Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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. 1Be enrolled in the Instructional Design Professional Certification Program
2. 2Graduate from the program in good standing
3. 3Attend 3 "Securing the Role" strategic meetings during your job search
4. 4Submit updated action plans after each strategic meeting
5. 5Apply to at least 40 instructional design jobs per month for 6 months
6. 6Use the final resume and portfolio you created during the program
7. 7Keep 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.

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.

Most students spend 10 to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.