FAQs

How do I register?

There are several ways to register:

• Online Registration is now available! Online registration is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can easily search and register for courses on our website. Simply add the courses you want to take to your cart and check out when you are ready. This is the easiest and most expeditious way to register.
• Phone Registration: If you are unable to register online contact the Center for Corporate and Community Education at 978-556-3060. Have your credit card ready and be prepared to provide your name, address, phone, email address, date of birth and the course information.
• In Person: Enrollment Services are at the Welcome Express Student Center on the Haverhill campus, or the Lawrence campus (414 Common Street).
• Registration for ed2Go online courses is available at ed2go.com/necc

How can I get help with registering online?

• For questions about classes, the registration process or if you’re having difficulty navigating the site, contact the Center for Corporate and Community Education at 978-556-3060 Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or email communityeducation@necc.mass.edu

Do I have to pay at the time of registration and can I pay online?

Yes. We accept major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa), checks, cash, and purchase orders.

You may pay for your classes online. Payments are made using our secure payment site. Follow the prompts asking if you are paying by credit or debit card, which credit card, the account number, expiration date, security code and billing address. (Be sure you review our refund policy before submitting payment.)

You will receive an email confirming your payment and another email confirming your registration.

What is the refund policy? Will I get a refund if the class is canceled or if I drop the class?

You will receive a full refund (including fees, if any) if you drop a course six or more days before the class start. A full refund is also given if NECC cancels the course for any reason. Refunds are made by check payable to the student if the course was paid by cash or check. Credit card refunds go directly to the card that was used to pay for the course.

If you are trying to drop a course after the drop date ends please contact us at 978-556-3060 or communityeducation@necc.mass.edu

How long does it take to get a refund and how do I ask for it?

Allow ten business days to receive your refund; the refund process starts automatically as soon as NECC cancels a class or you drop the class as long as that drop is initiated six or more days prior to the start of a class per our refund policy.

Can I get a partial refund for the time that I missed if I don’t attend all classes or I registered late?

No.

How do I drop a course?

If you have registered online you can drop your course(s) online. Please note our refund policy. If you have any issues with this process please contact us at 978-556-3060 or communityeducation@necc.mass.edu.

When can/should I register for a noncredit course?

You should register as early as possible for courses! Some classes fill quickly. Courses also have minimum enrollments so we encourage you to register early to ensure the course will run. For live remote courses you will receive a link to your Zoom classroom from the instructor sent to the email you provide. Please register at least 24 hours before the start of a course.

Can I register for a class that has already started?

You may be able to, but only by permission of the instructor and the program manager responsible for the course. Contact us at 978-556-3060 or email us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu if you would like to register for a course that has already begun.

What if the class I want is full?

Contact us at 978-556-3060 or communityeducation@necc.mass.edu; in most instances a full class may not be “overloaded” so we encourage you to register early to avoid disappointment. Contact us to see if the program manager is able to overload a class or if we are able to put your name on a wait list.

Why do you ask for my date of birth, full address, phone number, email and other information at the time of registration?

We ask for this information in order to avoid multiple transcripts at NECC and accurately capture your enrollment. We also require this information so that we can contact you in the event that your class is canceled, postponed, or there is critical information we need to share with you. It is important that we have a current email address on file so that we can send class confirmation details.

Do you accept purchase orders for company paid registrations?

Yes, we do. Please be sure to include the contact person and full information when submitting your registration. We are also happy to facilitate the process. Please contact us communityeducation@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3060.

I am eligible for tuition reimbursement through my employer. Will you handle the paperwork so that I get reimbursed?

We are happy to provide an official letter of completion noting the details of the course(s) you have completed, tuition/fees paid, and confirmation of your successful completion. You are responsible for completion and submission of the reimbursement request. If you need us to provide other documentation to substantiate your attendance, please let us know.

Are there scholarships, payment plans or any type of financial aid?

Noncredit courses are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships. Some banks do provide private loans for training programs. With few exceptions, payment plans are not available.

