Frequently Asked Questions

Questions concerning the NACTEL programs
What kind of credentials will I receive?
What makes NACTEL programs different?
Are NACTEL education providers accredited?
Can I transfer the credits earned in any of the NACTEL programs to another school?

Questions Concerning Pace and the Telecom Technologies Program
What is Pace University?
Where is Pace University located?
Will I have an instructor in my course?
What courses are included in these certificates and degrees?
Can I use credits I have earned through other colleges or company training in this program?
How much time does it take to complete any of the Pace NACTEL programs?
How much Math is required in this program?
How many hours per week should I plan on studying?
Does my union support this program?
How much does it cost?
Is tuition assistance available?
Is there any financial aid?
Is there tuition assistance available to veterans?
How do I use my GI Bill?
How is payment of tuition handled?
Is there help if I need it?
How do I take exams online?
Do I ever have to go to the Pace University campus?
How do I know what courses to register for?
How do I get credit for previous work experience?
I am interested in applying for the program. What is the next step?
When should I apply?
When do classes begin and end?
Can I get certification for network plus CISCO through NCATEL?

Questions Concerning Online Learning
If I have had no experience with online learning, will I have difficulty with these courses?
What kind of technical requirements are needed?
Can I use my Mac for these courses?
What kind of computer skills do I need?
How do I know if online learning is for me?

Questions Concerning NACTEL
What is NACTEL?
What does "NACTEL" stand for?
Will NACTEL provide job placement assistance after I complete my program?
What is the relationship between NACTEL and Pace University?

If you find that your question is not answered here, please Contact Us.

Responses

Questions concerning the NACTEL programs

What kind of credentials will I receive?

Intro to Telecommunications Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares students for entry-level telecom technician positions. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree.
Telecommunications Essentials Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares people for mid to upper level technician positions. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree.
Wireless Networking Essentials Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares people for intermediate concepts and applications of digital television. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree.
Video Technology Essentials Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares people for entry level Broadband technical jobs. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree.
Associate of Science in Applied Information Technology, (choose from four tracks) Telecommunications, Networking Technologies, Wireless Networking or Video Technologies is a two-year degree that can be transferred into a bachelor's degree.
Advanced Certificate in Emerging Telecommunications Technologies — 20 credit hours — addresses the needs of the associate's level graduate, or above, to acquire knowledge in today's emerging telecom technologies.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications — 120 credit hours — aimed at students with an associate's degree or higher, prepares students for professional careers with a foundation in management and the technical and non-technical aspects of emerging telecom technologies.

What makes NACTEL programs different?
NACTEL programs are unique in three ways:

They were developed by the telecommunications industry to prepare individuals for a variety of positions within the industry. See Careers.
They are offered completely online, which gives working adults flexibility with their schedules.
They are quality programs, offered by highly qualified and accredited education providers with years of experience in online learning.

Are NACTEL educational providers accredited?

Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Can I transfer the credits earned in any of the NACTEL programs to another school?
Because NACTEL educational providers are fully accredited by regional accrediting bodies, credits are transferable to similar programs in other institutions. However, each of these programs focuses on a different aspect of the telecommunications industry, and students are encouraged to follow the career path laid out in each program.

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Questions Concerning Pace and the Telecom Technologies Program

What is Pace University?
Pace is a 4-year institution of higher learning, located in New York State, with campuses in New York City, Westchester County, and the Hudson Valley. Pace is a leader in quality online instruction. For more information about the University, visit the Pace University web site: http://www.pace.edu

Where is Pace University located?
Pace University's Ivan G. Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems - which offers and manages the NACTEL program - is located at:

Pace University
CSIS
One Martine Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606

For more information about the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, see: http://csis.pace.edu

Will I have an instructor in my course?
Yes, all Pace online courses are instructor-led.

