Mobile device technical requirements:
Online courses work on mobile devices with iOS 11 or Android 8. Earlier operating systems are not compatible.
Transcriptions and Translations
Many of our online courses are transcribed and can also be translated by adding the Google Translate Extension to your Chrome browser. To see which courses include transcriptions/translation, see the individual course descriptions or contact education@spie.org.
How do the online courses compare to other SPIE courses?
The content of most SPIE online courses is very similar to the content presented at events and in-company, consisting of the instructor's slideshow presentation. Each module has clearly stated learning outcomes and includes a quiz to measure your mastery of the material presented.
NOTE: SPIE Course Recordings consist of an audio recording of the instructor synched with a slide presentation. They do not include learning outcomes, quizzes, or certificates.
How long do the courses take to complete?
Course duration varies depending on the course and how many times you watch the videos for each module. Courses are based on live presentations of half-day (4 hours), full day (8 hours), or two day (16 hours) duration. The modules that make up courses are typically 10 - 30 minutes each.
Are certificates available for the courses?
Upon completion of an SPIE online course, you will receive a digital certificate. You must complete the quiz for each module with a score of at least 90% and complete the evaluation form at the end of the course to receive your certificate. After successful completion, a certificate will be emailed to you.
NOTE: SPIE Course Recordings offered online are not eligible for certifciates.
Why do I have to create a login to purchase a course?
Your SPIE.org login is used to create your account in the online course system, which is hosted separately. You will have only one username and password to remember for SPIE online course purchase and access.
Do I have to create a SPIE profile to purchase a course?
No, you can opt out of the SPIE profile when creating your login.
How long until the course is available to me?
You will receive an email from SPIE giving you a link to access your course within one hour from purchase. Please contact onlinecourseadmin@spie.org if you have not received this email within an hour after purchasing your course.
How do I access the course once it is purchased?
Go to onlinecourses.spie.org and login using your SPIE.org login credentials. Your course(s) will be listed there as links.
While most courses should be accessible immediately, it may take up to one hour for your course to be available. If you cannot login after one hour, or have other problems accessing your course, please contact SPIE.
How long can I access the course?
You will have one year of access to the course from the purchase date. Even after you have completed the course, you can still access the content and refresh your knowledge for up to one year after the purchase date.
Can I share the online course content with others?
Online courses operate under a single-user agreement and may not be shared with other parties. Each student must purchase their own copy. If your company is interested in purchasing multiple seats, discounts may be available. Please contact Felicia Andreotta for more information.
Which courses are currently being offered?
See the SPIE online courses for digital certificate.
See SPIE Course Recordings.
When will other courses become available?
Our catalog of courses is constantly growing. If there are particular courses you would like to see offered in the online format, please send your suggestions to onlinecourseadmin@spie.org.
Who do I contact for problems?
Any problems or questions should be sent to onlinecourseadmin@spie.org.