NIH Contractors and Non-NIH Students

Q: Who is eligible to take NIHTC courses?

A: HHS employees are eligible to take NIHTC courses based on three criteria:

1. Your Operating Division/Staff Division has established an IAA with NIH Training Center for specified classes or will allow you to attend an Open Enrollment class.
2. You have received approval through your OpDiv/StaffDiv Coordinator to attend a specific course class or Open Enrollment class.
3. You have satisfied any prerequisites for the desired course
   (differs from course to course as noted). 

Q: How do HHS Employees attend NIH Training Center Classes?

A: NIH Training Center Process to Attend Classes:

1. Contact your OpDiv/StaffDiv Training Coordinator to confirm if there is an IAA in place. 
2. If an IAA is in place, your OpDiv/StaffDiv Coordinator can tell you what internal guidelines you’ll need to follow to attend training.
   • Specific NIHTC classes, or Closed Enrollment classes, are group classes that your OpDiv/StaffDiv will advertise internally for you to attend.
   • Open Enrollment Classes are classes directly listed in the NIHTC Course Catalog. If your OpDiv/StaffDiv has arranged for Open Enrollment class access, you can contact your OpDiv/StaffDiv Training Coordinator for approval to attend a class date. DO NOT directly contact the NIH Training Center. 

Q: Where can I see the NIH Training Center course listings, dates/times and locations?

A: For Closed Enrollment classes, your OpDiv/StaffDiv POC will have available course dates and locations. For Open Enrollment classes, please view the NIHTC Course Catalog to access the listings by category and schedule. While courses are offered throughout the year, some are not listed and available for registration on our course website until the prior course offering is filled. Contact your OpDiv/StaffDiv Training Coordinator for approval to attend a class date. 

Q: Do I have a limit to the number of NIH Training Center courses I can attend?

A: Please contact your supervisor and/or your OpDiv/StaffDiv Coordinator for questions regarding limits on number, frequency, or cost for course attendance.

Q: What is the registration process for HHS employees and how early can I start?

A: Every fiscal year that an IAA is in place with your OpDiv/StaffDiv, a new financial obligation needs to be committed; registration starts after your Training Coordinator has an active IAA and has communicated internal guidelines and approvals. Please provide the following information to your OpDiv/StaffDiv Coordinator as soon as you find a class(es) of interest, since many popular courses fill-up several weeks prior to the class start date:

• Information about course: name, number, date, time, location and cost
• Information about yourself: full name, title, division, phone number, and email
• Record of your supervisor's approval of attendance

Following notice to us from your OpDiv/StaffDiv Training Coordinator, the NIH Training Center program support team will help facilitate your class registration.

Q: Who can I contact about the program and logistics of a particular class?

A: Once you are registered for a course, detailed logistical information is automatically sent to your email box (as provided by the OpDiv Liaison who manages internal approvals). If more information is needed, please contact the NIHTC at NIHTrainingCenter@nih.gov or 301-496-6211, citing the class name in the subject line. You will be directed to the appropriate contact for each course.

Q: I am registered for a class. What preparations do I make prior to the first day?

A: You will be notified by e-mail confirming the details on the class location, and if any preparation/pre-assessment is required. We recommend that you bring your federal badge, a pen, and notepad. Please make arrangements to arrive to the class location early. If a course is on NIH's main campus, plan on at least 30 extra minutes to find parking and locate your classroom.

Q: How do I know if a class cancels at the last minute, or is delayed due to weather?

A: Visit the NIH Training Center Weather Guidelines. The NIHTC program support team will send Open Enrollment class participants an email prior to the class session regarding any schedule changes. Refer to your internal POC for a Closed Enrollment class status. As a general rule, the NIH Training Center uses OPM guidelines to re-schedule classes due to inclement weather.

Q: How do I access NIH buildings/classrooms?

A: You will be screened and provided with a “Visitor” badge upon arrival. Please remember to bring your HHS ID with you.

Q: Where can I find parking information for my class?

A: You will be provided with parking details specific to your class location via email. Please be sure to make any arrangements for employee parking/travel with your own office directly.

Q: I’ve taken an NIH Training Center class. How do I ensure that my agency knows about my participation? Are your class credits transferable?

A: Once you have completed a class, the NIHTC will inform your OpDiv/StaffDiv Coordinator, who can arrange to apply credit to your transcript in your local tracking system or LMS for both Open and Closed Enrollment classes. Please contact your OpDiv/StaffDiv Coordinator to confirm class credits and transcript items.