Penn State Extension Help Center

General Questions

Where is my local extension office? How do I contact a local extension educator or employee?

If you have a question about agriculture, regarding pests and diseases, growing conditions, crops, or other farm-related issues, contact your local county office in Pennsylvania to get connected to an educator. You can find a directory of extension offices with contact information on our website.

Where do I find more information about becoming a Master Gardener in Pennsylvania?

Please visit the Master Gardener website to learn more about how to become a volunteer.

Where do I find more information about enrolling my child or volunteering for Pennsylvania 4-H?

Please visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website to learn more about becoming involved in the program.

Where do I find more information about Better Kid Care and the online courses they offer?

Please visit the Better Kid Care website to learn about the robust professional development opportunities they offer for early care and youth development professionals.

I am at a loss. How do I get assistance or provide feedback?

The best place to start is by contacting our customer service help desk. Our customer service team can assist or point you in the right direction.

Account, Purchases, and Registrations

How do I create an account on the Penn State Extension website?

1. Click Account.
2. Click Create an Account.
3. Fill out your information using a valid email address and strong password.
4. Click Submit.

How do I manage my email communication preferences?

To manage the email communications you receive from Penn State Extension, visit the Communication Preferences Center. There you will be able to subscribe (opt-in), unsubscribe (opt-out), or update the types of communication you receive.

Why do I need an account to make a purchase?

Creating an account allows you to purchase products quickly and easily. It also provides secure access to your online courses and digital downloads. You can also manage your communication preferences online when you sign up for an account.

How do I reset my account password?

If you are unable to log in because you forgot your password, follow these steps:

1. Click Account.
2. Click Sign In.
3. Click Forgot Your Password?
4. Enter the email address you use to log in to the site.
5. Click Submit.
6. You will receive an email with instructions for resetting your password.

Keep these tips in mind when resetting your password: 

• Lockout period is 10 minutes 
• Max number of password resets per hour is 5 
• Minimum of 10 minutes between password resets 
• The link in the password reset email will expire after 2 hours

Where do I find my digital purchases, such as a PDF publication or guide?

Accessing Digital Guides and Publications is through your account on the website.

1. Click Account.
2. Click Log In.
3. If prompted, log in to your account.
4. Click My Educational Content, then select Downloadable Publications.
5. Choose the product you wish to download.

What is your policy on Returns, Exchanges, and Cancellations?  

Products, such as guides and publications, can be returned or canceled for any reason within 14 days of the purchase date for a full refund. 

Each event (workshop, webinar, or conference) has a unique registration cancellation policy. Refer to the event description to learn about its registration cancellation policy.  

What forms of payment do you accept?

Most major credit cards are accepted online, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA. Contact our customer service help desk should you require to pay by check.

Do you sell or accept Gift Cards?

We do not offer or accept gift cards at this time.

Virtual Events (Webinars)

How do I find virtual webinars you offer? What webinars do you have coming up?

You can find a listing of webinars on our website.

Are virtual webinars recorded? How do I access a recorded webinar?

Most of our webinars are recorded when the live session occurs. Registrants of the webinar will receive a link to the recording via email within ten business days of the live session.

I registered for a live webinar but missed it. Can I receive the recording?  

Most of our webinars are recorded and sent to registrants after they are processed. If you have not received your recording after ten business days, please reach out to our help desk at 877-345-0691 or submit a help request. Our customer service team can verify if the recording has been processed, sent, and troubleshoot why you may not have received it.  

What materials or devices are needed for webinars?  

All webinars require internet access to view the presentation and participate in the interactions, such as chat or polling. Your device must also have the ability to play audio, or you may dial in to listen from your desk or mobile phone. Refer to the webinar description for other special viewing requirements.  

What devices and browsers are supported for webinars? 

Webinars can be accessed on most desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. Webinars are compatible with most up-to-date browsers. Please refer to the webinar description to learn about any special requirements for a specific webinar to ensure your device is supported. 

How do I register for a webinar over the phone? 

Give our customer service desk a call and we can register you for the webinar. Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. E.T. 

In-Person Events (Workshops and Conferences)

How do I find in-person workshops and conferences you offer? What events do you have coming up?

You can find a listing of upcoming events on our website.

If a workshop or conference is at maximum capacity, can I be added to a waitlist?

Some workshops and conferences offer a waitlist option when they are at maximum capacity, and some do not. Contact customer service and we can check to see if a waitlist is available and get you added. When the waitlist feature is offered, and a workshop or conference is at maximum capacity, you will be taken to a waitlist form after you click on the registration link. As spots open up, we offer them “first come, first served.” If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted using the information you provided. 

How do I register for a workshop or conference over the phone? 

Give our customer service desk a call and we can register you for the webinar. Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. E.T.

Are workshops and conferences accessible for people who require special needs or services? 

We strive to make our workshops and conferences accessible to everyone. If you require special needs or services, please indicate your audio, visual, or mobile disability during registration. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

I have a question about a workshop, webinar, or conference. Who do I contact?

For questions about a specific event, use the contact information available in the event description.

Online Courses

What on-demand online courses do you offer?

Find our catalog of online courses on our website. We have something for everyone, from home hobbiest to workforce development. All of our courses offer a certificate of completion, and some courses also offer continuing education credits.

How do I access an online course that I purchased?

Find your online course in your Account dashboard.

1. Log in to your Account
2. Navigate to My Online Courses
3. Select the course you wish to view