From CURIOUS to CONFIDENT

Become a Certified Instructional Designer

A mentor-led, state-licensed program with unlimited feedback. Built for real hiring outcomes.

Earn an industry-backed certification — and if you don’t land an instructional design role within six months of graduating, you’ll get 100% of your tuition back. Terms apply—learn more.

Our students work for the world's leading organizations.

Built on Success. Designed for Your Future.

Since 2020, we’ve helped over 600 aspiring instructional designers build beautiful portfolios, get hired at Fortune 500 companies, and earn an average salary of $90k USD, all through our industry-leading ID Bootcamp.

After refining our curriculum with an independent advisory committee and becoming a state-licensed career school, we built Peck Academy’s Instructional Design Professional Certification: a more rigorous, career-ready program designed for today’s market.

Our focus is straightforward: help you build a portfolio that holds up in real hiring conversations, earn a certification that actually signals readiness, and confidently transition into instructional design with support to back you up.

Devlin Peck to Peck Academy Transformation

Your Path to Becoming Certified

Step 1

Apply and Enroll

Apply online to confirm fit, review expectations, and get clear next steps. No sales calls or pressure.

Step 2

Build In-Demand Skills

Learn by doing through on-demand lessons, live workshops, and hands-on projects. In-depth feedback at every stage.

Step 3

Create Your Stand-out Portfolio

Design real projects that show how you think, make decisions, and solve problems (not just polished visuals).

Step 4

Earn Your Certification

Graduate with a state-licensed instructional design certification you can confidently share on LinkedIn, your resume, and your portfolio.

Step 5

Land Your New Role

Get structured support during your job search: from resumes and interviews to navigating offers and next steps.

Peck Academy Graduate celebrating his success, holding a Peck Academy certificate

Unlimited Feedback to Become Hire-Ready

At Peck Academy, feedback is the core of how you learn.

You won’t submit a project, get a quick “looks good,” and move on. Instead, you’ll receive clear, detailed feedback on your work (your projects, portfolio site, and resume), and you'll continue refining your work until it reflects the level hiring teams expect.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Submit work whenever you’re ready (not on rigid deadlines)
• Receive actionable, specific feedback within a defined review window
• Iterate with guidance so you’re never guessing what to fix next

You’ll work closely with a dedicated instructional design mentor, get live feedback during weekly workshops, and receive personalized video reviews between sessions.

We focus on quality, not just completion. And we stay with you through the messy middle (revising, refining, and improving) so the work you graduate with actually holds up in real hiring conversations.

"Having the feedback really bolstered me — it gave me the confidence to put my project and portfolio out into the world, which was terrifying at first. Without that feedback, I don't know if I would have had the guts to do it."
A headshot of Maggie Teper

Maggie Teper

Instructional Designer at True Group, Inc.

"Most of the feedback was in video format and that was unbelievable! I'd never seen anything like that kind of feedback before. I've only ever received feedback scribbled all over an essay. And getting the video feedback was really helpful."
A headshot of Sally Castle

Sally Castle

Freelance Instructional Designer

"What I valued most was the critical, focused feedback that helped me truly improve. It wasn’t surface-level—it challenged me to think deeper and make design decisions with purpose."
Laura Strombergsson - eLearning Developer

Laura Strombergsson

eLearning Developer at alo

Personalized, 1-on-1 Strategy Sessions

When it comes to landing your dream ID role, cookie-cutter advice just doesn’t cut it. That’s why at Peck Academy, you’ll meet 1-on-1 with your dedicated Instructional Design Mentor to craft a personalized strategy (from your very first project to your top-choice job offer).

Goal Setting for Success

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Kick things off by mapping out a learning plan tailored to your background, strengths, and career goals — no guessing, no overwhelm.

Kicking Off the Flagship Project

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Lay the foundation for your capstone, scenario-driven eLearning project with expert guidance — so your portfolio stands out and draws in hiring managers.

Job Search Success

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Work side-by-side with your mentor to position your skills on LinkedIn, refine your ID resume, and craft a personal brand that gets attention.

Securing the Role

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When it’s time to apply, interview, and negotiate, you won’t be doing it alone. Your mentor will coach you through every step — so you show up ready and confident.