What courses are included in these certificates and degrees?
Click on the following links for course details:
Accelerated B.S. in Telecom degree
Advanced Certificate in Emerging Telecom Technologies
A.S. Degree in Applied Information Technology
Telecommunications Essentials Certificate
Introduction to Telecom Certificate
Broadband Essentials Certificate
Wirelss Networking Essentials Certificate
Introduction to Broadband Certificate
Broadband Jump Start Courses

Can I use credits I have earned through other colleges or company training in this program?
Yes. When you provide transcripts from previously completed courses to the University, they will be evaluated and eligible courses will be transferred into this program. In addition, through Prior Learning Assessment, your prior work experience is evaluated and can be used toward credit courses. See the Prior Learning Assessment seminar on the Pace site.

How much time does it take to complete any of the Pace NACTEL programs?
Completion time depends on the number of transfer credits and other prior learning that you bring into NACTEL programs. With no transfer credits and studying part-time:

Certificates can be completed in about a year
The A.S. degree takes about three years
The accelerated B.S. degree can be accomplished in two years

How much math is required in this program?
The A.S. and B.S. degrees are technical and math is extremely important. You will need to pass a math screening assessment that is provided on the Pace University Web site. If your math is a bit rusty, a Math Academic Skills Seminar is available as a refresher course. In addition, online math tutoring is available in Pace NACTEL programs.

How many hours per week should I plan on studying?
For each 3-credit course you take, plan on spending 6-9 hours on your weekly homework.

Does my union support this program?
The Pace NACTEL programs are fully endorsed by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

How much does it cost?

The A.S. degree, the Intro to the Telecom Industry Certificate, Telecommunications Essentials Certificate, Broadband Essentials Certificate and the Wireless Networking Certificate have a tiered tuition schedule; check here for Tuition Information.
For the B.S. degree and the Advanced Certificate in Emerging Telecom Technologies click here for Tuition Information.

Books and selected equipment will also be required.

Is tuition assistance available?
If you are employed by a NACTEL partner, check the Tuition Assistance page for your employer. If you are not employed by a NACTEL partner, as a fully accredited university, Pace will most likely be eligible under your company's tuition assistance plan. Check with your HR office.

Is there any financial aid?
Learn about Financial Aid available.

Is there tuition assistance available to veterans?
The Pace NACTEL program is VA approved.

How do I use my GI Bill?
1. Fax a photocopy of your DD-214 Discharge Document to the registrar’s office. This form can be obtained from your military branch. Include a coversheet with the document that indicates the Chapter you belong to (i.e. Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 35 or Chapter 1606).

2. Complete and submit the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990). This can either be completed offline or online.

IMPORTANT: For Question 22B on the form - “Have you selected the specific Program of Education you plan to take?” The answer to that question must be either of the following depending on your degree selection: AS - Applied Information Technologies or BS - Professional Technology Studies

Please Note: Every semester you must be officially registered and payments submitted in order for VA Benefits to be applied.

For general information on the GI Bill, click here.

How is payment of tuition handled?
Payment must be received by Pace before registration can be processed. Check the Pace site for details.

Is there help if I need it?
While the online learning format works best for people who are independent learners and problem solvers, at Pace you will still have access to:

A Pace University advisor
An Online Student Seminar to prepare you for the program
Pace Faculty
An online Tutor

How do I take exams online?
Most of the online exams require that a Proctor (which you select) be present for the exam at a location convenient to you. Check the Pace site for information on Proctoring.

Do I ever have to go to the Pace University campus?
No.

How do I know what courses to register for?
Once your application is received, you will be connected with the Pace NACTEL advisor who will give you guidance on an education plan.

How do I get credit for previous work experience?
Visit the Pace site on Prior Learning Assessment to learn more.

I am interested in applying for the program. What is the next step?
To apply for the accelerated online B.S. degree program or the Advanced Certificate in Emerging Technologies, go to: http://support.csis.pace.edu/bsintelecom/howtoapply-nonnactel.cfm.

