Improving the Performance of the Transportation Industry Through Training

Help/FAQs

Types of Training

What is an Instructor-led training (ILT)?

An Instructor-led Training (ILT) is an in-person training conducted by an instructor in a classroom setting. ILT sessions are held in locations nationwide.

What is a Web-conference training (WCT)?

A Web-conference Training (WCT) is an online course that can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. WCT courses are held in a virtual classroom hosted by a facilitator. Although course participants may access a WCT course from almost anywhere in the world, they are broadcast live at a specific time. Participants must log in individually on their own computer to receive credit for a WCT.

Test your computer for Flash Player through Adobe Connect. Participants must log in individually on their own computer to receive credit for a WCT. Note: This may require the help of your IT support department if Flash Player needs to be installed.

What is a Web-based training (WBT)?

A Web-based Training (WBT) is an online course that can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. WBTs are self-paced and are not led by an instructor. You can access a WBT at any time through the "My Training" page and return to it as many times as you wish within six months of registration, although the final exams can only be completed one time for a score.

How does a WBT course work?

A WBT course usually consists of training modules and information followed by a final exam. You can access your WBTs through the "My Training" page located on the submenu bar near the top of the screen. You can view each of the modules from the main course page. Using the navigation buttons at the bottom of each module (back, forward, pause/play, etc.) you can scroll through these pages at your own pace. Once you finish a module, it will be marked as "Review" on the main course curriculum page to indicate that the module is now in review mode. Once a module is in review mode, you may search the module freely without being scored on any internal quizzes.

Enrolling In and Accessing Training

Who can enroll in course sessions?

NHI courses are designed for Federal, State, and local transportation officials, and industry personnel serving Federal, State, and local transportation agencies. However, anyone interested in NHI courses may enroll.

How do I enroll in a course?

Individuals can enroll for any NHI course with a session that is open to the public through the NHI Web site. Online enrollment requires an NHI User ID and password.

Follow the steps below to enroll in a session:
  1. Log in to your NHI Web site account.
  2. Use the Course Search Engine to locate a specific course session
  3. To enroll in an ILT or WCT, select the View Sessions button on the search results page. This will send you to the session information section of the course description page. Locate the session in which you’d like to enroll and select the "Add to Cart " button.
    To enroll in a WBT, select the "Add to Cart" button on the search results page or from the course description page.
  4. When you have completed shopping for sessions, select "Checkout" on the submenu bar near the top of the screen.
  5. Follow the checkout steps. Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive an order confirmation via email.
    1. If you enrolled in a Web-based Training, you will be able to access your training immediately through "My Training."
    2. If you enrolled in Web-conference Training, you may also access this course through "My Training," but you will need to wait until your training commences before you can start the course.
    3. All Instructor-led Trainings must be attended in person at the scheduled time.
If you are an FHWA employee looking to enroll in a training:

Log in into UPACS and select the "NHIW National Highway Institute Web Portal" link and you will be redirected to the NHI Web site. If you do not have a UPACS account, please contact your local UPACS administrator.

Search for a course in which you’d like to enroll and follow the steps above. Course enrollment closes for FHWA employees fifteen (15) business days prior to the start date.

If you are an employee of the Hosting Agency looking to enroll in an ILT:

Employees of the host organization should contact the host or local coordinator directly to enroll in an ILT.

When is the last day I can enroll in a course?

Public seat registration closes three (3) business days before courses begin. FHWA registration closes fifteen (15) business days prior to the course start date.

Can I enroll or purchase access to a WBT for another person?

No, you may only enroll yourself in a Web-based training.

What equipment do I need to take an asynchronous WBT?

You will need a computer with an Internet connection, speakers, and Flash Player (v. 6.0.79 or higher). Test your computer for Flash Player through Adobe Connect. Note: This may require the help of your IT support department if Flash Player needs to be installed.

Do I have to finish a WBT course in one sitting?

No, you can exit a WBT course and return to complete it as many times as you wish within six months of registration. The Adobe Web site keeps track of your course progress and will show you where you left off.

Can I take the final exam for a WBT more than once?