Are there discounts for senior citizens, residents, or the unemployed?

No, unfortunately there are no discounts available at this time. If unemployed, please contact MassHire Merrimack Valley in Lawrence at 978-722-7000, in Haverhill at 978-241-4730, or your local career center to see if you are eligible for tuition assistance.

If I am an employee of the college or a state agency, do I get a discount?

Contact your Human Resources Department for information on eligibility for tuition remission as well as the required paperwork for noncredit courses. Tuition waivers, tuition remission, or tuition vouchers do not apply to special programs, seminars or online courses. Student registrations must meet the cost of delivering the course before any waivers will be honored.

Is it possible to audit a course or sit in for a class or two without paying to decide if I want to enroll?

No. All students must register for classes.

Some courses have materials fees and/or capital fees. What are they?

Materials fees are for required books, equipment, food supplies or materials; you will receive these the first day of class. Capital fees are for costs associated with specialized courses held in computer labs.

What’s the difference between a noncredit and a credit course?

Credit courses are designed for students who want to earn college credits toward a degree or certificate; students receive a letter grade for credit courses. Noncredit courses do not count toward a degree unless the course is designated as part of our Noncredit/Credit Pathways Program. Noncredit courses provide options to learn new personal and professional skills, explore interests and occupations, prepare for a new job or complete professional development or certification programs to advance your career; students do not earn letter grades.

Who can take a noncredit course?

Courses are designed for adult learners 18 years or older. Unless specified otherwise in the course description, these courses are open to everyone regardless of educational background. You do not need a high school diploma or GED to register for courses unless noted otherwise. Some programs do require a certain level of education and all programs are taught in English. If you are unsure, please contact us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu or 978-556-3060.

Do I have to apply for admission or take placement tests?

Most noncredit courses are considered “open-enrollment”, meaning that anyone can register for the class without having to apply for admission or take a placement test. A few programs do have an acceptance process which may include assessments; in those few instances, this information will be listed in the course or program description. Please note that unless noted otherwise, all courses are taught in English.

Are there any prerequisites to take noncredit courses?

There are no prerequisites unless noted otherwise. Of course, if the course is noted Part 2 you must take Part 1 first.

Are there exams or grades for noncredit courses?

You may have quizzes or practice exams for a certification or licensing exam prep or exams to earn a certification; if there is an exam, it generally is noted in the course description. You may have projects, presentations or other ways to demonstrate your level of knowledge as part of a certificate program. There are no letter grades, just whether you have or have not successfully completed a course.

Can I take both noncredit and credit courses at the same time?

Yes!

How many non-credit courses can I take?

You may take as many or as few courses as you wish.

My employer wants the class held onsite. Is that possible?

We would be happy to discuss bringing the course onsite or customizing the course for your particular needs. Please email Linda Schildkraut at lschildkraut@necc.mass.edu, or businessandindustry@necc.mass.edu, or call us at 978-556-3060.

How do I access my MTEL Online course that I registered fore?

Please email Dan Svenconis at dsvenconis@necc.mass.edu and he will give you access to your course.

What about books? Where do I get the books?

Required books for classes are listed with the course description on the website. Unless noted otherwise, most books can be found at the NECC Haverhill campus bookstore located at 100 Elliott Street (978-556-3999 or neccstore.com). Books may also be ordered and shipped to your home by contacting the NECC Haverhill campus bookstore. Books may be available online through various online vendors. Use the ISBN number to search for books from online vendors.

Where are courses held?

Courses are held at NECC campuses in Haverhill (Haverhill Heights and the main campus) and Lawrence (El Hefni, Dimitry), remotely; directions are available on our website and will also be sent to you with your course confirmation approximately one to two weeks prior to the start of class. Some courses are held at off-campus locations; those directions will be emailed to you prior to class or contact us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu and directions will be emailed to you.

How do I obtain a NECC student ID and how do I use it?

