We're not just a course.

We’re a career accelerator for corporate instructional designers and eLearning developers.

Think of IDOL Academy like a masters-level training program but with more practical application and perks. As a student, you get everything - and we mean EVERYTHING - you need to become the best IDOL you can possibly be. So you can build an in-demand reputation in this industry.

The Skill Development Track

You’ll quickly master essential instructional design skills, work on real projects, and build your portfolio during this 24-week guided curriculum.

Graduation & Certification

You’ll submit your work for review. Once all graduation milestones are approved, you’ll officially graduate as a Certified Professional in Training and Performance.

The Career Readiness Track

After graduation, you’ll advance into the career coaching component of the program, where you’ll learn how to stand out in the job market. So you get hired or sign clients. 

The Victory Lap!

As a highly skilled IDOL with an amazing portfolio and career coaching to support you, you’ll soon reach your IDOL career goal and join the ranks of graduate success stories. Congrats, you did it!

To earn this industry-recognized credential, you’ll complete 8 small milestone projects during the skill development track. Passed assignments put you one giant step closer to becoming an IDOL Academy CPTP. 

Afraid of failing? Don’t be. It’s nearly impossible not to pass. That’s because when assignments fall short of required standards, coaches give you feedback on how to improve. Meaning, any “not there yet” milestone assignments can be reworked and resubmitted for approval as many times as needed.

This certification makes companies hunt you.

“Shortly after adding IDOL Academy to my LinkedIn, I was contacted by a recruiter who thought I'd be a good fit. I used the 'Everything Job Application' section and recorded mentor sessions to study up and prep for my three rounds of interviews. And now I am an instructional designer! I truly feel that this Academy gave me a boost in helping me stand out among other applicants and gave me the practical application and knowledge to feel confident in my interviews."

"I hired one of [IDOL Academy’s] graduates and I was so impressed at the quality of her work, skills, and knowledge. 

Bravo! I have been recommending this program every since!"

Crystal Gasell, Ed.D

Director of Academic Technology & Training

Megan hit her goal while working a regular 9-to-5.

“Due to the self-paced accessibility of the content, I was able to participate in the Academy while maintaining a full-time job and when the time came to apply I was offered a position within 7 days of my goal date!”

Cassandra started her new IDOL career as a new mom.

"Honestly, this was the best investment I ever made in MYSELF. I started slow because I had a child born around the same time as I started my first cohort. #DoItMessy was a game-changer for me. Once I changed my mindset from perfection-oriented to outcomes-oriented and from defeat to triumph, everything fell into place. I took deliberate practice seriously and my goals were achieved in kind.”

Resume & Cover Letter Writing

Want recruiters to put your resume on the top of the pile? Jumpstart your docs with our customizable IDOL resume and cover letter templates. Browse dozens of successsful graduate resumes for inspiration. And get training on communicating your skills, what IDOL keywords to use, and how to “translate” any relevant past experience into instructional design terminology. Yeah, we’re looking at you, teachers!

LinkedIn Profile Optimization

LinkedIn is your #1 tool for getting discovered by hiring managers, recruiters, and prospective clients. But to stand out in a sea of thousands of instructional designers, you must have a 5-star profile. Use our LinkedIn for IDOLs strategies to show up in recruiter searches, encourage powerful people to reach out, and get yourself noticed even when competing with hundreds of other “easy apply” applications.

Smart Networking

You already know networking is the key to accessing a slew of amazing opportunities. But did you also know networking doesn’t have to suck? Steal our networking strategies specifically for IDOLs. We’ll show you how to put together a purposeful plan, make networking an almost effortless part of your routine, and have easy, natural conversations. Even if you hate making small talk with strangers.

Interview Prep & Practice

Interviews shouldn’t send you into sweats. To conquer these hiring convos with confidence, watch in-depth training that covers everything from how to prepare and what to wear to post-interview follow-up. Practice via mock interviews and with interview assessments used by real companies. And learn a simple strategy for showcasing your expertise even when interviewers throw you a curve ball question.

Job Search & Applications

IDOL jobs are everywhere, but how do you find and land the best ones? Shortcut your search using our favorite sites for finding high-paying positions. Then easily keep tabs on what you’ve applied for and where you are in the hiring process with our Trello-based job tracking system. Plus, get personalized feedback on any of your application essentials like your cover letter or answers to screening questions.

Offer Negotiation

Human Resources pros know a company’s first offer is never their BEST offer. We’ll teach you how to ask for more moo-lah or, you know, PTO, without the pressure to accept an offer as is. Learn what to say when you counter-offer, how to frame the conversation for the best chance at yes, and how to respond if they (initially) say no. So you can sign on the dotted line knowing you got the highest salary and benefit package possible.