No, the final exams for WBTs are designed to allow a single attempt per individual. If you need to retake a final exam, please contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or e-mail NHICustomerService@dot.gov for more information.

How can I find available training sessions?

Available training can be easily found by using our Course Search Engine.

Enter a keyword or course number and select "Search." You will be directed to a Web page displaying all of the courses NHI offers that meet your search criteria. If there are upcoming sessions of the course, the course appears with a count of scheduled sessions. Select the "View Sessions" button to browse scheduled sessions of the training.

If there are no scheduled sessions of an Instructor-led course, select the course title and select the "Sign Up for Session Alerts" link at the top of the course description page to receive an e-mail alert when a session of the course is scheduled.

Can I search for courses by delivery type (Instructor-led trainings, Web-conference trainings, and Web-based trainings)?

Yes, use the "Choose Delivery Type Options" feature of the Course Search Engine to display only ILTs, WBTs, or WCTs in your search results.

How do I search for courses by program area?

Browse to the Course Search Engine and select "Choose Program Area Options" to display a list of NHI’s program areas. Select one or more program areas to view NHI courses in the corresponding discipline.

Where can I find course descriptions?

Use our Course Search Engine to find courses of interest to you. Once search results are displayed, click on the hyperlinked course title to display the course description.

How do I access a course once I’m enrolled?
For Instructor-led training (ILTs):

For all ILT courses, you must attend the course in person at the scheduled time.

For Web-based trainings (WBTs) and Web-conference trainings (WCTs):

For all WBT and WCT courses, select "My Training" page located on the submenu bar near the top of the screen, then select the "My Courses" tab. To launch a course, select "Launch" in the associated column to the right. The course will then automatically launch in a new window.

If you enrolled in a WBT, you will be able to access your training immediately. If you enrolled in a WCT course, you will need to wait until your training commences before you can start your course.

Before launching a WBT or WCT, please be sure to test your computer for Flash Player (v. 6.0.79 or higher), which is necessary for the course to run properly. Test your computer for Flash Player through Adobe Connect.

Note: This may require the help of your IT support department if Flash Player needs to be installed.

What if there are no available seats in a course?

If there are no available seats for a specific session, you can elect to be added to the waitlist and will be notified if seats become available. To be added to the waitlist, click on the "Join Waitlist" button next to the desired session, which will direct you to the waitlist page. If you are looking for a public seat and the session does not offer them, you cannot be added to the waitlist.

How can I sign up to be notified when a course is scheduled?

To receive an email notification when a session of a particular Instructor-led course is scheduled, simply browse to the course’s description page and select the "Sign Up for Session Alerts" link at the top of the page. Follow the prompts to sign up to receive session alerts for the course.

What equipment do I need to participate in a WCT?

To participate in a WCT, you will need a computer with Internet connection, a separate phone line, and Flash Player (v. 6.0.79 or higher). Note: This may require the help of your IT support department if Flash Player needs to be installed.

How will I know when an Instructor-led training is scheduled in my state?

You can request that NHI alert you when Instructor-led courses with available public seats are offered in your state. To sign up to receive session notifications for one or more states, please use NHI’s interactive session map, select the appropriate state, and then click the "Sign Up for Session Alerts" button.

You can also use the e-mail subscription page to personalize other e-mail notification settings to receive announcements, promotions, and newsletters that meet your areas of interest.

How do I receive updates from NHI and additional promotional materials?

Sign up for NHI’s free e-mail subscription service to be notified when new information is available. You can personalize notification settings to receive announcements, promotions, and newsletters that meet your areas of interest.

Training Payment

How do I pay for a course session and who do I contact about payment?

After you select a course, detailed payment instructions are provided at checkout. You may either "pay now via credit card or electronic check " or "pay later via check or purchase request. " Contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or e-mail NHICustomerService@dot.gov with any additional questions.

What are acceptable methods of payment?
Domestic Customers

Customers in the United States may pay by check, money order, credit card, or electronic check. Electronic forms of payment are preferred. Checks and money orders must be made payable to the Federal Highway Administration.