In the Professional Certification, you’ll also work with our Career Mentor who specializes in personal branding, resumes, and job search strategy. This includes four strategic planning sessions, resume/LinkedIn support, and mock interviews to help you step into the job market with confidence.

Real, Transformative Career Transitions

For most Peck Academy students, changing careers isn’t about chasing a trendy job.

It’s about building work they’re proud of and stepping into roles where their skills are valued.

Our students come from many backgrounds:

• Former teachers who wanted out of the classroom and into roles with long-term growth
• Professionals in L&D, design, or customer-facing roles who wanted deeper, more strategic work
• Creatives and educators who wanted to combine storytelling, problem-solving, and technology

What changed wasn’t just their job title.

They learned how to:

• Think like instructional designers
• Build portfolios that show judgment, not just tools
• Talk confidently about their work in real hiring conversations

That combination: portfolio quality, mentorship, and a supportive peer community, is what helps people successfully transition into instructional design.

Quotation marks

"I went from rejection after rejection to producing tangible, high-quality deliverables — and landed a top tech offer I never thought possible. It all started with gaining clarity on the design process."

Joanna Cappuccilli Headshot

Joanna Cappuccilli

Curriculum Developer at Amazon Web Services

Quotation marks

"I went from zero experience with industry tools to confidently stepping into an ID role.

My hands-on growth with Storyline and the support of peers helped me make the leap from military training to civilian instructional design."

A headshot of Jeremy Chestnut

Jeremy Chestnut

Instructional Designer at Educology Solutions

Quotation marks

“The program not only taught me how to create a course in Storyline, it helped me create a website portfolio, tailor my resume, prepare for interviews, and make new friendships that continue to help me grow.”

A headshot of Kelley Gaines

Kelley Gaines

Instructional Systems Designer at Tawain Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

Quotation marks

"I joined a community of helpful industry professionals and fellow transitioning teachers that provided me with daily support and feedback.

The program also made it easy for me to quickly gain the skills necessary to break into the field."

Sean Anderson Headshot

Sean Anderson

Sr. Associate Instructional Designer at PowerSchool

Quotation marks

"With a clearer grasp of learning theory and authoring tools like Storyline, I felt ready to hit the ground running. I landed a remote role just two months after completing my flagship project."

A headshot of Shelby Kandziora

Shelby Kandziora

Learning Designer at Kohls

Quotation marks

"When I started collaborating with my ID Mentor to have that back and forth—the option to have somebody to run your ideas by—there's so much value in that.

You can't put a price tag on having that kind of relationship as you're really trying to build something that's going to hopefully get you a job."

A headshot of Vanessa Miller

Vanessa Miller

Instructional Designer at UCSF Health

Quotation marks

“Once I joined the program, I knew I had made the right decision.

The structured modules, the community space, the opportunities for feedback, and the overall support enabled me to succeed.

Had I gone through this process on my own, I’m not sure if I would have been where I am at today.”

Raul Fajardo Headshot

Raul Fajardo

Currirulum Developer at Amazon Web Services

Quotation marks

"Learning how to design for adults and apply theory gave me the tools I needed to shift from teaching to a learning and development role I truly enjoy."

Theresa Brough Headshot Photo

Theresa Brough

Director of Learning & Development at Home Furniture Plus Bedding

Quotation marks

"Once I created my flagship projects, put my portfolio together, and rewrote my resume, I felt confident to start applying for jobs.

Ultimately, I landed three job offers because of my portfolio and the skills I learned in the program.

I went from zero corporate ID experience to leading impactful learning solutions."

A headshot of Aneta Wisniewska

Aneta Wisniewska

Instructional Designer at the University of Minnesota

Quotation marks

"Through the feedback and encouragement of the program and my team, I was able to create a solid portfolio website with multiple high-quality projects that showcase my skills.

This gave me greater confidence leading into my job search, and I was able to land a Curriculum Developer position at Amazon Web Services."

A headshot of David Leisey

David Leisey

Curriculum Developer at Amazon Web Services

Quotation marks

"I had never used Storyline before, but after leveling up my skills and building a new flagship project, I secured both the highest-paying freelance contract of my career and a full-time role that reflects my values."

A headshot of Teresa Moreno

Teresa Moreno

Freelance Instuctional Designer

Quotation marks

"Thanks to the months I spent practicing with real tools and projects, I stepped into my new role ready to storyboard, work with SMEs, and build eLearning — following the same process I had already lived through."

