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). You must also 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.

CAN I TAKE DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES ONLINE?
With most 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.
You can enroll 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 OF DISTANCED 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.

DO I HAVE TO GO TO A GIA CAMPUS TO TAKE MY EXAMS?
Yes. There are no fees for exams, just call for an appointment.

WHAT IS A SUPERVISED FINAL EXAM?
This means you must take your exam with the supervision of an instructor at GIA Florence.

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 equipment. As a current Distance Education student, you may attend the Student Workroom at GIA Florence.

WHERE CAN I GET THE INSTRUMENTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE DISTANCE EDUCATION GEM IDENTIFICATION COURSE?
You may attend a Student Workroom here in Florence and use our equipment, or purchase the instruments. Visit www.gia.edu for information on GIA GEM Instruments.