International Customers

Cashier’s checks, international money orders, and credit cards are accepted forms of payment. Cashier’s checks and international money orders must be in U.S. dollars and made payable to the Federal Highway Administration. Special arrangements need to be made for payment via wire transfer, and the customer is responsible for paying all related bank fees. Contact NHI Customer Service at 1-877-558-6873 during regular business hours, 7:30AM-4:30PM Eastern Time, or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov to make arrangements.

International customers who would like to purchase course materials from the NHI Store should contact the NHI Materials Manager at 1-877-558-6873 during business hours, 7:30AM-4:30PM Eastern Time. International customers may pay an additional charge for shipping using FedEx International Economy. The NHI Materials Manager can determine the cost of shipping once the details of your order are confirmed.

Will I receive an order confirmation for my purchases?
If purchased online by credit card or electronic check:

Yes. After purchasing NHI training through the online checkout process, an order confirmation detailing your session information will be sent to the email address in your user profile.

If purchased using the pay later option:

Yes. You will receive an invoice via email immediately after purchase that must be paid within 30 days.

If you do not receive a confirmation email after registration, please check your profile to be sure that the email address listed in your profile is correct. If necessary, update your profile, and then contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov to request another copy of your confirmation.

Ordering Materials

Are training materials included in a course registration fee?

Yes. When you enroll in an NHI course session, course materials are provided. You do not need to purchase materials separately.

What is the difference between hard copy and electronic copy materials?

Hard copy materials are shipped through the postal system to your address. Hard copy materials may come in paper or CD-ROM format, depending on the materials ordered. Electronic copy materials can be downloaded directly to your computer from "My Downloads" located on your "My Training" page.

If you would like more information regarding hard copy and electronic copy materials, please contact NHI Customer Service at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov.

How do I retrieve materials I ordered through the NHI Store?

Select the tab at the top of your "My Training" page entitled "My Downloads," which will direct you to your "My Downloads" library. This library displays all of the electronic materials that you have ordered from the NHI Store.

To download your electronic materials, select the Download symbol located in the far right column entitled "Download".

I live outside of the United States. Can I order NHI materials?

Yes, international customers may order NHI materials by contacting the NHI Materials Manager at 1-877-558-6873 or by emailing NHICustomerService@dot.gov.

Cancelling Training Enrollment

What if I need to cancel my course enrollment?
Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Courses

If you need to cancel your enrollment in a session, you must contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov as well as the Host/Local Coordinator. Contact information for the Host/Local Coordinator can be found on your session order confirmation.

Participants who cancel within ten (10) business days of the session start date will be charged the full amount for the session. Participants who cancel before this period are eligible for a full refund.

Web-conference Training (WCT) and Web-based Training (WBT) Courses

To cancel your enrollment in a WCT or WBT, contact NHI Customer Service at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov. Cancelation must be made within 72 hours from the time of purchase to receive a refund or credit toward future course enrollment.

How do I receive a refund?
Instructor-led Training (ILT) Courses

Refunds will only be issued to participants who cancel ten (10) or more business days before the start of the session. Refunds should appear within two billing cycles.

Participants who cancel within ten (10) business days of the session start date are not eligible for a refund.

Web-conference Training (WCT) and Web-based Training (WBT) Courses

If you need to cancel your enrollment in a distance learning session, you must contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov within 72 hours of paying for the course. Refunds should appear within two billing cycles.

Can someone attend in my place?

Yes, but only for Instructor-led Trainings. Please contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov as well as the Local Coordinator with contact information for the person who will attend in your place. Contact information for the Local Coordinator can be found on your session order confirmation.

What if I need to withdraw from the course?

If you need to withdraw from a course that has already commenced, you must notify NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov as well as the Host/Local Coordinator. Contact information for the Local Coordinator can be found on your session order confirmation. The course will not be listed on your transcript and you will not receive CEUs for the course. Due to costs associated with course enrollment, there are no refunds for course withdrawals.

Accessing Training Records and Credits

What can I do on the My Training page?

The My Training page allows course participants to:

  • Directly launch WBTs and WCTs
  • View a record of WBT and WCT courses in which you are currently – or were previously – enrolled
  • Obtain personalized certificates for successfully completed WBTs and WCTs
  • View a printable, unofficial transcript of the participant’s WBTs and WCTs
  • Retrieve electronic materials purchased through the NHI Store

To access "My Training" you must first log in to the NHI Web site. You can then select the "My Training" tab which is located on the submenu bar near the top of screen.