A headshot of Katherine Porter

Katherine Porter

Instructional Designer at McDermott Will & Emery

The Industry Is Growing & The Bar is Rising

Instructional design roles continue to grow across industries. According to U.S. labor data, training and development roles are projected to increase over the next decade as organizations invest more heavily in learning, enablement, and internal training.

But growth hasn’t made hiring easier.

As more people attempt to transition into instructional design, hiring teams are raising the bar.

Many applicants struggle to stand out: not because they lack interest, but because their portfolios don’t show real decision-making, their skills don’t match day-to-day work, or their experience isn’t clearly communicated.

Peck Academy is designed to help you meet the current hiring standard, not an outdated one: by building practical skills, developing a portfolio that holds up in real hiring conversations, and earning a credential that signals readiness.

A graphic displaying a bar chart comparing the number of open ID roles to the number of applicants who are qualified verses not qualified

AI is Part of the Job. We Teach it That Way.

Instructional design is changing quickly, and AI is now part of everyday work: from analysis and content development to iteration and prototyping.

At Peck Academy, AI isn’t treated as a shortcut or a trend. It’s taught as a practical toolset to support better design decisions and more efficient workflows.

Inside the program, you’ll:

• Learn how to use AI across real instructional design tasks
• Build at least one AI-supported project that demonstrates judgment, process, and intentional use
• Participate in weekly AI workshops where we review real projects and discuss what’s showing up in hiring conversations
• Use custom tools developed for Peck Academy students to speed up iteration and reduce busywork

Our goal is for you to graduate with practical AI fluency: knowing when to use AI, how to explain your decisions, and how to apply it responsibly in real instructional design roles.

AI Workshop Screenshot with Devlin Peck

Connection Changes How You Learn

Instructional design isn’t learned in isolation.

At Peck Academy, you become part of a professional community made up of current students, alumni, mentors, and experienced instructional designers who are actively working in the field.

That connection shows up in practical ways:
• Learning alongside peers who are working toward the same goal
• Getting perspective and feedback from designers at different stages of their careers
• Seeing how others approach projects, portfolios, and job searches

The community is woven into the program through weekly live workshops, academy team meetings, private community spaces, and one-off events.

This isn’t about networking for its own sake. It’s about developing your skills in a professional environment and building relationships that continue well beyond the program.

Peck Academy Community Screenshot

Our Industry-Leading Curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on practical skills and hands-on experience that employers are looking for.

With hundreds of lessons across seven comprehensive courses, you'll develop a complete skillset to confidently enter the instructional design field.

Course #1: Instructional Design Project Lab

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Learn instructional design theory, process, and models while building hands-on projects that simulate real-world experience.

  • Conduct needs analysis in real-world scenarios
  • Create surveys to gather audience insights
  • Interview subject matter experts effectively
  • Apply instructional design theories to create sound learning experiences
  • Design deliverables including storyboards, video scripts, and workshops
  • Evaluate learning solutions for effectiveness

Course #2: Storyline Project Lab

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Master Articulate Storyline 360, the industry's most popular eLearning authoring tool, through nine hands-on projects.

  • Navigate the Storyline interface confidently
  • Create professional, interactive eLearning content
  • Add interactivity with triggers, variables, and conditions
  • Make your content accessible and user-friendly
  • Publish and share your projects professionally
  • Develop projects including tab interactions, assessments, and scenario-based learning 

Course #3: Designing Scenario-based eLearning

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Create a flagship project that demonstrates your ability to solve real business problems through effective instructional design.

  • Follow a comprehensive design process focused on performance improvement
  • Write engaging, story-driven content
  • Apply visual design principles for professional layouts
  • Create a high-quality project that showcases your full range of skills 

Course #4: Building Your Stand-out Portfolio

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Create a professional portfolio website that gets noticed by employers and clients.

  • Choose the right projects to showcase
  • Write compelling case studies that highlight your process
  • Create a visually appealing, user-friendly website
  • Drive traffic to your portfolio and leverage it for opportunities 

Course #5: The Ultimate ID Resume

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Position your experience effectively to land more interviews.

  • Identify transferable skills from your previous roles
  • Highlight metrics and results that demonstrate your impact
  • Tailor your resume to specific instructional design positions 

Course #6: Acing the ID Interview

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Prepare for common interview questions and turn interviews into job offers.

