FAQ Page

NCGR aims to provide extensive, comprehensive knowledge of all dimensions and areas of
astrology from theory to practice, from the classical to the modern. This is achieved through
structured classes and material, from the fundamental level to the advanced. The classes and the
material follow the PAA Professional Certification program for students who wish to obtain
professional certification, or simply want to study and expand their knowledge base.
NCGR’s education in astrology is the most rigorous and has the highest academic standards
compared to other schools.

The classes and material follow the four levels of the PAA certification program.
Level I covers astronomy for astrologers, natal chart calculation and chart fundamentals,
including planets, signs, houses, rulership and aspects.

Level II covers predictive techniques: Calculation and delineation of transits, solar-arc di-
rections, progressions and other advanced topics, such as house systems, Classical tech-
niques, advanced astronomy and more.

Level III covers topics such as horary, electional, synastry, solar returns, mundane astrol-
ogy, midpoints, Uranian 90-degree dial techniques and the lots – Fortune and Spirit.

Level IV covers topics that are required for certification: chart rectification and client con-
sultation.

The classes are offered in two annual semesters – spring and fall. Each semester offers Level
I, Level II and Level III, in weekly sessions. Level IV is offered on demand.

Registration for all classes is available about one month before the semester begins. To reg-
ister, go to NCGR Online Education, which includes class schedules and payment information.

Be sure to click on the Curriculum link of the class of your choice to get details of the study
topics.

All the online classes are live and interactive. Everyone – teacher and students –
are present on Zoom audio and video. The material is presented with ample graphics
and visuals. You are not asked to learn on your own from a required pre-recorded
lecture, or from a book. All materials are provided and the study takes place in class.
The interaction is personal, and your questions are answered in real time by the
teacher.

Yes, you can communicate with the teacher in real time during class, and also by email later
on.

Yes, but it is not recommended. Level II includes predictive calculations that are consistent
with the calculation methodology learned in Level I. If you have never learned how to calculate
a natal chart, or you did it many years ago, then skipping Level I will put you at a disadvantage,
and you might need extra help. Level I also includes Astronomy for Astrologers, which covers

material that is rarely taught in other places and is needed in both Levels I and II. The curricu-
lum is designed for continuity of subject matter and teaching methodology, so the recommenda-
tion is to start with Level I.

Taking both classes at the same time isn’t recommended. It would require attendance two
nights a week for intensive coursework, making it difficult to complete assignments. The math
for chart calculations provided for Level I students is the foundation for Level II coursework,
making it unrealistic to proceed with Level II until Level I coursework has been completed.

The NCGR education program is comparable to a four-year college degree in scope and
depth, and each level encompasses an entire semester.

If you are studying towards certification, you will need to take the exam for each level. It is rec-
ommended that you take the exam after the course is completed before beginning the next level.

No, you don’t. You can set your own goals: Expand your astrological horizons, get in-depth
knowledge on important subjects, clarify subjects that you picked up on the internet and in
other people’s lectures, and have all your questions answered thoroughly.
However, along the way you may change your mind and decide to take the exams, since the
courses are structured for this purpose. We hope you will.

Theoretically it is possible, but the teacher will have to approve this based on circumstances.

For example, you could be in a different time zone, which may make attending class inconven-
ient.

The disadvantage of not attending the live class is not having immediate class interaction and an

inability to ask questions in real time when you seek an answer immediately. It is static learn-
ing, like watching a video.

The required reading consists of the material provided in class. This material is extensive
and comprehensive, focusing on each topic, and is compiled and prepared by the teacher. Book
lists are provided, and the teacher makes recommendations also.

The teacher provides students with all the necessary material for each class.
The teacher provides the students with all the necessary material. The class curriculum contains
essential knowledge from contemporary and Classical sources. The only necessary purchases
are an ephemeris, a Book of Tables of Placidus houses and a specific type of calculator, which
are detailed in the online curriculum available at NCGR Online Education.

There are no prerequisites for Level I – come as you are, although a fundamental knowledge
of astrology is helpful.

Prerequisites for Level II: An ability to calculate a natal chart and basic astronomy for as-
trologers.

Prerequisites for Level III: Solid knowledge of the topics covered in Levels I and II; and an
ability to delineate a natal chart and predictive analysis, including transits, progressions
and solar-arc directions.
Prerequisites for Level IV: Solid knowledge of natal delineation and predictive work.
If you take all four levels in consecutive order you will be well prepared for each step.

The courses focus on traditional and Classical astrology. Hellenistic and Medieval tech-
niques are incorporated also. Modern techniques, such as midpoints, the Uranian system and

asteroids, are covered as well.

Each class is recorded and an mp4 file is sent to students immediately after class. Students
are encouraged to download and save the file on their computers. These class recordings are
invaluable for reviewing material before taking a test.

The classes are usually scheduled for 7:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. Based on your location,
your options are to get up early, stay up late or ask the teacher to register for class, not attend
live and receive the recordings.
If this suits you and the teacher approves, then you can continue to communicate with the
teacher by email and phone and submit homework, etc.

Professional certification is provided by the Professional Astrologers’ Alliance. It requires
passing all four examination levels consecutively. No level may be skipped.
Plan for about three years. It takes time to go through each level, prepare for the exam and pass
it. On average, each level takes four months, although Level II can be longer. It is time well

spent, since the comprehensive learning is extensive, not only to pass the tests, but also to im-
prove your skills as an astrologer.

Think of it as going to college: You are investing in your future!

The PAA exams are taken online, and in some cases, proctored on paper. A full description

of the process can be found on the PAA website. It covers the curriculum for each level, regis-
tration and a technical explanation of the exam procedure.

First, make sure that you are well prepared and have mastered the material. Second, familiarize
yourself with the information on the PAA site. Then register.
More information is detailed in the next section.

There are a variety of potential niche areas for professional astrologers. The most traditional
is becoming an astrological consultant who interprets charts for clients. All possible niche
branches of astrology require knowledge and technical skills that are taught in Levels I, II and
III; Level IV focuses on consulting skills. Beyond technical skills, students are encouraged to

cultivate a professional demeanor and conduct themselves in a competent, reliable and respect-
ful manner. Professionalism elevates everyone in the field.