What are the benefits of the My Training page?

Benefits of the My Training page include:

  • A streamlined process for accessing WBTs and WCTs
  • Fewer emails when registering for WBTs and WCTs
  • Less login information to remember; no need to enter Adobe login and password information
  • Instant online evaluations to speed up the certificate process
How do I view a course history of my Web-based training (WBT) and Web-conference training (WCT)?

Log in to the NHI Web site and open "My Training," located on the submenu bar near the top of the screen; this will display the "My Courses" section. In your "My Courses" section you will find a course list of your current and past WBTs and WCTs.

Please note: Instructor-led training information will not appear in your "My Courses" section. Additionally, only the WBTs and WCTs that you enrolled in after March 25, 2010 will appear in your "My Courses" section. For a copy of your complete training history, please request an official transcript.

How do I obtain a personalized certificate for my successfully completed Web-based training (WBT) and Web-conference training (WCT)?

Log in to the NHI Web site and open "My Training," located on the submenu bar near the top of the screen. Click on the "My Courses" section which will display the "Evaluation/Certificate" column on the far right. You have two options: you can either select "View Certificate" or "Download Certificate." Both options allow you to open and print your certificate but you can only save a copy if you download it.

In order to obtain your certificate you must first take the course evaluation. If you have not yet completed this evaluation, select "Take Evaluation."

Please note: Instructor-led training certificates are presented upon completion of the course and cannot be downloaded on the NHI Web site. If you need to obtain another copy contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or e-mail NHICustomerService@dot.gov.

What is the difference between an official transcript and an unofficial transcript?

The number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned for completed courses is only listed on official transcripts.

How do I access an unofficial transcript of my Web-based training (WBT) and Web-conference training (WCT)?

Log in to the NHI Web site and open "My Training," located on the submenu bar near the top of the screen and select the "Unofficial Transcript" tab. This will give you the option to "View Unofficial Transcript" or "Download Unofficial Transcript." Both options allow you to open and print your unofficial transcript, but you can only save a copy if you download it. Please allow several minutes for your course progress to update.

Please note: Instructor-led training information will not appear on your unofficial transcript. Additionally, only the Web-based and Web-conference training that you enrolled in after March 25, 2010 will appear on your unofficial transcript. For a copy of your complete training history, please request an official transcript.

How do I request a full official transcript from the NHI Registrar on the My Training page?

To request a copy of your transcript, please contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or e-mail NHICustomerService@dot.gov. You will need to provide your first and last name, the dates and location of your training, and the NHI course number.

Please allow at least one month after the completion of the course before requesting your official transcript. NHI maintains official transcripts for seven years.

What are CEUs and PDHs?

CEU stands for "Continuing Education Unit." NHI is approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for most courses.

Some States and organizations use Professional Development Hours (PDHs) to track training. NHI does not award PDHs, however it is possible to receive PDHs for your completed NHI training courses. Each agency is encouraged to maintain its own records.

For more information about CEUs and PDHs, please visit: How to Receive Course Credits

Can I earn CEUs and/or PDHs for participating in NHI courses?

Yes. Most NHI courses award Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The number of CEUs that can be earned is listed at the top of the course description page. One CEU is awarded for 10 hours of instruction. In order to be awarded CEUs, a course participant must meet attendance requirements and pass the course examination with a score of 70% or greater.

NHI does not offer Professional Development Hours (PDHs); however, it is possible to receive PDHs for your completed NHI training courses. To receive PDHs, submit a copy of the NHI official transcript, certificate of training, and course agenda to the respective licensing agency. Upon approval, the licensing agency will convert your hours and/or CEUs into PDHs; 1 CEU equals 10 PDH units. Each agency is encouraged to maintain its own records.

NHI does not offer Professional Development Hours (PDHs); however, it is possible to receive PDHs for your completed NHI training courses. To receive PDHs, submit a copy of the NHI official transcript, certificate of training, and course agenda to the respective licensing agency. Upon approval, the licensing agency will convert your hours and/or CEUs into PDHs; 1 CEU equals 10 PDH units. Each agency is encouraged to maintain its own records.