To apply for the A.S. degree program, or any of these certificates: Intro to Telecommunications, Telecommunications Essentials, Intro to Broadband, Broadband Essentials, Wireless Networking Essentials, Video Technology Essentials, or Broadband Jump Start Courses, go to: http://support.csis.pace.edu/nactel/admission/index.cfm.

When should I apply?
Application and start of class dates are posted on our home page for the next available semester.

When do classes begin and end?
Classes begin in the Early Fall, Late Fall, Early Spring, Late Spring, and Summer semesters (5 sessions).

Visit the Pace Calendar for dates for the upcoming semesters.

Can I get certification for network plus CISCO through NACTEL?
Our TS341 course on Networking Technologies is oriented towards the CCENT/CCNA exam preparation.

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Questions Concerning Online Learning

If I have had no experience with online learning, will I have difficulty with these courses?
You should have no difficulty with the technology if you know how to use a mouse and navigate around the Internet. Check How Does Online Learning Work? if you are not sure.

What kind of technical requirements are needed?
You will need to have an adequate computer and Internet provider. Check the Requirements page for details because each education provider has different technology requirements.

Can I use my Mac for these courses?
The Pace University courses were designed for the PC.

What kind of computer skills do I need?
You should be able to:

Create, save, and manage files on your computer
Install software on your computer, if necessary
Be comfortable sending and receiving email

How do I know if online learning is for me?
Online learning is not for everyone. Take the self-quiz, Is Online Learning for Me? to find out.

Back to Top

Questions Concerning NACTEL

What is NACTEL?
NACTEL is a partnership of telecommunications companies and unions that have joined together to develop educational programs to address critical employment needs in the telecommunications industry. Visit the NACTEL partners page for details.

What does "NACTEL" stand for?
The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning.

Will NACTEL provide job placement assistance after I complete my program?
NACTEL provides a Careers section on this site for those new to the industry. It also includes Job Hunting information and resources for program graduates.

What is the relationship between NACTEL and Pace University?
NACTEL has chosen Pace University as the education provider for the online education programs.

