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About Distance Education

• How do I earn a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma through Distance Education?

You must successfully complete 5 Distance Education courses (Diamond Essentials, Diamonds & Diamond Grading, Colored Stone Essentials, Colored Stones, and Gem Identification). Then you must successfully complete 3 Lab classes (Diamond Grading, Gem Identification, and Colored Stone Grading) and achieve a grade of 75% or better on a comprehensive written final exam. You must also complete a period of Student Workroom (approx. 25 sessions).

• Can I take Distance Education Courses Online?

With all courses, you have the option of completing assignments on paper or online. Gem Identification stone project worksheets are currently not available online.

• What is the difference between a Distance Education program and a Distance Education course?

A Distance Education program is a grouping of individual courses.

• Can I enrol in a single course?

Yes. You can enrol in an individual course and apply each course toward the eventual completion of your diploma requirements if you choose. Prerequisites may apply.

• Does it matter which requirement (Lab or Distance Education) I take first?

You can complete your Lab classes before, during or after your Distance Education courses. However, we recommend that you take the Lab classes early in your training to make the most of the information provided in both formats.

• What will I earn if I complete only the Distance Education courses of the Gemologist program?

If you complete all 5 Distance Education courses of the Gemologist program and pass the comprehensive final exam, you will earn a Gemologist diploma.

• Do I have to go to a GIA campus to take my exams?

No. You may take your exams in the presence of an approved proctor or through GIA's Student Workroom.

• What is a supervised/proctored final exam?

This means you must take your exam in the presence of an approved proctor, at a GIA campus, or at a GIA Student Workroom.

• What costs will I incur in addition to Distance Education tuition?

Gem Identification is the only Distance Education course for which you must have access to certain gem testing instruments and stones. This is all provided for in Student Workroom, so the only extra costs that you will incur are the payments for your Student Workroom Sessions.