To request your official transcript, please contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov . Your official transcript displays a record of your NHI course history as well as the CEUs awarded for each CEU-accredited course. Please allow at least one month after the completion of the course before requesting your transcript.

For more information on how to receive CEUs and/or PDHs, please visit: How to Receive Course Credit.

What is NHI’s policy on ILT class attendance?

NHI requires 100 percent attendance. CEUs and PDHs are a measure of how much time the participant interacts with the content. The calculation of that time is based on 100 percent attendance resulting in the participant achieving the course learning outcomes. Achievement of course outcomes is particularly important for maintaining professional licensure or certification requirements.

On occasion a participant may miss a portion of instruction for reasons outside of his or her control. A small portion (up to 5 percent) may be missed with minimal consequences, provided the participant discusses the material with the instructor and makes up the missing work.

If more than 5 percent is missed (due to illness or unavoidable emergency) the participant does not meet the attendance requirements.

Certification Programs

What is the Instructor Certification Program?

The NHI Instructor Certification Program validates the exceptional qualifications and skills our instructors maintain. In order to facilitate NHI training in one’s technical area(s) of expertise, an instructor must become certified through NHI’s certification process.

To learn more about NHI’s Instructor Certification Program, please visit: NHI Instructor Certification.

Who is eligible to become an NHI-certified instructor?
  1. FHWA employees who a) have been approved for technical competency and subject matter expertise by their program office at FHWA Headquarters, b) have successfully completed either 420018 Instructor Development Course (3.5 days) or 420018A Instructor Development Course (4.5 days), and c) are actively teaching NHI courses.
  2. FHWA contract instructors who a) are on a contract list of approved instructors, b) have successfully completed either 420018 Instructor Development Course (3.5 days) or 420018A Instructor Development Course (4.5 days), and c) are actively teaching NHI courses.
How do I become an NHI-certified instructor?

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements above.

Step 2: Submit a request to the NHI Instructor Liaison by calling (703) 235-0952 or emailing NHIInstructorLiaison@dot.gov to be observed for certification by a master trainer. The instructor should teach at least 2-3 sessions prior to the observation. The master trainer will discuss the requirements for certification with the instructor before the scheduled observation, and will provide the criteria by which the instructor will be evaluated. Requirements for the observation are as follows:

  • The observation must take place during a regularly scheduled course (not a pilot presentation).
  • The instructor must present multiple lessons during the course.
  • The master trainer must observe six hours of instruction.

Throughout the observation, the master trainer will provide feedback during breaks in teaching to discuss what is going well and what areas need improvement. Upon successful demonstration of the required competencies and skills in an actual teaching situation, an instructor will be awarded NHI instructor certification.

What if I do not receive certification?

If, in the opinion of the master trainer, the instructor needs to demonstrate a better grasp of the competencies and skills required for certification, a self-improvement plan will be developed. The plan may include attendance at another session of 420018 Instructor Development Course (IDC), an active mentoring situation, or other skill development activities. After completing the self-improvement plan, the instructor may request a second observation.

After becoming an NHI-certified instructor, do I need to be recertified?

No, recertification is not required. However, the NHI Instructor Liaison will review and evaluate information from multiple sources to validate ongoing performance and adherence to the principles upon which certification was granted.

Login and Password

What is the password criteria?

Passwords must to be between 12 and 25 characters long with at least 1 upper-case letter, 1 lower-case letter, 1 digit, and a special character (e.g., !, #).

For more information please visit What are the Rules of a Password?

How do I create a User ID and password?

Log in to the NHI Web site, located on the submenu bar near the top of the screen.

Type in your email address under "New User," indicate if you are an FHWA employee or contractor, and select "Register Now."

If you are not an FHWA employee or contractor, you will be redirected to read and acknowledge Rules of Behavior, and complete an informational form. Once completed, submit the information and a "Success" message will appear with your NHI User ID.

If you are an FHWA employee or contractor, you must log in into UPACS . If you do not have a UPACS account, please contact your local UPACS administrator. For a list of all administrators, select the "UPACS Administrator" tab located on the upper blue heading.

