Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions under the categories below to display the answer. To close the answer, click on the question again. If you can't find what you are looking for, send an email to our customer support here.

Initial & sign-up questions

  • How long does it take to receive an account confirmation email after initial signup?

    A confirmation email with instructions is sent instantly after signup. You will receive a confirmation email instantly or within a few minutes if there is a delay between worldwide email servers. If you can't locate the email from specialskillsacademy.com in your primary inbox, check your spam folder. If you still can't locate the confirmation email, please contact us and submit your email and full name that you used in the signup process.

  • What is the difference between e-learning and live classroom training?

    We provide the same training you would receive in a live classroom. E-learning can occur in or out of the classroom in most of today’s educational institutions. The main difference is that you can learn at your own pace for a fraction of traditional education costs. Most participants feel more in control of their education with our e-learning system because we have instructors available to answer individual questions; they provide one-to-one assistance vs. quick questions and answers in a live classroom environment.

  • Can I enroll in more than one course at a time?

    Yes. When you enroll in a bundle of courses, you will be able to switch back and forth between classes in your course library.

  • Do I need to purchase books?

    No, there are no books necessary for our training. All required e-learning materials are included with our courses.

  • What level of education or previous knowledge do I need to take the training courses?

    There are no prerequisites or minimum-levels of previous education or knowledge needed for the training courses. The courses start at a fundamental level and increase step-by-step. If you have previous knowledge in a particular field, you may progress through courses faster than the average participant.

  • How do I pay for courses?

    We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card or you can pay via bank wire transfer ($20/20GBP/20EUR third party bank fees additional cost apply in this case). If we offer a coupon, promotion or discount vouchers, you can pay directly through coupon site and receive a coupon ID as proof of payment.

  • Are there any exams?

    It depends on what type of course(s) you select. If you select a training course and do not want to obtain a certification, there is no exam. All you need is a high speed internet connection. If you are taking a training course and you want the Special Skills Academy to issue a training certificate, then you must take an online exam. You can request an online exam appointment when you are prepared to take the exam.

  • After I complete the Special Skills Academy course and take the required exam, will I receive a certification from the UK or U.S.?

    All participants have the option to choose training courses at our UK or U.S. educational centers depending on your citizenship and career plans. If you select the UK training center, you will get European Union based training certification from the UK. If you select the U.S. based center, you will get a U.S. certification.

  • Are the courses and exams offered on specified times?

    No. You can schedule courses and exams around your schedule.

  • Do the courses expire after a certain period?

    Yes. This depends upon your subscription type. The standard for all subscriptions is 90 days access.

  • How long does it take to complete a course?

    It varies based on the participant, however, on average, a participant spends around 90 days for one training course. There is no average time for language learning. All participants have different levels of knowledge and unique needs.

  • Are the trainings difficult?

    We focus on providing efficient teaching techniques. You will find that our e-learning approach allows participants to learn at their own pace. All participants have access to instructors for additional support, unique guidance and/or advice. We believe organizing our training environment like this makes the learning process easier for participants.

System requirements & technical questions

  • What operating system do I need to take courses?

    Operating systems like Windows, MAC OS or Linux can be used along with an active internet connection.

  • Can I access the courses from multiple computer locations, i.e. home, office or similar?

    Yes, you can access trainings from multiple locations as long as you are not logged in from multiple locations simultaneously.

  • Can more than 1 person utilize the training?

    Each enrollment is for single user access. If you are a company seeking training for your employees or similar group, we do offer multi-user pricing discounts (depends on course type, number of participants and length of the subscription access). Please contact us for pricing on multi-user accounts.

  • Will I need any special equipment to take the course?

    This depends of which course you select. If you select a training course without certification requirements, then all you need is a high speed internet connection. If you are taking a training course and you want the Special Skills Academy to issue a training certificate, then you must have a webcam for the final exam. Most notebooks have internal webcams. If you don't have a webcam, you can buy one at a very low cost (we have found adequate webcams for as low as $3.85 on the internet).

  • I think there is an error in my course materials.

    We always try our best to make sure that our training materials are updated and working properly. If you come across any errors or similar issues, contact our customer support by submitting a report form here.

After training questions

  • How is a certificate issued after taking a successful exam?

    The Special Skills Academy's certificates are created in an electronic format which is included in the examination costs. The electronic certificate is in a PDF format which is available to download from your account. You can print your certificate if necessary. However, if you want the certificate sent to you via post/mail, paper certificates can be purchased for $40/30EUR/20GBP including international shipping fees.

  • Will the training and certification help me get a job?

    Yes, definitely! The Special Skills Academy is an educational training center. We perform workforce market research analysis and implement specialized training solutions to help employ today's workforce. We focus on training solutions for the most in demand jobs on workforce shortage lists. The job market is very competitive and that’s why we offer course training certifications.

  • What will I acquire once I complete Special Skills Academy courses and exams?

    You will earn a certificate after taking a series of courses relating to a subject. Participants often earn certificates to gain a step up in a targeted profession. Certifications are beneficial in participants moving forward in their desired profession.

  • What will I acquire once I complete the training course without taking the certification exam?

    After completing our training, you will be prepared to pass the exams at independent testing centers worldwide.

    Examples:
    Language learning: You can learn a language through Special Skills Academy and take a final language examination through IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, ESOL or similar testing centers worldwide.

    or

    Computer course: We will provide all of the training and test preparation. Once you have completed the training, you can simply go to a local testing center to take the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will become certified in the computer industry with the most recognized organizations (Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, or similar).

  • What jobs can I get after I complete a Labor Shortage course?

    We focus on market training solutions to help people increase their knowledge and earn certifications that increase their chances at getting jobs on the labor shortage lists. Most often, Labor Shortage courses help people who are seeking work opportunities in another country.

    The most popular jobs in particular countries are listed below. There are opportunities for jobs in these professions in other countries as well. You can research these opportunities independently on the internet by searching for "labor shortage list" in a specified country.

    - UK (Welders, Elderly care)
    - Sweden (Bricklayers, Stonemasons, Concrete workers, Plumbers, Varnishers and related painters)
    - Germany (Welders, Plumbers, Sanitary technology, Heating and Air-Conditioning Workers, Elderly care, Nursing)
    - Australia (Welders, Plumbers, Air-Conditioning Workers, Electricians, Stonemasons, Nursing)

  • What jobs can I acquire after completing Management courses?

    If you have leadership ambitions, possess a college degree or a management certification, these attributes will enhance your resume and increase your opportunities for acquiring a high ranking job at prominent companies worldwide.

  • What jobs can I acquire after I complete the Cisco training?

    Cisco technology is one of the most appreciated IT companies in the industry. Cisco certifications cover a wide range of networking related jobs. These positions can range from Network Support, Network Technician, Network or System Admin to LAN Engineer, System Engineer and other IT related areas. Many people acquire Cisco training to boost their IT resumes and make themselves more marketable in the IT industry.

  • Do I need a college degree to gain employment in the IT field?

    No. Many IT jobs value certifications highly enough to employ you in an IT position regardless of a degree. Having a degree is beneficial, but oftentimes, it is not required in the IT industry.

  • How do I get assistance with finding a job once I have passed the required exam(s)?

    Our organization provides workforce training and we offer access to resources for career advancement by offering innovative, qualitative and consultative assistance to anyone who is seeking work within the European Union, U.S. and Australasia. We want you to acquire the special skills, knowledge and resources towards career advancement. You can find more details at the Special Skills organization web page here.