  • Develop confident responses to typical ID interview questions
  • Connect your experience to the skills employers are seeking
  • Research companies effectively and prepare thoughtful questions 

Course #7: Getting Leads on LinkedIn

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Optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters and potential clients.

  • Create a profile that highlights your instructional design skills
  • Build your network strategically with industry professionals
  • Generate leads through LinkedIn optimization and networking 

Backed By Independent Experts

Our curriculum is designed with input from an independent Advisory Committee: a diverse group of instructional design leaders who ensure our program reflects current industry standards and employer expectations.

These professionals actively working in the field help us stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies, ensuring you graduate with the most relevant and in-demand skills. Their ongoing guidance ensures our program continues to evolve with the industry, making our graduates highly competitive in the job market.

Frank Meister

Leadership Development Project Lead at Reyes Beverage Group

Peck Academy’s certification program caters to individuals seeking to establish themselves in the field of instructional design, particularly for modern learning experiences rooted in adult learning principles. The academy fosters a supportive peer community, ensuring memorable learning experiences and facilitating meaningful connections.

Tanacha Gaines

Senior Manager, Learning Design Operations at General Assembly

I support Peck Academy because I’m a strong advocate for learning—and an even stronger advocate for the continued framing and sharing of knowledge within the instructional and learning design community. Peck Academy not only provides access to current industry skills but also fosters a vibrant community of practice that sustains the lifelong knowledge journey.

Leigh Ann Morgan

Senior Instructional Designer at Sheetz

I support the Peck Academy because they offer a wide range of up-to-date educational strategies, ensuring its curriculum is comprehensive and highly relevant. The networking opportunities provide a chance to connect with and learn from peers in the field, introducing fresh ideas and perspectives. The academy's hands-on approach allows everyone to quickly develop skills that have immediate, practical impacts on their work.

Keith Wilson

Director of Cybersecurity Education at AttackIQ

Peck Academy stands out for its commitment to adult learning principles and real-world skill development. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, grounded in instructional design best practices, and provides aspiring learning professionals with the tools they need to transition confidently into the field. This level of depth and quality is exactly what I look for when evaluating instructional talent.

Marie Javdani

Senior Instructional Designer at SGE International

Peck Academy offers clear, practical content and hands-on coaching that build real-world skills, boost confidence, and prepare learners for the job market. Its thoughtful, effective approach is exactly what drew me to support the program.

Curriculum reviewed by active professionals | Licensed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Build a Portfolio That Holds Up in Hiring Conversations

Your portfolio isn’t just something you submit — it’s how hiring teams evaluate how you think, solve problems, and approach real instructional design work.

Peck Academy helps you develop a professional-grade portfolio made up of real projects that reflect the level of clarity and decision-making employers expect.

Inside the program, you’ll:

• Design projects based on realistic problems (not generic prompts or templates)
• Apply storytelling, strategy, and learning science in ways you can clearly explain
• Graduate with a portfolio that reflects your process, not just polished deliverables

The results speak for themselves. We've helped students use their portfolios to land roles at Fortune 500 companies, universities, and government organizations (often by clearly standing out in competitive applicant pools).

Shelby Kandziora
Learning Designer at Kohls
Graduate of ID Bootcamp
(Now the Certification program)
Sean Anderson
Sr. Associate Instructional Designer at PowerSchool
Graduate of ID Bootcamp
(Now the Certification program)
Nan Wang
Freelance Instructional Designer
Graduate of ID Bootcamp
(Now the Certification program)
Isabella Hashimoto
Senior Instructional Designer at PCC Markets
Graduate of ID Bootcamp
(Now the Certification program)
Katherine Porter
Instructional Designer at McDermott Will & Emery
Graduate of ID Bootcamp
(Now the Certification program)
Jeremy Chestnut
Instructional Designer at Educology Solutions
Graduate of ID Bootcamp
(Now the Certification program)

The Peck Academy Promise

We’ve designed Peck Academy to prepare students for real instructional design roles, and we’re willing to stand behind that commitment.

If you complete the program and do not land an instructional design role within six months of graduation, you may be eligible for a 100% tuition refund, in accordance with the terms outlined in the enrollment agreement.

This promise exists for a reason.