What if I forgot my User ID or password?

If you forgot your User ID or password, please select the Forgot your User ID or Password link to receive an email reminder or reset your password.

What if I get locked out?

If you get locked out, contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov.

Hosting Training

How do I host a course session?

Any organization can host an ILT or WCT course session by submitting a Host Request Form through the NHI Web site. To host a session, create a new profile or log in to the NHI Web site and select the "My Profile" link on the submenu bar near the top of your screen. Under "Personal Information" check the "Host/Instructor" box.

Once you are logged in to the NHI Web site, locate the course of interest using the Course Search Engine and then select the "Host this Course" button. You will be directed to review and accept NHI?s hosting policies. Once accepted, you will be forwarded to the Host Request Form to complete. For more information please visit Hosting an NHI Training.

While preferred dates may be specified on the Host Request Form, sessions are not officially confirmed until the hosting organization receives confirmation from NHI. After NHI receives the Host Request Form, an instructor or a member of the NHI Training Team will contact the host to discuss scheduling. Once NHI confirms the session, the host will receive confirmation, the local FHWA Division Office coordinator will be notified, and the session will be listed on the NHI Web site.

Course material will be shipped three weeks prior to the session start date at no additional cost.

What is the Local Coordinator’s role?

If the host is unable to serve as the direct point of contact for coordinating logistics between NHI, participants, and instructors of a particular training session, the host may appoint a "Local Coordinator." The Local Coordinator will be contacted by NHI to coordinate scheduling and their contact information will be listed on the NHI Web site under session information and on the enrollment confirmation email.

What if I don’t know the exact date for my course when I request to host training?

When you complete the "Requested Date" field of the Host Request Form, enter an approximate date when you would like to have a session. The NHI Scheduler will follow up with the training instructors and the Local Coordinator will be contacted to schedule a training date. Once the instructor(s) confirm the date with the NHI Scheduler, you will receive a session confirmation email.

How do I find a course to host?

Available training can be found by using our Course Search Engine. Enter a keyword or course number and select "Search". You also may search for courses by program area by selecting "Choose Program Area Options" on the Course Search Engine to display a list of NHI’s program areas. Select one or more program areas to view NHI courses in the corresponding discipline. You will be directed to a Web page displaying all of the courses NHI offers that meet your search criteria.

To search for courses by delivery type, select the Quick Search tab on the Course Search Engine and then select the heading "Popular Searches for Course Hosts". You will be directed to a list of all Web-conference Trainings and Instructor-led Trainings.

How much does it cost to host a course session?

Each course lists a per-participant fee in its course description. The host is charged the fee-per-participant multiplied by the number of participants enrolled in the session. The host must also meet the minimum participant requirement for the course to be offered, which are listed in each course description. NHI will assess a charge for any unfilled seats below the class-size minimum. It is also important to note that while public seats count toward course the participant minimum, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seats do not. Hosts are not charged when FHWA personnel attend an NHI session, or for instructor expenses.

How do hosts handle FHWA seats?

Beyond the course participant minimum, three seats in each session are reserved for FHWA employees until fifteen (15) business days prior to the training. NHI will email hosts enrollment information when FHWA seats are filled through the NHI Web site, as well as a final list of all FHWA participants before the course begins. If FHWA seats are not filled, hosts can make those seats available to other participants as "public seats" by contacting NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or emailing NHICustomerService@dot.gov.

Hosts are not charged for FHWA personnel who attend NHI sessions. If a host arranges meals or other refreshments for participants during their sessions, please note that FHWA participants are not permitted to receive any host provided amenities (e.g., snacks, beverages, etc.) without paying the cash value to the host organization.

What are public seats?

Public seats in a course are those made available to the general public, and allow anyone outside the hosting agency to enroll in a session directly through NHI. Public participants from outside the hosting agency help meet minimum participant requirements and can enhance the diversity of experience in the classroom. When offering public seats, NHI will list available seats on our Web site and distribute email alerts announcing your session when it is scheduled. NHI bills all public seats directly.