Back to Top


FAQ			Frequently Asked Questions Questions concerning the NACTEL programs What kind of credentials will I receive? What makes NACTEL programs different? Are NACTEL education providers accredited? Can I transfer the credits earned in any of the NACTEL programs to another school? Questions Concerning Pace and the Telecom Technologies Program What is Pace University? Where is Pace University located? Will I have an instructor in my course? What courses are included in these certificates and degrees? Can I use credits I have earned through other colleges or company training in this program? How much time does it take to complete any of the Pace NACTEL programs? How much Math is required in this program? How many hours per week should I plan on studying? Does my union support this program? How much does it cost? Is tuition assistance available? Is there any financial aid? Is there tuition assistance available to veterans? How do I use my GI Bill? How is payment of tuition handled? Is there help if I need it? How do I take exams online? Do I ever have to go to the Pace University campus? How do I know what courses to register for? How do I get credit for previous work experience? I am interested in applying for the program. What is the next step? When should I apply? When do classes begin and end? Can I get certification for network plus CISCO through NCATEL? Questions Concerning Online Learning If I have had no experience with online learning, will I have difficulty with these courses? What kind of technical requirements are needed? Can I use my Mac for these courses? What kind of computer skills do I need? How do I know if online learning is for me? Questions Concerning NACTEL What is NACTEL? What does "NACTEL" stand for? Will NACTEL provide job placement assistance after I complete my program? What is the relationship between NACTEL and Pace University? If you find that your question is not answered here, please Contact Us. Responses Questions concerning the NACTEL programs What kind of credentials will I receive? Intro to Telecommunications Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares students for entry-level telecom technician positions. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree. Telecommunications Essentials Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares people for mid to upper level technician positions. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree. Wireless Networking Essentials Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares people for intermediate concepts and applications of digital television. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree. Video Technology Essentials Certificate — 20 credit hours — prepares people for entry level Broadband technical jobs. This program can stand alone or be applied toward the associate's degree. Associate of Science in Applied Information Technology, (choose from four tracks) Telecommunications, Networking Technologies, Wireless Networking or Video Technologies is a two-year degree that can be transferred into a bachelor's degree. Advanced Certificate in Emerging Telecommunications Technologies — 20 credit hours — addresses the needs of the associate's level graduate, or above, to acquire knowledge in today's emerging telecom technologies. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies, Telecommunications — 120 credit hours — aimed at students with an associate's degree or higher, prepares students for professional careers with a foundation in management and the technical and non-technical aspects of emerging telecom technologies. What makes NACTEL programs different? NACTEL programs are unique in three ways: They were developed by the telecommunications industry to prepare individuals for a variety of positions within the industry. See Careers. They are offered completely online, which gives working adults flexibility with their schedules. They are quality programs, offered by highly qualified and accredited education providers with years of experience in online learning. Are NACTEL educational providers accredited? Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Can I transfer the credits earned in any of the NACTEL programs to another school? Because NACTEL educational providers are fully accredited by regional accrediting bodies, credits are transferable to similar programs in other institutions. However, each of these programs focuses on a different aspect of the telecommunications industry, and students are encouraged to follow the career path laid out in each program. Back to Top Questions Concerning Pace and the Telecom Technologies Program What is Pace University? Pace is a 4-year institution of higher learning, located in New York State, with campuses in New York City, Westchester County, and the Hudson Valley. Pace is a leader in quality online instruction. For more information about the University, visit the Pace University web site: http://www.pace.edu Where is Pace University located? Pace University's Ivan G. Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems - which offers and manages the NACTEL program - is located at: Pace University CSIS One Martine Ave. White Plains, NY 10606 For more information about the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, see: http://csis.pace.edu Will I have an instructor in my course? Yes, all Pace online courses are instructor-led. What courses are included in these certificates and degrees? Click on the following links for course details: Accelerated B.S. in Telecom degree Advanced Certificate in Emerging Telecom Technologies A.S. Degree in Applied Information Technology Telecommunications Essentials Certificate Introduction to Telecom Certificate Broadband Essentials Certificate Wirelss Networking Essentials Certificate Introduction to Broadband Certificate Broadband Jump Start Courses Can I use credits I have earned through other colleges or company training in this program? Yes. When you provide transcripts from previously completed courses to the University, they will be evaluated and eligible courses will be transferred into this program. In addition, through Prior Learning Assessment, your prior work experience is evaluated and can be used toward credit courses. See the Prior Learning Assessment seminar on the Pace site. How much time does it take to complete any of the Pace NACTEL programs? Completion time depends on the number of transfer credits and other prior learning that