.
Q: How can I postpone a tuition payment?
A: Deferral of tuition is only granted to students whose employers offer a qualifying employee reimbursement program. Qualifying students provide their personal credit card information; the payment will be deferred until the 28th day of class. Using a Deferral generally allows students to complete a class and be reimbursed by their employer before their credit card payment is due. Ask an Advisor for complete details about this option.
Q: What is the relationship between IIEI Certification and the school?
A: IIEI Certification is a separate test development and publishing company (division) of International Export Institute, Inc, Dunlap-Stone University’s parent company. The International Import-Export Institute is the international trade business school within Dunlap-Stone University.
IIEI Certification develops international trade certifications. It does not provide training for the certification tests it offers industry. It relies upon training from universities, colleges and training centers throughout the world, including Dunlap-Stone University’s International Import-Export Institute to prepare test takers. For complete details about IIEI Certification, go to www.industrycertification.org. People seeking IIEI Certifications are not required to obtain training from our school or any other exam preparation service prior to sitting for an exam.
Q: Who says IIEI Certification is real?
A: As is the case with all certifications in all industries, the value is determined by those within the industry it serves. If the certification is appreciated by industry, meaning industry participates actively in supporting the certification through participation, the certification’s value, importance and recognition speaks for itself and the number of people participating grows. The certifications offered by IIEI Certification are no different. Since 1995 when the first certifications were offered by them the number of people who have participated in courses preparing them for one of IIEI Certification has grown to thousands each year, with over 2,000 companies spread around the world who have had employees participate in the program. The number of people gaining certification from IIEI Certification each year continues to grow. Industry has made it the standard bearer for international trade certification by their participation. Speak with people who have earned their certification and then decide for yourself.
IIEI Certification is a member of the American National Standards Institute, the U.S. organization that is part of ISO (International Standards Organization) headquartered in Geneva Switzerland.
Technical Questions
Q: What type of computer do I need?
A: Almost any computer that is capable of getting you on to the Internet will do.
Q: If my company has a firewall that prevents me from down loading will I still be able to participate?
A: The IIEI classroom can be used in two formats; the down loaded Client version and directly through the Internet. It your company has a firewall that prevents you from down loading you will still be able to access the classroom through the Internet. It is advisable that you make your IT department aware you are taking an IIEI online class.