To offer public seats, indicate the number of seats to be made available on the Host Request Form in the "Training Location Information" section. To later adjust the number of public seats, contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov.

Public seats are sold on the NHI Web site on a first-come, first-served basis. The host agency cannot reserve any of the seats, as they are open to the public. Public seat registration closes three (3) business days before the course begins.

My training session has low enrollment. Can NHI help promote my session?

If registration for a course is lower than anticipated, it is important for the host to contact NHI prior to the cancelation period (15 business days) to discuss a remedy. With sufficient notice, NHI can increase marketing for the course to attract additional registrants.

Can a host charge an increased rate for a course to cover additional training costs (e.g. facility rental fee, refreshments)?

Hosts may request that NHI charge public seat participants an additional fee to recover all or part of direct costs associated with hosting the course. Please contact the NHI Scheduler at 1-877-558-6873 or via email at NHICustomerService@dot.gov to coordinate local charges prior to the session?s confirmation.

Hosts will not receive a refund from NHI to cover associated expenses incurred while hosting the session. Instead, the surplus amount collected from public seat participants is credited to the host?s final invoice for its participants in the course. It is important that local charges assessed to public seats do not exceed the amount the host owes NHI for its participants.

Local charges are not assessed to FHWA participants. However, FHWA participants are not permitted to receive any host provided amenities (e.g. snacks, beverages) without paying the cash value to the host organization. Therefore, hosts providing food and beverages during training must coordinate with FHWA participants to determine whether they intend to participate in food and beverage purchases and how to handle reimbursement. If advanced coordination is not possible, then the host should not include FHWA participants in any food and beverage estimated total costs.

What is the cancelation policy for hosts?

If a course must be cancelled, the host is required to contact NHI at 1-877-558-6873 or email NHICustomerService@dot.gov for cancelation approval. Beginning January 1, 2016, NHI charges a fee of $1,500 when a class is cancelled within fifteen (15) business days of the course start date. If the hosting agency has already received course materials, or receives them after the course has been cancelled, they must contact NHI Customer Service.

In the event of session cancelation, it is the host’s responsibility to contact all participants, including those registered for public seats. In order to notify participants of the session cancelation, the host must contact NHI Customer Service to obtain a list of enrollees and their contact information. Confirmation that the registrants received the cancelation notice must be provided.

Notice to out-of-state participants is especially important so that participants may alter their travel arrangements. In the case of an emergency or weather-related cancelation, the cancelation fee will not apply.

What if the host must cancel a session due to an emergency or weather-related closing?

NHI follows the local host office’s policy for inclement weather or other emergencies. If the host’s office in the location of the course closes, then the course must also be stopped during the closure. When a course is cancelled, the host must inform NHI immediately of the session status and determine plans for the remainder of the course. The host must also contact all participants and the instructor if the course is not yet in session.

In the case of an emergency or weather-related cancelation, the $1,500 session cancelation fee will not apply.

Instructing and Developing Training

What resources do you offer NHI instructors?

NHI offers a wide variety of resources to help instructors prepare for and effectively facilitate training. For more information on the resources that NHI offers, please visit the Introduction to Instructing page.

Do I have to be a certified NHI instructor to teach a class?

No, you do not need to be certified to begin teaching an NHI course; however, your technical skills must be approved by the program office at FHWA Headquarters. Within the first year of teaching, you must successfully complete 420018 Instructor Development Course (3.5 days) or 420018A Instructor Development Course (4.5 days), and then seek certification by an NHI master trainer.

How can I become a certified NHI instructor?

Before you can become a certified instructor with NHI, you must receive an NHI Instructor ID. If you do not have an NHI Instructor ID, please go to: New Instructor Registration.

To become a certified NHI Instructor you must also complete NHI?s Instructor Certification Program. To learn more about this certification program, please visit the Instructing NHI Course page.

If I do not teach NHI courses can I still be NHI certified?

No, only NHI course instructors may be NHI certified.

What resources does NHI offer course developers?

NHI offers a wide variety of tools and support necessary to develop Instructor-led training (ILT), Web-conference training (WCT), and Web-based training (WBT). To learn more about the resources NHI offers, visit: Introduction to Developing NHI Courses.

More Information

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