you bring into NACTEL programs. With no transfer credits and studying part-time: Certificates can be completed in about a year The A.S. degree takes about three years The accelerated B.S. degree can be accomplished in two years How much math is required in this program? The A.S. and B.S. degrees are technical and math is extremely important. You will need to pass a math screening assessment that is provided on the Pace University Web site. If your math is a bit rusty, a Math Academic Skills Seminar is available as a refresher course. In addition, online math tutoring is available in Pace NACTEL programs. How many hours per week should I plan on studying? For each 3-credit course you take, plan on spending 6-9 hours on your weekly homework. Does my union support this program? The Pace NACTEL programs are fully endorsed by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. How much does it cost? The A.S. degree, the Intro to the Telecom Industry Certificate, Telecommunications Essentials Certificate, Broadband Essentials Certificate and the Wireless Networking Certificate have a tiered tuition schedule; check here for Tuition Information. For the B.S. degree and the Advanced Certificate in Emerging Telecom Technologies click here for Tuition Information. Books and selected equipment will also be required. Is tuition assistance available? If you are employed by a NACTEL partner, check the Tuition Assistance page for your employer. If you are not employed by a NACTEL partner, as a fully accredited university, Pace will most likely be eligible under your company's tuition assistance plan. Check with your HR office. Is there any financial aid? Learn about Financial Aid available. Is there tuition assistance available to veterans? The Pace NACTEL program is VA approved. How do I use my GI Bill? 1. Fax a photocopy of your DD-214 Discharge Document to the registrar’s office. This form can be obtained from your military branch. Include a coversheet with the document that indicates the Chapter you belong to (i.e. Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 35 or Chapter 1606). 2. Complete and submit the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990). This can either be completed offline or online. IMPORTANT: For Question 22B on the form - “Have you selected the specific Program of Education you plan to take?” The answer to that question must be either of the following depending on your degree selection: AS - Applied Information Technologies or BS - Professional Technology Studies Please Note: Every semester you must be officially registered and payments submitted in order for VA Benefits to be applied. For general information on the GI Bill, click here. How is payment of tuition handled? Payment must be received by Pace before registration can be processed. Check the Pace site for details. Is there help if I need it? While the online learning format works best for people who are independent learners and problem solvers, at Pace you will still have access to: A Pace University advisor An Online Student Seminar to prepare you for the program Pace Faculty An online Tutor How do I take exams online? Most of the online exams require that a Proctor (which you select) be present for the exam at a location convenient to you. Check the Pace site for information on Proctoring. Do I ever have to go to the Pace University campus? No. How do I know what courses to register for? Once your application is received, you will be connected with the Pace NACTEL advisor who will give you guidance on an education plan. How do I get credit for previous work experience? Visit the Pace site on Prior Learning Assessment to learn more. I am interested in applying for the program. What is the next step? To apply for the accelerated online B.S. degree program or the Advanced Certificate in Emerging Technologies, go to: http://support.csis.pace.edu/bsintelecom/howtoapply-nonnactel.cfm. To apply for the A.S. degree program, or any of these certificates: Intro to Telecommunications, Telecommunications Essentials, Intro to Broadband, Broadband Essentials, Wireless Networking Essentials, Video Technology Essentials, or Broadband Jump Start Courses, go to: http://support.csis.pace.edu/nactel/admission/index.cfm. When should I apply? Application and start of class dates are posted on our home page for the next available semester. When do classes begin and end? Classes begin in the Early Fall, Late Fall, Early Spring, Late Spring, and Summer semesters (5 sessions). Visit the Pace Calendar for dates for the upcoming semesters. Can I get certification for network plus CISCO through NACTEL? Our TS341 course on Networking Technologies is oriented towards the CCENT/CCNA exam preparation. Back to Top Questions Concerning Online Learning If I have had no experience with online learning, will I have difficulty with these courses? You should have no difficulty with the technology if you know how to use a mouse and navigate around the Internet. Check How Does Online Learning Work? if you are not sure. What kind of technical requirements are needed? You will need to have an adequate computer and Internet provider. Check the Requirements page for details because each education provider has different technology requirements. Can I use my Mac for these courses? The Pace University courses were designed for the PC. What kind of computer skills do I need? You should be able to: Create, save, and manage files on your computer Install software on your computer, if necessary Be comfortable sending and receiving email How do I know if online learning is for me? Online learning is not for everyone. Take the self-quiz, Is Online Learning for Me? to find out. Back to Top Questions Concerning NACTEL What is NACTEL? NACTEL is a partnership of telecommunications companies and unions that have joined together to develop educational programs to address critical employment needs in the telecommunications industry. Visit the NACTEL partners page for details. What does "NACTEL" stand for? The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning. Will NACTEL provide job placement assistance after I complete my program? NACTEL provides a Careers section on this site for those new to the industry. It also includes Job Hunting information and resources for program graduates. What is the relationship between NACTEL and Pace University? NACTEL has chosen Pace University as the education provider for the online education programs. Back to Top