COVID-19 Contact Tracing

• When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

  Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

  • The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
  • The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

• What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

  When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

• Is financial aid available?

  Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

• What does this course cover?

  This course provides information about the basics of COVID-19 and contact tracing and helps you develop some of the skills and background that you need. The course includes examples of contact tracing calls, as well as information about developing effective interviewing skills.

• How can I enroll for free?

  Visit https://www.coursera.org/promo/covid-19-contact-tracing to enroll in this course for free. The promotional price will be applied to your purchase automatically.

  You will need to enroll via a web browser on either a computer or a mobile device and not via the Coursera mobile app to enroll for the course and certificate for free. Unfortunately, the promotional price is not redeemable through the mobile app.

• Is this course all the training that a contact tracer will need?

  No. If you join a contact tracing initiative in a state or local health department, you'll need additional training and ongoing support to learn the local processes and systems as well as other issues that may arise.

• How do I apply to become a Contact Tracer?

  Different cities, counties, states, and countries have different plans and processes for hiring contact tracers. Please consult your public health department to learn about its requirements. 

  For example, information for New York State can be found here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/GetInvolved. Note that the New York State Contact Tracing Initiative wants people to apply for a position first before taking the course.

• How quickly do I need to complete the course to be hired as a contact tracer?

  If you have already applied to be part of a contact tracing initiative and have been directed to this course for training, please consult the information you've received directly from that initiative for information about expectations on timing.

• Can I do contact tracing on my own once I pass this course?

  No, contact tracing should only be performed as part of a coordinated initiative led by the appropriate public health authorities.

• Is this course a good place to get medical advice?

  No, this course is not a source of personal medical advice. Please contact your doctor or local healthcare provider if you have questions about your specific symptoms or circumstances.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.