Why should I Consider Training Through the Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy?
- Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy instructors have years of experience in their field of training. Many of them are currently working in their field and can help guide the students to the career they desire.
- Since this is a virtual program, students can work at their own pace and those completing the program can start on the job in a timely manner and earn money right away.
- Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy is sponsored by the Greater Michigan Construction Academy thus allowing their students to be certified by the NCCER. If a student leaves the area, the course completion certificates are transferable, portable and recognized throughout the nation.
- The Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy requires all students in any of the painting and/or restoration paths to complete the Core Curriculum, thus putting safety as its first priority.
- Veterans may have received Core Curriculum credit in their area of expertise. Contact connect@pdr.academy to see what credits you might have already earned.
Tuition and Course Fees
How much is tuition?
Tuition varies by course selected. Visit the tuition page for information.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due before you will have access to the course. Once we receive tuition payment, we will mail your textbooks via UPS.
Are there discounted fees for Veterans or service members?
Yes. Please contact connect@pdr.academy regarding our Veterans’ program.
Is my course fee refundable if I don’t finish the course?
Fees are nonrefundable.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, click here to apply.
Will I need to purchase course materials in addition to paying tuition?
No, our tuition prices include the textbooks needed for the course you have selected.
Will I need to pay for exams?
No, they are included in your course tuition.
Courses
What courses are available?
We currently have our foundational courses available. For more information on current and future courses, view our course catalog.
Can I start the coursework at any time?
After you pay for the course, you will have access, however, we recommend you wait until you receive your textbooks(s) before starting.
Will I have access to the course instructors?
Yes, instructors have an email address that you can use to contact them with questions; some instructors will require homework to be sent to them.
Is there a required course for all students?
For those students who want painting and/or disaster restoration courses, the Core Curriculum/Painting Essentials class is required. If you are currently working for a company in your craft and believe you have sufficient skills and ability in Core and/or Painting Level 1, review the Advancement Through Academics requirements to test out of these courses.
For Disaster Restoration Students, Know Your Hazards class will also be a required course
What is covered in the Core Curriculum?
Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, Introduction to Hand Tools, Introduction to Power Tools, Introduction to Construction Drawings, Basic Communications Skills, Basic Employability Skills, and Introduction to Material Handling.
Do I have to take every level of painting courses?
If you are new to painting, then yes and no. Level 1 and 2 cover the necessary skill requirements to be certified by the Academy as completing the painting program. Level 3 is considered an optional class as it goes into painting failures and remedies, advanced coatings, color and tinting, and wallcoverings. However, most companies prefer well-rounded employees so we recommend taking Painting Level 3.
If you are not new to painting, please review the Advancement Through Academics requirements to test out of Core and Painting Level 1.
Will I earn a Certificate of Completion when the courses are done?
Students earn a Certificate from the Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy upon completing each module with a passing score of 70%. Upon completing the Performance Profiles in those modules, students will also receive the NCCER certificate.
Are the courses only available online?
Yes, however, some courses require performance profiles that will be done in person with a certified instructor or performance evaluator at a location to be determined by the Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy. See course descriptions for any performance profile requirements.
Are the courses live or recorded?
Courses are currently all recorded.
Who are the instructors?
Visit the Current Instructors page to learn about our primary instructors. Some courses will have guest instructors.
Is the coursework done individually, in groups, or both?
Coursework is done individually.
How long does the average course take?
Since the courses are virtual and done at the student’s pace, the time varies. Also, some modules are longer and contain more information, so they will take longer. If a painting student works on the modules daily, the painting curriculum could be completed in 90 days with an average of one week per module session including homework, review exams, quizzes, and module exam.
Is the course work graded?
Yes. Students must earn at least 70% on the module exams.
What is the passing percentage for the module exams?
70% or higher.
Where can I find my NCCER #?
After you have signed up for our Core course, log in, and it will be under "My Profile" below your name.
I did not receive my textbook
Call the office at 248-432-7153 or email connect@pdr.academy and request us to track your package.
Career Placement
Who will help me with job placement?
The Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy has a Career Center where our contractor members can post jobs for our students to see and apply to. Should you need help with your resume or employment skills, we recommend enrolling in the Tools For Success course.
Do I have to finish all courses before I can get a job?
No, you can submit your resume to a contractor in the Career Center at any time.
Can you guarantee that I will be placed in a job once I finish the courses?
We do not provide a guarantee, but we will assist in job placement. Our goal is to place 100% of our graduating students.
How can I hire your students?
You can hire a student by becoming a member with the Painting & Disaster Restoration Academy and gaining access to our Career Center, where you can post available jobs students can apply to. You may get more information on becoming a member and see the benefits by viewing our Employee Portal.
Certification
I’m interested in earning a Certification in Painting; where can I find more information?
With the successful completion of each of the painting courses, NCCER will provide an industry certification and maintain your certification level within a nationwide database that you can make available to employers to verify your credentials. For more information, click here.
