Take Online Classes Through the Free Library with Universal Class

By Jamie W. RSS Mon, December 23, 2013

If you are looking to get ahead at work or at school, interested in learning something new or brushing up on your existing skills, the Free Library is pleased to offer you access to Universal Class

Universal Class is an online learning platform that allows you to take courses at your own pace while you interact with a live instructor via email.  Take a look at this a quick video tutorial and our FAQs to get started.

 

Universal Class Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of classes can I take through Universal Class?
Universal Class offers more than 500 online non-college credit Continuing Education courses in topics like Accounting and Bookkeeping, Business, Entrepreneurship, Office Skills, Alternative Medicine, Parenting and Family, Performing Arts, Career Training, Personal Care, Pet and Animal Care, Computers and Technology, Psychology, Cooking, Real Estate, Financial Management, Religious Studies, Science, Self-Help, Homeschooling, GED Preparation, Mathematics, Language Arts & Writing, Medical Billing and Coding, and more.

What do I need to get started?
You will need to create an account with a valid e-mail address the first time you login to Universal Class.

How many classes can I take?
You are welcome to enroll in up to 5 courses at a time.

How long do I have to complete each course?
You may take up to 6 months to finish each course.

When will I find the time to take an online course?
You will have access to your course 24/7 via the Internet, so you can attend class and do assignments on your schedule.

I can access class materials for tons of courses online already. What make Universal Class different?
Universal Class does more than just give you access to the course materials. Unlike many other online courses, with Universal Class you can interact with a real instructor using e-mail.

How do I know these instructors know what they're talking about?
Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).  In obtaining this approval, Universal Class, Inc. has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard which is widely recognized as the Standard of good practice internationally. As a result of their Authorized Provider accreditation status, Universal Class, Inc. is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.

Wow! Universal Class is accredited. Does that mean I can get college credit for these course?
Unfortunately, these are non-credit courses and are provided for your personal enrichment. These courses are not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.


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Keep getting an authentication error (error code 95820) when I try to log in to the Universal Class site from here. Any suggestions?
Betty Seymour - Philadelphia
Friday, January 3, 2014

Hi Betty - while I cannot replicate the error you mention, see if you have better luck logging from the link to Universal Class on our database page - http://search.freelibrary.org/advSearch.cfm?bySubject=false
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Sunday, January 5, 2014

Is it the yearly subscription or individual courses?
Pamela THomason - Port Orange
Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Hello Pamela - the Free Library has an institutional subscription to Universal Class so it's a little different than what you might be familiar with from their commercial offers or what other institutions have. However, if you have a Free Library card, you can take up to 5 courses at a time. The courses are self-paced, so as soon as you are finished one you can sign up for another. There is no yearly limit. If you need more individualized help please send us an email using the 'Contact Us' link at the top right of this page. Thank you!
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Tuesday, April 15, 2014

i am needing free ged classes online and when i put in my library card it won't let me sign in
mendy gustafson - Colorado
Thursday, April 24, 2014

Hello Mendy - We can definitely help you with this but we will need more information. Please contact us directly by sending an email so one of our librarians can work with you. Here is the contact us link - http://libwww.freelibrary.org/faq/eref.cfm
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Friday, April 25, 2014

Fri, June 27, 2014 Since I'm out-of-state, I can pay for my library card and then take UC courses? Pamela-Florida
Pamela - Florida
Friday, June 27, 2014

Hello Pamela - if you have a Free Library of Philadelphia library card, you can use all of our resources. See our library card policies here: http://libwww.freelibrary.org/register/getcard1.cfm
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Monday, July 7, 2014

How exciting! Is this opportunity still available?
Eliana Green - New York City
Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Hi Eliana - yes! Just go to our Online Learning Portal (http://search.freelibrary.org/digitallearning.cfm) and click on Universal Class to get started. You'll need your library card number and PIN to get started.
Jamie W - Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, November 12, 2014

How long usually take any of the courses you offer? Is there any other fees involved like books?
auri - Florida
Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Hello Auri - There are no fees associated with Universal Class - all costs are paid by the library and are a benefit of your Free Library of Philadelphia card. However, some courses do recommend additional reading or books but they are always optional. Any materials you really need to complete the course are included (usually as ebooks or linked PDFs).
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Study free class
sajjad ali - kargil
Friday, November 20, 2015

