Congratulations on enrolling in the Graduate Sales Associate Course!

This online course has 7 chapters and learning checks that you will find on the left tabs of this window. You have one year to complete the course and pass the final exam with a score of 75% or better. Courses that are expired will have to be re-started and will require re-purchase at current pricing. Courses are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

What You Will Need

The Graduate Sales Associate Course is an online course. Minimum technical and software requirements for online learning courses:

1.) Computer and internet connection: You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience.

A Macintosh or PC system with these minimum requirements:

PC

· Compatible Operating System: Windows 10, 8x, 7

· Web Browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher

Mac

· Compatible Operating System: OS X 10.10

· Web Browser: Firefox, Chrome, Safari

2.) Email address: You must have an email account in order to receive communications about the course.

3.) Headphones or speakers: You will need headphones or speakers to listen to the course audio.

What You Will Learn

The Graduate Sales Associate Course is designed to provide the initial training a sales associate needs on product knowledge, sales techniques, and success strategies with an emphasis on the importance of professionalism and good customer service.

• Chapter 1: Diamonds
• Chapter 2: Colored Gemstones
• Chapter 3: Pearls
• Chapter 4: Metals
• Chapter 5: Watches
• Chapter 6: Jewelry Styles and the Jewelry Industry
• Chapter 7: Leadership and Sales

At the successful conclusion of the course, you will be more confident in your professional manner, your product knowledge, and your potential for success. This confidence, along with practicing your selling skills will increase your earning capabilities. And, as a member of a sales team, you can exhibit leadership skills that will benefit the entire store.

Study Skills

It takes personal motivation, responsibility, and commitment to complete an asynchronous online course. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

• Set a goal for the completion of your course. It might be one module per week.
• Schedule the day of the week and the time of day to complete a module. Just like taking a lunch break – keep the schedule.
• Allow plenty of time to complete at least one module, including the learning checks. With this course, each chapter should take about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Find a quiet environment with few possible interruptions, or distractions, and no noise.
• Find a comfortable chair and desk with good headphones or speakers. Take notes as needed. Enjoy the learning experience.

As you begin each chapter, read the LEARNING OBJECTIVES. This will give you an overview of the chapter information that will be presented. Then take the knowledge-check questions throughout the module. This will give you an idea of the expectations for your understanding of the module. At the end of each chapter, there is a final knowledge check to help you test the knowledge and skills that you acquired from the module and what you'll need to know for the final exam. It is certainly true that practice makes perfect!

Taking the Final Exam

The final exam portion is a proctored, online exam done through ProctorU. ProctorU ensures academic integrity in online exams by using live proctors, as well as technology and reporting tools. You will need to create a ProctorU account, schedule your testing session and connect with a proctor before you can access the final exam. Sessions must be scheduled a minimum of 48-hours in advance. Instructions for ProctorU are included on the Final Exam Proctor Info tab and a guide with a detailed walkthrough can be downloaded by clicking here. The fee for ProctorU is included in your course enrollment.

While you can take the course on any device, please note the final exam cannot be taken on a tablet (iPad, Tab, Note, ect.), Google Chromebook or Windows Surface. For system requirements, please visit www.proctoru.com/resources/test-takers/live/.

When you're ready to take the final exam, see the tab titled "GSA Final Exam Instructions" for more detail.

What You Will Earn

Upon successful completion of the final exam, you will take the AGS 101 course, which will complete your Certified Sales Associate designation. You will receive your certificate and CSA pin from the American Gem Society. This credential, Certified Sales Associate, can be printed on your business cards and used as long as you are employed in an American Gem Society firm. You will also be required to complete the annual Recertification exam to maintain your designation.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to AGS Education at membership@ags.org