We ask students to invest significant time and effort into building job-ready skills and a strong portfolio. In return, we commit to providing the curriculum, mentorship, feedback, and career support needed to meet today’s hiring standards.

The full refund criteria, timelines, and responsibilities for both parties are clearly defined in the enrollment agreement, which we'll review and sign together.

Peck Academy Promise: 100% Tuition Refund if Not Hired within 6 months of Graduation

A Certification That Signals Professional Readiness

The Instructional Design Professional Certification from Peck Academy is designed to reflect practical readiness, not just course completion.

Because Peck Academy's curriculum is reviewed by an independent body of industry experts, the certification signals that you’ve completed a structured program aligned with industry expectations (including portfolio development, applied skills, and professional standards).

Through the program, you’ll:

• Earn a recognized, industry-backed certification you can list on LinkedIn, your resume, and your portfolio
• Graduate with a portfolio that supports your credential in real hiring conversations
• Join a growing group of certified instructional designers who share a common standard of preparation

The certification does not expire. It represents the level of rigor and readiness you demonstrated, and it carries forward as you grow in your career.

Peck Academy certificate, badge, and LinkedIn example

Is Peck Academy the Right Fit?

Peck Academy is a strong fit for people who:

• Are serious about transitioning into instructional design within the next 6–12 months
• Want to build real portfolio projects with detailed feedback and iteration
• Are comfortable receiving direct, constructive critique to improve their work

Peck Academy may not be the right fit if you:

• Are looking for a quick certificate or passive course experience
• Prefer purely academic or theory-focused programs
• Want guaranteed outcomes without actively engaging in the work

We’d rather help you make a clear, informed decision than push you into the wrong program.

Which Track is Right For You?

At Peck Academy, every student gets access to our full curriculum of seven courses and live workshops. The difference between programs is the level of mentorship, feedback, and career support you receive.

Program
Mentorship
Live Feedback Workshops
Access to all course content
Strategic Planning Meetings
Project Feedback
Project Deliverables
Portfolio Feedback
Resume Feedback
LinkedIn Profile Feedback
Interview Prep Feedback
Mock Interview
Feedback window
Shareable Credentials
State-licensed Program
Backed by the Peck Academy Promise
Tuition (see FAQ for payment options)
Instructional Design
Foundations
Dedicated ID Mentor
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Goal Setting
1 Project
1 Project Idea
1 Full Build
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9 + 3 months complimentary
Certificate of Completion
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From $327/mo (18-month plan)
Total Tuition: $5400
Instructional Design
Practitioner
Dedicated ID Mentor
Checkmark in circle
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Goal Setting +
Flagship Project Kickoff
3 Projects
3 Project Ideas
3 Full Builds
Checkmark in circle
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9 + 6 months complimentary
Certificate of Completion
Checkmark in circle
From $439/mo (18-month plan)
Total Tuition: $7400
Instructional Design
Foundations

Dedicated ID Mentor

Checkmark in circle

Live Feedback Workshops

Checkmark in circle

Access to all course content

Checkmark in circle

Goal Setting Meeting

Checkmark in circle

Flagship Project Kickoff Meeting

Job Search Success Meeting

Securing the Role Meeting (x3)

Feedback on 1 Project

Checkmark in circle

Action Map Feedback

Storyboard Feedback

Visual Mockup Feedback

Prototype Feedback

Process Write-up Feedback

Portfolio Feedback

Checkmark in circle

Resume Feedback

LinkedIn Profile Feedback

Interview Prep Feedback

Mock Interview

3-Month Complimentary Feedback Window

Checkmark in circle

Certificate of Completion

Checkmark in circle

State-licensed Program

Checkmark in circle

Backed by the Peck Academy Promise

From $327/mo (18-month plan)
Total Tuition: $5400


Longer financing available through our financing partner, Climb Credit (up to 42 months).