Is this still available? Seems like a good one!
accredited homeschool
Tuesday, February 9, 2016

I am trying to get access to the universal class website to take free courses but I have not been able to do it, could you please help me? Thanks.
Nelsy De Paula - Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Hi Nelsy - Sorry to hear you are having trouble If you go to our database page (http://libwww.freelibrary.org/databases/index.cfm) and click on Universal Class you will be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN. Then UC should open and you can create a unique Universal Class login and password to start using the site. If that process is not working for you, please use the Contact Us link at the top right of this page to send us an email so we can work with you individually. Thank you,
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Tuesday, June 14, 2016

I'm trying to logon to learn about what online language classes are on Universal Class ---French?. It doesn't seem to be user friendly. When I click on Universal Class, what is supposed to come up?
Vivica - Philadelphia
Saturday, July 2, 2016

Anticipate a good experience
Joseph Gibson - Washington DC
Tuesday, November 1, 2016

I really appreciate this article and very thank full to share this site.. and i also take online classes
BobOliver - College Rd, Monsey, NY 10952, USA
Thursday, February 9, 2017

I would like to take free online universal classes through your library.
Linda Harper - Tulsa OK
Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Thank you so much for providing these valuable information. I'm looking forward to the next time that I get to come to your blog.
Online Class Pass - Miami
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

When I take a Universal Class course for free, will I have to pay any fees to receive CEU credit?
Linda - POOLER, Georgia
Friday, August 18, 2017

Hi Linda - no, the service is free. However, if you need the CEUs for school or work, check with your instructor or employer beforehand to make sure they will accept CEUs from Universal Class. The service accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to provide CEUs but that does not necessarily mean every organization is required to accept them.
Jamie W - Philadelphia
Friday, August 18, 2017

I just wanted to continue my education in healthcare to get a better job. I wanted to know how this works.
NaTasha Jesters - Virginia
Thursday, August 31, 2017

Gee Whiz what a development
Pat Flanagan - Monaghan Ireland
Wednesday, September 13, 2017

I need to improve my speaking
Aysheh - Jordan
Monday, September 18, 2017

Interested in taking a few courses
Arnika Wilson - Philadelphia
Thursday, December 7, 2017

I used to take classes through universal class. However it has been a couple of years and the system does not recognize my email address.
Teresa Phillips - colorado springs, co
Sunday, January 14, 2018

I tried to call the 1(866)-661-6532 customer service number and i get a fax tone. How can i call and ask questions before i spend my $??
Jessica - Georgia
Tuesday, January 23, 2018

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. http://www.onlineclasspass.com/
onlineclasspass - Miami, FL
Wednesday, February 14, 2018

I have previously taken an online course through Universal Class and looked forward to taking more unfortunately my county library stopped offering Universal Class to its patrons.
Jennifer Riley - Gillette
Thursday, April 12, 2018

Pls I want to learn to be successful in life pls help me , although I was admitted last year but did not meet up , I still have my admission later in my ibox
Ucheoma rejoice obinna - Nigeria
Thursday, May 10, 2018

I want to take class online
Shirley Pearson - Goose creek
Thursday, June 7, 2018

I want to take classes for professional development
Ann Martinez
Saturday, June 9, 2018

I would like to know if once finished with the course do I get a certification that I took and completed the course?
Maria Elena Perez - Vineyard haven
Tuesday, July 17, 2018

looking to pick up more education in the medical field
Debra Anne George - East Hardwick
Wednesday, August 8, 2018

please is there a way to use philadelphia's public library card to access udemy courses online, please help..
kobby
Saturday, September 15, 2018

I would like to takes computer training on microsoft outlook
Colleen M. Filewicz - Philadelphia
Monday, October 29, 2018

free online classes with the iacet seal
sandra branch - Jacksonville
Tuesday, December 11, 2018

free classes this is great
oscar - Clearwater
Saturday, December 22, 2018

With the premium 189$ for one year how many courses do I have access or I can take.
Paygui - Kenessaw
Sunday, March 31, 2019

how do i do this online stufff
carol brooks - philadelphia pa
Friday, April 12, 2019