Once you register for an NECC class you will receive a student ID number. It is a good idea to keep this number handy. You will need it for future registrations. Please visit this link for information on how to obtain an NECC Photo ID.

Is it OK to bring my children or pets to class?

Students are not permitted to bring children or pets with them while participating in any program. Note that this does not apply to service animals.

Why would a course be canceled?

Classes may be canceled due to low enrollment or due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

How do I know if a course is running?

A confirmation or cancellation email is sent out for each class. We will notify you 3-7 days before the start of the class once the decision has been made. This email comes from  communityeducation@necc.mass.edu. Please be sure to check if this email ended up in your spam or junk inboxes. If your class is beginning in less than 3 days and you have not received an email and have checked all your inboxes, please feel free to call or email us. Please make sure we have your updated contact information so that we can contact you!

Do noncredit courses appear on my transcript?

Yes, they do.

How do I get proof of successful completion of a noncredit course or program?

Contact us at 978-556-3060 or communityeducation@necc.mass.edu to request a Letter of Completion once you have completed the course.

Can I repeat a course?

Yes, you can repeat a course as many times as you like. You do still need to register and pay for the class each time you take it.

Is there a way to earn credit for noncredit courses?

A few select noncredit courses are credit eligible. For information on our Noncredit/Credit Pathways Program, contact Sandy Zappala at szappala@necc.mass.edu.

I would like to teach a course. How do I go about doing that?

Go to the our employment page and complete an online application. For questions, email us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu and the appropriate program manager will contact you.

Who do I contact if I am deaf, hard of hearing, have a disability or need some sort of learning accommodation?

Services for students with disabilities or who are deaf or hard of hearing are available by contacting or visiting either:

The Learning Accommodations Center:
Room: SC-111,
Phone: 978-556-3654
Email: lacenter@necc.mass.edu

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services:
Room: SC-110
Phone: 978-241-7045 (VP/Voice)
Email: deafservices@necc.mass.edu

Both are located in the Behrakis One Stop Student Services Center on the Haverhill campus. If you are unsure about ease of access and mobility at any of our sites, please contact us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3060.

What happens if it snows or there is bad weather?

NECC will post school closings on major TV and radio stations, and on the college website. You may also call our school announcements line at 978-556-3002. In some cases NECC will be open but the site will be closed; in this instance classes will be canceled. You can learn more and manage NECC’s emergency notification system here.

What’s the difference between a certificate and a certification?

A certificate of completion is issued by Northern Essex Community College and attests to the fact that you have completed the required courses and have the requisite knowledge to have successfully completed the certificate program. Certifications are offered by industry recognized organizations that are independent of Northern Essex Community College. Typically there is an exam or requirements outlined by the certifying body; these exams are generally offered at specific test sites. There will be a notation in the course information in the event that NECC administers that exam at the end of a certification prep course.

Do I automatically get my certificate of completion when I complete the last required course or is there something that I need to do?

A Certificate Request Form must be completed once you have completed the last required course. You will get the form during the first module in a certificate program and sometimes later, too, but you can always request one by emailing us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu. This form will ask you to provide us with information on the courses you have taken plus information on how you want your name to appear on the certificate of completion and where to send the certificate. Once received, we will verify successful completion of the required courses and then issue you the certificate.

Who do I contact if I have questions about programs?

Call us at 978-556-3060 or email us at communityeducation@necc.mass.edu and a member of the staff will be happy to assist you.

Refunds

• Entire bundles may be fully refunded if requested 5 days before the start of the first enrolled class.
• Refunds will not be issued for any class that is missed.

Exchanges

• Students can be transferred from any enrolled class within the bundle into another eligible class, as long as request is made prior to start date of the original class.
• If there are no classes a student wishes to be transferred into within the current offerings, the student can be dropped and have that enrollment still available within the bundle.

Cancelled Classes

Should a class be cancelled by the school, students may be transferred from the class into a different one within the current semester. If there are no offerings of interest within the current semester, the student will be dropped from the class and have the ability to use the bundle enrollment for any eligible, future culinary class.