Apply Now
Instructional Design
Practitioner

Dedicated ID Mentor

Checkmark in circle

Live Feedback Workshops

Checkmark in circle

Access to all course content

Checkmark in circle

Goal Setting Meeting

Checkmark in circle

Flagship Project Kickoff Meeting

Checkmark in circle

Job Search Success Meeting

Securing the Role Meeting (x3)

Feedback on 3 Projects

Checkmark in circle

Action Map Feedback

Storyboard Feedback

Visual Mockup Feedback

Prototype Feedback

Process Write-up Feedback

Portfolio Feedback

Checkmark in circle

Resume Feedback

Checkmark in circle

LinkedIn Profile Feedback

Interview Prep Feedback

Mock Interview

6-Month Complimentary Feedback Window

Checkmark in circle

Certificate of Completion

Checkmark in circle

State-licensed Program

Checkmark in circle

Backed by the Peck Academy Promise

From $439/mo (18-month plan)
Total Tuition: $7400


Longer financing available through our financing partner, Climb Credit (up to 42 months).

Apply Now

Practical Skills vs. Academic Credentials

Academic degrees have their place.

But for instructional design roles, adding another degree on its own doesn’t always translate into stronger portfolios or clearer hiring outcomes.

We regularly work with aspiring instructional designers (including those who have already completed Master’s programs) who are still working to bridge the gap between academic coursework and employer expectations.

That’s why many career switchers choose Peck Academy instead of traditional degree programs.

Peck Academy

Checkmark in circle
Focused on real-world industry needs
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Dedicated ID mentor with 6 one-on-one meetings & unlimited feedback
Checkmark in circle
Industry portfolio that shows off in-demand skills
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6-9 months to complete the program
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Flexible timeline & on-demand content
Checkmark in circle
Practical, project-based curriculum
Checkmark in circle
Industry-leading education in Articulate Storyline 360
Checkmark in circle
Tuition under $10k
Checkmark in circle
100% tuition refund if not hired within 6 months of graduation

Master's program

Focused on academia and education
Support limited to office hours and in-class questions
Academic portflio to satisfy class requirements; doesn't help get hired
Extended 12-24 month timeline
Fixed schedules & rigid timelines
Lecture-style academic curriculum
Doesn't teach Articulate Storyline 360, the most in-demand eLearning tool
Tuition often $25-50k+
No tuition refunds if not hired

All tuition and salary figures reflect publicly available May 2025 data from catalogsFull tuition refund eligibility subject to terms and conditions. Learn more.

Peck academy vs Other ID Programs

Choose the Right Program

Launching an instructional design career is a meaningful decision, and the quality of your preparation matters.

Many programs focus on speed or surface-level credentials. Peck Academy is designed differently: with an emphasis on skill mastery, portfolio quality, and readiness for real hiring processes.

Rather than aiming for “good enough,” we focus on helping students build work that reflects professional standards and holds up in competitive applicant pools.

Below is a comparison of how Peck Academy approaches preparation compared to other instructional design programs.

Feature
Tuition Promise
Feedback Depth
Feedback Window
Portfolio Quality
Curriculum
Support
Refund Policy
Licensing
Other Academies
No tuition refund if you don't land an instructional design role
Limited feedback that may inhibit your forward progress
6 months or less with hard cutoff dates
Entry-level portfolios that need further refinement to stand out
Unverified curriculum that may not be aligned with industry needs
Limited 1-on-1s, undisclosed feedback windows, less support
Refund windows as limited as several days
Often unregulated and unlicensed


Comparisons are based on public information and general trends in the industry as of May 2025. Individual experiences may vary. Full tuition refund eligibility subject to terms and conditions. Learn more.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If Peck Academy feels like the right fit, the next step is to apply.

Submitting an application is how we review fit, confirm expectations, and share clear next steps (without pressure or sales calls).

If accepted, you’ll move forward with access to unlimited feedback, structured portfolio development, and a state-licensed certification designed to support real hiring outcomes.

When you’re ready, you can apply below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program for?

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Peck Academy is designed for people who want to prepare seriously for instructional design roles, whether they’re transitioning into the field or working to stay competitive in a changing market.

Many students come in with little or no formal instructional design experience. Others already work in adjacent roles or have some ID background but want stronger portfolios, clearer positioning, or more advanced skills.

We don’t assume prior instructional design experience.

The program is structured to help you build skills progressively, from foundational concepts to portfolio-ready work, with feedback and support at each stage.

What are the requirements for the 100% tuition refund?

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The Peck Academy Promise is designed to reflect shared responsibility between the student and the school.