I would like to take some online classes
Sue -wayne barrett - MICHIGAN
Friday, July 19, 2019

Cannot get into the system as my pin does not work
Elaine Allen - Columbia mo
Monday, August 5, 2019

Classes for windows 10
Marlys CLEVELAND - LINDSTROM
Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Wouldd I be able to take any free classes online if I live in Chicago Illinois.
Theresa Sawyer - North Chicago
Monday, September 9, 2019

Interested in taking the Fress Library class. Can I do this from my desktop at work and how do I enroll?
Jill Wilson - Lewis Center , Ohio
Wednesday, October 9, 2019

I won't to do this to enhance my work profance
Mary Hawkins - Indianapolis
Thursday, November 21, 2019

NICE
Anita thapa - FORT WORTH
Saturday, November 23, 2019

The library in my city says they don't offer free online classes, what suggestions might you have
Nicole smith - Santa Ana, CA
Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Taking classes
Ann Neufeld - Broward, florida
Saturday, January 4, 2020

I have found virtually no way to contact the school. I have emailed both my instructor and the school itself several times and have gotten no response. I'm beginning to wonder just how legitimate the school is and if my studies have been a waste of time.
Virginia Mormon - Rockford
Thursday, January 30, 2020

Hi Virginia. We are sorry to hear you are having trouble with Universal Class. I am happy to help you resolve this issue. Please send an email describing the problem here and a librarian will get back to you shortly: https://www.questionpoint.org/crs/servlet/org.oclc.admin.BuildForm?&institution=12274&type=1&language=1
Jamie B. - Philadelphia
Friday, January 31, 2020

"Thank you for sharing such great information. It has help me in finding out more detail about "
Arhaan - Mumbai
Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Interested to enroll in universal classes programs thru free Library card.
Alfred Das - New York
Monday, February 24, 2020

I'm looking for something with my small home business
Cindy Redman - Statesville North Carolina
Sunday, April 19, 2020

More information about Homeopath course at universal class online
Jacqueline Esteves - Florida
Thursday, May 21, 2020

Interested in natural skin care
Jessica L - Maryland
Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Is there a way for me to access free online classes with my library card
Michele cannata - Massachusetts
Thursday, May 28, 2020

trying to sign up with library card but getting error that it's invalid : card # D242071413. i tried with and without the D pre-fix. i have a 4 digit pin. library card is from charleston county, sc.
Lori Zeth - North Charleston
Friday, June 5, 2020

I took several classes a few years ago and learned so much. Now that I am retired, I am anxious to learn more. Great teachers.
pat vice - alabama
Monday, June 15, 2020

please is there a way to use philadelphia's public library card to access udemy courses online, please help..
mouad rmaili
Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Free online classes
Renate Natson - Willingboro
Wednesday, August 5, 2020

I am interested in taking accounting and quick books, excel classes
Deborah J Kelty - Vermont
Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Classes
Renate Natson - Willingboro
Saturday, September 19, 2020

Are all classes free?
Teresa Estrada - Bellflower
Sunday, September 27, 2020

This article was published in 2013. Is it still true today?
Dan Nieman - South Sioux City Nebraska
Tuesday, October 20, 2020

I want to became school librarian
Kantei - Kiribati,abemama island
Sunday, October 25, 2020

Is it offered in Richmond Va
Barbara H Vannli - Richmond va
Tuesday, November 17, 2020

I really want to study a course I need to learn so I can work and get some extra income
Mireya - New York
Sunday, November 22, 2020

READY
kevi madden - atlanta georgia
Sunday, December 13, 2020

I cant log in to my account
Carol Bailey - Westcliff-on-Sea
Friday, January 8, 2021

Need help applying
Helen Thomas - Opelousas Louisiana
Friday, January 8, 2021

I am trying to log in and I know this is my email correct and password any suggestions
shelia knapp - kansas
Thursday, February 4, 2021

Look forward to learning new things!!!
Maria Abbatino - Toronto,Ont
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Thank you for your help
Jennifer Francis - Brooklyn,
Wednesday, April 28, 2021

I really need my ged but I struggle badly with math
Stephanie Luthy - Richmond
Thursday, May 13, 2021

