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Course FAQ

  • Can the course be offered at a discount?

Under normal circumstances no. But given the recent global health crisis we are revisiting our model, please contact [email protected] to inquire about the possibility of a scholarship to take these trainings. All fees collected at registration go to support the hosting of the materials on the Blackboard system and WSC does not profit from them.

  • Having trouble accessing the course space? Try these steps:

1) Go to https://learn.wsu.edu

2) Click “non-WSU sign in here”

3) Username will be the email address you used to register for the course

4) The default password will be the first letter of your first name then your full last name, no spaces, all lowercase

  • Still having trouble with registration, access, the Canvas system, or other IT issue?

Create a ticket by emailing [email protected] or calling 509-355-5157

  • I’m having trouble getting the video clips that are a part of the course materials play.

Try switching your browser to Firefox, available as a free download

  • What types of information are covered in each of the certificate programs?

– The Design course ($150) consists of a total of five modules:

1) Bioretention Design

2) Permeable Pavement Design

3) Site Assessment

4) Vegetated Roofs and Rainwater Harvesting

5) Hydrological Modeling

– The Operations & Maintenance course ($100) is made up of three modules:

1) Intro to LID for Inspection and Maintenance Staff

2) Bioretention Maintenance

3) Permeable Pavement Operation & Maintenance

– The Rain Garden Training course ($100) consists of four modules:

1) Planning & Design

2) Construction & Build

3) Plant

4) Maintenance

  • How long does it take to complete the courses? 

We estimate 1-2 hours per module to read the material and watch the video clips. There are additional resources to refer to which will add time to that estimate. There are no time limits for completing the course.

  • What are the assessments like?

Each assessment ranges from 10-20 questions in length, multiple-choice, true/false, etc. All assessments are considered ‘open-book’ so any and all resources are available for use.

  • What has been the evolution of the course?

The course was initially subsidized by the Washington Department of Ecology to provide in-person trainings. When funding for this model ran out a decision was made to move to an online-only alternative of the course which greatly reduces the cost to those choosing to enroll. However, we recognize that by offering online-only training, a lot of information that comes from actual design and practice does not necessarily convey.

  • Are continuing education credits (CEUs) available?

As of July 11, 2022 students will be able to apply CEUs to their coursework at the time of registration for an additional fee of $10. Due to this requirement and the extra verification steps needed as the student moves through the course, current registrants are unfortunately ineligible. If you are registering for the course and are interested in this option please be sure to select the add CEU option at the time of registration for the Design and/or O&M courses.

  • Is this certificate relevant to those outside the state of Washington?

Our curriculum is specific to Washington state and heavily refers to our Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington. However, the concepts covered are universal and are useful to a wide swathe of people interested in learning more about LID.