GIA: Education: What is the Continuing Education Recognition Program?

We know your story is still unfolding. Now you can add a new chapter with GIA's Continuing Education–for personal enrichment, career fulfillment, and industry knowledge.

GIA's Continuing Education Recognition Program allows gemologists living anywhere in the world the opportunity to demonstrate to their customers that they are staying in touch with current industry trends through distance learning at GIA on iTunes U.

In an effort to continually support our students and alumni, GIA has partnered with Apple, Inc. to provide continuing education online through iTunes U. Participants will have access to a variety of audio and video segments, covering topics from jewelry manufacturing, new developments in treatments and synthetics, international gemstone mining, and more, giving you the advantage that you need to succeed. There is no charge for accessing GIA on iTunes U..

Each year you'll have a new opportunity to earn a Continuing Education credential. To participate, you must have already earned your Gemologist or Graduate Gemologist diploma and you must enroll annually. This program is designed to support and enhance your GIA education. You can enroll at any time throughout the year and must complete the program by February 28th of the following year.

To earn the Continuing Education Recognition credential, use GIA on iTunes U to download and view, in any order, at least five of the program assignments. Each assignment has a corresponding questionnaire that you complete via Virtual Campus on My GIA. You must score a 75 percent or better to pass. As new assignments are released, you'll be notified through the alum.connect e-newsletter, as well as by notices on the My Education page and on the Course Assignment List found within the Continuing Education section of GIA on iTunes U.

After you have passed a minimum of five assignments in a given year, you must complete an online Petition to Graduate. Upon verification that you have met the requirements, you will receive a paper credential suitable for framing with that year's seal. (A $45 processing fee applies.) Then, after meeting each new year's requirements, you'll earn a new seal.

How to Use GIA's Continuing Education Recognition Program
(View Online Tutorial)|(Download PDF)

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