To be eligible for a 100% tuition refund, you must:

1. Be enrolled in the Instructional Design Professional Certification Program
2. Graduate from the program in good standing
3. Attend 3 “Securing the Role” strategic meetings during your job search
4. Submit updated action plans after each strategic meeting
5. Apply to at least 50 instructional design jobs per month for 6 months
6. Use the final resume and portfolio you created during the program
7. Keep us informed and stay responsive during your search

Exceptions may apply during major hiring freezes or economic downturns. See full terms in our School Catalog and enrollment agreement.

What if I am already working in the ID field?

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Some applicants already work in instructional design or related roles and are looking to:

• Strengthen or modernize their portfolio
• Transition into freelance or contract work
• Move into more senior or specialized positions

If that describes you, you can note your background and goals in your application. We’ll review your experience as part of the admissions process and help determine whether the certification aligns with what you’re trying to achieve.

What’s the time commitment?

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Most students spend 10–15 hours per week to complete the program in about 9 months. You also receive additional, complimentary feedback time after your program has ended: 3 months (Foundations), 6 months (Practitioner), or 9 months (Professional).

If you can commit 25 to 40 hours a week, it is possible to complete the program in 3 to 6 months.

Either way, you can move at the pace that fits your life and schedule.

How is this different from a Master’s program?

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Master’s programs in instructional design typically focus on theory, research, and academic assignments. For some career paths, that depth is valuable...but it doesn’t always translate directly into job-ready portfolios or clarity in hiring conversations.

Peck Academy is designed around applied practice. Students work through realistic projects, follow a structured instructional design process, and build a portfolio intended to be reviewed by hiring teams (not graded academically).

Feedback is provided by instructional designers who are actively working in the field, so guidance is grounded in current expectations rather than theory alone.

Another key difference is accountability. Unlike a traditional degree program, the Instructional Design Professional Certification is backed by the Peck Academy Promise. If you complete the program, meet the outlined requirements, and do not land a qualifying role within six months of graduation, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund, as defined in the enrollment agreement.

How does the tuition refund guarantee work?

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If you complete the Instructional Design Professional Certification program and do not land a qualifying instructional design role within six months of graduation, you may be eligible for a 100% tuition refund, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

The full criteria, timelines, and responsibilities for both the student and Peck Academy are clearly outlined in the enrollment agreement and School Catalog.

Are these programs accredited?

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Peck Academy is a licensed private career school approved by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

While we’re not currently accredited through a national accrediting body, we are held to state-level standards for quality, transparency, and student outcomes.

Do I get a certificate when I finish?

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Yes! You'll earn a certificate and / or certification upon graduation. Foundations & Practitioner students earn a Certificate of Completion. ID Professional students earn an industry-backed Professional Certification that lasts your entire career.

We will also show you how to highlight your credentials on LinkedIn so employers can see the value you bring right away. 

When can I start?

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We open new cohorts regularly throughout the year. Once accepted, you can start immediately (if spots are available) or you can reserve a seat in a future cohort with a deposit.

You can see all upcoming cohort start dates in the course catalog.

What's the cost?

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The Foundations program is a $5,400 investment when paid upfront, the Practitioner program is a $7,400 investment upfront, and the Professional Certification is a $9,400 investment upfront.

Flexible payment plans are available for every tier, including an 18-month option, and we also partner with Climb Credit for longer-term financing of up to 42 months.

These options make it possible to spread out the investment — in some cases to less than $300 per month — while still getting full access to the program

Are there any extra costs? 

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The only required software is Articulate Storyline, and most students use the free trial version to complete their projects. You’ll need access to a computer that can run Articulate Storyline and a reliable internet connection.

Throughout the program, we utilize other free web-based tools like Google Docs, Figma, MindMeister, and Zoom.

Some students choose to invest in tools like custom domains, premium AI tools (like ChatGPT Plus), or Vyond for animated videos, but we’ll help you find low-cost and free alternatives if needed.

Can I upgrade later if I start with a lower-tier program?

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Yes! You can upgrade at any time.

If you move up from the Foundations program within 60 days, you can apply your full $5,400 tuition as credit toward the Practitioner or Professional program.

If you move up from the Practitioner program within 90 days, you can apply your full $7,400 tuition as credit toward the Professional Certification.

Can I talk to someone before enrolling?

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Absolutely! Send us an email at hello@peckacademy.com to get your questions answered, talk through your goals, and find out if the program is a good fit for you.

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