Donaldson Educational Services

Online Virtual Course:
Started off very well. We had an instructor who was consistent and prompt. Well, she decided to quit in the midst of the course. Then, it went downhill from there. Classes were being cancelled unannounced with no notification or email. The owner took over the course one class nights and started 30mins after the class began. I was planning to take more courses because I'm a virtual learner. But, I'm truly unsure now.

If not for the instructors, this school would get ZERO stars because it's exactly what was earned. Pay closest attention to the negative
reviews. They tend to be most insightful. after all, vendors can pay for positive reviews. SCAM about sums it up!

AWFUL
After speaking with the office numerous times to obtain transparency before purchasing the Life, Health, Accident, & Annuity online licensing course, and receiving a ton of "I don't knows", I went ahead and purchased it with full faith that it would, as the office quoted "have everything you need to get licensed."

I started the course that day and got 1/2 way through Lesson one of a 40 hour course . That is when I began running into numerous questions on abbreviations and industry terms. I reached out to the school. Nothing. I began transcribing via hand, as there were no printable options or word key,
and googling in order to understand.

They advertise access to an Instructor. It's been 48 hours and the Instructor is not only not responding to me, but is also not responding to their main office who reached out to them on my behalf.

There is no Video Instruction, No Audio Instruction, No printable material, & No word/abbreviation key. It's 2023. Come on :(

The website also states "Best Refund Policy in the Business". When I realized this is a joke of a class, I called and asked for a refund ( again I was only 1/2 way through lesson 1 of a 40 hour course), I was told "once you start the class we don't give refunds".

The Instructor is still MIA. Accounting has not responded to their Main Office's request to refund my money.

I went ahead a filed a dispute with my credit card, as their services advertised were not what I purchased.

I was truly excited to start on my education, and this led to much frustration.

For a business that is teaching "legalities" it's a SHAM! They are not adhering to their own principles and practices.

Non-fiduciary , False Advertising, No Time is of the Essence in communication.

TERRIBLE

It's almost like they copied and pasted the license law from the book to the course. It is the least interactive and interesting online course I've ever taken. If you like to read copious amounts of legal information, maybe this is good for you. However, if you are the average Jane just looking to to gain knowledge and learn new useful information to help you with your trade.. you might as well just read a dictionary on the subject.

I purchased the Real Estate Class on May 2, 2023. I emailed the school inquiring about videos that were supposedly available. They advertised that they were up to date and the classes are fun and engaging. There was only reading material and I am not able to learn that way. The person that responded told me that I have to complete 75% of the class then there will be videos. I only did 2 days of work. I did not log back in after May 4th. I inquired about a refund and I was told "No but I can purchase more time for $40.00. I then asked for a partial refund due to me not doing any other work in the class after 2 days which i know they are able to see. The response was "We must follow our company policy". I do not recommend this class to ANYONE. Try CE Shop or any other school but this one.

I enrolled in the online Principles of Home Inspection: Systems & Standards v3.0 course with Donaldson on 11/27/22. When I began the course, I was able to understand the material and completed a good bit of my course. On 2/22/23 I reached out to Donaldson for assistance because I really needed help and was stuck at a certain part. Long story short. I still haven't had help up to this day. I even asked to purchase a book for the class and was told there weren't any. I have email proof that I repeatedly reached out to staff and received an email from Chris Donaldson himself on, 3/17/2023. Nothing has been done about my concern and need and at this point I am not comfortable with completing this course. I asked for a refund and was told by the front office that they haven't received a response yet. I personally went to the Metairie location to speak with Chris Donaldson and was told he wasn't available; they would have him call me. No call yet! Also, I wasn't assigned an instructor.
I was very interested and excited to take this course and I am very disappointed in the way I have been ignored after reaching out several times and paying my money for this course.
Donaldson says,
"This is where DONALDSON and our legendary Customer Service Representatives will make the process quick and easy, take care of the details, and make sure you get a license efficiently and comfortably. "
"No matter how long it has been since you have been in the classroom, you can be assured DONALDSON Courses will be lively, fun, informative - and most important of all - right on target to make sure you achieve your goal - A Home Inspector License!"
"Thank you for choosing Donaldson Educational Services. We're here to help you every step of the way!"

NONE OF THIS WAS TRUE IN MY CASE! ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCES I'VE HAD

Live and Online courses!

I was becoming a real estate agent and looking at options. I chose Donaldson because of 2 big things:

1) The flexibility of schedule
2) The online course that was way ahead of the pack with audio and video. I cant just read a text book. I get distracted and board. This course kept my attention.

I have been a Donaldson student ever since. I've done my post license, continuing education and even took the Superstars 2.0 course (which was awesome btw!)

The other thing that should not go unnoticed was how friendly the staff was. Always smiling when I stopped in and when I called it's almost like you could hear the smile through the phone.

I will continuing getting my real estate education from here. 5 star.

I "PASSED" the National and State Real Estate Licenses Exam at PSI appreciate you Chris Donaldson for being such a great teacher, coach, leader and inspiration... And also, the Donaldson's Educational Service instructors -special thanks to Mrs. Cherlene Fullier and Office Staff - I couldn't have done it with out you...

SCAM!!! This place convinced me to buy the ultimate package with my real estate training course and this included a $300 "Superstar" training course.

I graduated the course 7 months ago and NO SUPERSTAR COURSE offered. Better yet, they refuse to give me a refund and refuse to answer my calls and emails!!!! SCAM AVOID DONALDSON EDUCATION!!!

Great staff! Great courses! Great instructors! Passed Real Estate Exam 1st try! After passing Exam the Superstar 2.0 course is top notch! Highly recommend Donaldson!