Religious Studies
Juanita Davis - Goose Creek, SC
Monday, May 17, 2021

Great initiative
Prathima Sivaguru - India
Sunday, May 30, 2021

I would like to take art & craft classes
Malathy - BANGALORE
Sunday, June 6, 2021

I want to take a free online classes to the universal how can I get a free library card pin & number. Thank you for the help.
maria vincent - Magalia
Tuesday, June 8, 2021

looking for classes to refresh computer usage
theresa jones
Wednesday, June 23, 2021

I like to join you
duncan shikuku - thika town
Sunday, July 18, 2021

I want to do five courses with Universal Class. How much is it?
Austin Kaluba - London
Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Help
Kathleen Mannarino - VIrginia
Wednesday, August 18, 2021

I wish I knew about this website many years ago. I would probably feel a little stronger about returning to the workforce after 7 years of being a home-maker.
SHEVALEAU UPSON - Las Vegas
Friday, October 1, 2021

I'd love to join and learn
Anna kay - New York
Monday, October 18, 2021

Need to take ICD 10 classes
MANJU Thomas - Troy
Sunday, November 14, 2021

I would like to take classes through free library with Univeral Class.
Marilon Brown - Indianapolis
Thursday, November 18, 2021

am i in the right place for certification
jennifer lynn culpepper - indpls indiana
Friday, December 10, 2021

Hj I need help with free ged
rachelle diane hasemyager - Missouri
Saturday, January 1, 2022

Would like more info. I'm interested in computer classes
Diane Casey - Gadsdenal
Saturday, January 29, 2022

I would like to get a catalog of courses offered
Geraldine McElroy - Georgia
Wednesday, February 23, 2022

I will love to join any classes
María Esther Diaz - California
Tuesday, March 8, 2022

I would love to take some classes on plants and animals
Carol Watson - Pittsburgh
Monday, April 25, 2022

Hello my name is Ms Shyrl Fleming I was trying to sign up for the free library online classes. I was asked to put my library card number and my pin # in and it consistently said invalid so I looked on the back of the actual card and the # I kept putting in is the # on the back of my card I t keeps rejecting my pin as well. What do I do now Ms. Shyrl Fleming shyrl7@hotmail.com
Shyrl Fleming - Norfolk
Sunday, May 8, 2022

I would like my daughter to be able to take classes online. She is born in the USA but we live in Mexico and we cannot have a library card. There are many resources online but many people do not appreciate them.Is there any way that she can take the classes please
Rosa Esparza - México
Monday, June 27, 2022

It not at my local library, why I don't know
Kim - Denver,CO
Sunday, July 17, 2022

None
Amy Murphy - Loris
Monday, July 18, 2022

I want to learn English online kindly give me access to online universal classes thanks
Kinza - Catonsville 11 Eden terrace lane 21228
Friday, August 12, 2022

I am looking 9to further my education and would like to be able to attend Universal Class
Charlene Williams - Delaware
Tuesday, August 16, 2022

I am interesting in your classes
Daniela Novicic - Van Nuys
Wednesday, September 7, 2022

..
Julia Brathwaite - Lawrenceville, Ga
Thursday, September 29, 2022

How do we take free classes?
Cristina Mendoza - Oceanside, California
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Hi How can I join the universal free class.
Logeswary Shanthakumar - Sri Lanka
Monday, October 24, 2022

HI,I WANT TO IMPROVING MY ENGLISH.IF YOU HAVE A PROGRAM ABOUT IMPROVING ENGLISH,I CAN APPLY THE PROGRAM,THANK YOU.
bilgin solak - Philadelphia
Tuesday, November 8, 2022

None
Joyce Mackey - Houston
Saturday, December 3, 2022

I wish to do a course or two..
Elizabeth Phillips - Brisbane Australia
Sunday, January 29, 2023

Can these courses be achieved in Australia as it is based in USA?
Elizabeth Phillips - Australia
Sunday, January 29, 2023

i am new on this learning system
Ramiro Salgado - Arizona
Monday, July 17, 2023

Interested in online courses
Rejeanne Lukach - Warehouse Pt Ct
Sunday, November 5, 2023

Thank you so much for thinking of people like me who couldn't complete education because they are not able to attend the classes in person. To me: Education is power, Universal Class is resource to attain that power.
Vee Prabhakar - Collingdale
Friday, October 18, 2024