Get Prepared
Congrats on taking the first steps towards your education goals. Have you received your approval email from Guild? If not, don’t worry! You should receive an email within 7 to 10 business days of submitting your Guild application. If you don’t check your email regularly, we’d suggest checking it daily for the next week.
If you have received your approval email, double congratulations! Here are the next steps you should take before starting your Penn Foster program:
1 — Confirm your spot
Once your Guild application is approved, you'll need to confirm your spot in Penn Foster Career School’s program for the next start date. Log in to your Guild account and visit your Applications page to confirm your spot, then Penn Foster Career School will reach out to you with next steps. Be sure to confirm your spot by the 29th day of the month before your start date, or February 27, if the start date is in March, or you will have to start in a later term. For example, if your enrollment month is January, you must confirm your enrollment by December 29th. Look out for email and text reminders to complete this step!
If you don't confirm your spot by the 29th day, your start date will automatically update to the next start date available (up to 90 days out). You should be able to view your new start date and confirm your spot for the new start date within your Guild portal. If you don't confirm your spot for the updated start date, you will need to re-apply.
2 — Make sure you have the right technology
In order for Penn Foster’s programs to run in the best way possible, you will need:
Desktop computer or laptop
Google Chrome web browser (You can download Google Chrome here if you have not already.)
Reliable internet connection
Note: If you are enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician Professional program, you will need to use a device that runs a Windows operating system.
3 — Get Ready to Start
Once you have secured the correct technology and confirmed your enrollment, you have completed all the steps you need to complete prior to your start date. You will be receiving more information about how to access your Penn Foster Portal on your start date. You will not have access to this portal prior to your start date.
If you have previous education outside of the U.S. (i.e., foreign credentials), there aren't extra requirements to complete at Penn Foster Career School.
4 — Create your Penn Foster account on your start date
On your start date, you will receive an email from Penn Foster that includes your unique Student ID and instructs you to create your account. If you do not see this email in your inbox on your start date, please also make sure to check your junk and spam folders. Please do not create an account with Penn Foster before your start date, as you will have an account number assigned to you on your start date. When creating your account, be sure to enter the zip code of the home address you provided on your Guild application.
If you have any issues creating your account on your start date, you may reach out to Penn Foster at 800-840-0457 or guildsupport@pennfoster.edu.
5 — Complete your first required exam
To keep access to your account, you’ll need to complete your first exam within the first 10 days after your start date.
If you don’t complete the first exam within 10 days, you’ll lose access to your account and may need to reapply for a future start date. After the first exam, you can continue completing courses at your own pace.
6 — Complete your courses
In addition to your resources and instructors at Penn Foster, your Guild Growth Coach will be there to support.
7 — Complete your externship (Pharmacy tech only)
In order to earn your diploma, you will need to complete an unpaid externship at your current employer, which includes 120-160 hours of hands-on practice. Don’t worry - Guild, Penn Foster, and your employer will help you complete the externship! During this time, you will keep your current job. If you’re currently working as a pharmacy technician, you may still need to complete this externship.
If you have additional questions about your Penn Foster program, please visit Penn Foster’s Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also contact Penn Foster at 800-840-0457 or guildsupport@pennfoster.edu .
If you have questions about Technical Support, Transcripts, Benefits, or other areas unrelated to Penn Foster, please visit the Guild Help Center.
Timeline for Funding
You can learn more about the timeline of Tuition Assistance Funding by clicking here https://guild.force.com/helpcenter/s/article/How-Tuition-Assistance-works. You'll also want to ensure you are tagged as a Guild student with the school and ensure you continue to meet your employer's eligibility requirements.