Storyline® for IDOLs℠: Articulate Storyline® Skilled

For designing interactive and engaging eLearning experiences.

IDOL® Movie Magic™: Professional Vyond® Animations

For creating 2D animated videos with pizzazz.

Genially® for IDOLs℠: Genially® Skilled

For creating interactive images, infographics, eLearning, and job aids.

IDOL℠ 💚 Canva® Skilled

For designing professional-looking graphics, GIFs, slides, videos, and more.

Camtasia Skilled

For recording and editing high-quality videos.

• eLearning authoring with Lectora with the Asset Library (valued at $1,404/year) - non-commercial

• VR authoring with CenarioVR (valued at $4,788/year) - non-commercial

• Interactive presentations and guides with a Genially library access (valued at $167/year)

• 2D animation authoring with Vyond library access (valued at $1,099/year)

• Canva Pro account on Canva Campus with built-in IDOL templates (valued at $119.99/year)

Total value: $7,577.99 per year. 

Yours for $0 with enrollment.

Let’s give a heartfelt hug to The Studio by
ELB Learning for sponsoring the CenarioVR and Lectora licenses for IDOL Academy students!

Rachel doubled her income and only works part-time.

“I interviewed with three companies within a few weeks of applying to no more than 30 jobs (easy clickable applications on LinkedIn). I was offered a contract position for 30-35 hours per week through the end of the year. Even though it's not full-time, I doubled my income. I'm so thankful to IDOL Academy, the coaches, mentors, and other learners who helped teach me new skills and build my confidence to move forward as an ID."

Rachael Hartman

Instructional Designer at The College of Health Care Professions

Marilyn can’t believe she’s working for Google.

"I'm beyond excited about starting my new role at Google through a contractor! I truly owe it to IDOL - the community, the courses, the opportunities. It was a long journey: I started with the Do It Messy challenge, got a volunteer client, volunteered for Rumie Learn, landed a contract through IDOL, and finally this job offer. Put in the time and effort and you'll make it!"

Marilyn Day

Instructional Designer at Google

Lynda is self-employed with a steady base of clients.

"When I started IDOL Academy, I was working as an ID, but looking to update my skills to grow and move into other areas. I considered working freelance, but I didn't really know how to make the move and frankly, I was a bit scared to take that leap. After finishing IDOL I started seriously thinking about going the freelance route. I currently have six clients and am loving the variety and the challenges. It was IDOL that helped me rediscover my passion for instructional design and find the courage to pursue something new.”

Lynda Kluck

Learning Experience Manager at Culture Partners

Jamie made a complete career change in her 40s.

"I would never have imagined I could take the leap from one career field into a COMPLETELY different, unknown career field. I signed up for classes in January and in the meantime worked for a part-time non-profit. I would watch the videos on my lunch hour and the days that I was not in the office I completed my lessons. Now, here I am less than a year later, and I’ve completely changed my career field! For a woman in her mid-40’s, I’m proud of myself. The support I’ve received from everyone at IDOL has changed my outlook on this venture.”

Jamie Black 

Learning Experience Designer at Sea Island Company

Ricky interviewed so well, the company CREATED a job for him.

"IDOL Courses Academy gave me all of the tools I needed to make the jump from teaching to Instructional Design. 

 My interviewer was so impressed with my skills that she CREATED a job for me. I could not have accomplished my goals without the help of my mentors and coaches and the greater IDOL community!"

Ricky Fisher

Instructional Designer at Landmark Health

Sharon shocked herself by landing her dream job at IKEA.

“I put all my new assets in my portfolio, finished up my Linked In, and saw that IKEA was hiring learning developers. I did two rounds of interviews with two departments. I got the job! There is NO WAY I could have gotten this role without IDOL. I had a community to look over my portfolio, give feedback on my assets, give me advice for applications, and even do practice interviews with me. I cannot say enough good things about the IDOL Academy!"

 Sharon Tavares

Learning Developer at IKEA

Auroosa got an offer using assets she made the day before.

“I signed an offer yesterday as a Learning Experience Designer. My dream job at my dream company. 

I didn't have my portfolio ready in time to apply for the role but I took a shot and applied anyway. I did submit some samples and I actually made a sample VILT facilitation guide for them that I included in my application. 

I could not have done this without IDOL Academy! I can't believe a few months ago I decided I wanted to make a career change and now here I am, hired as a LXD! 

Auroosa Kazmi-Ishaq

Learning and Development Manager at WildBrain

Your dream career is so much closer than you think. So if you’re ready to stop wishing and start working, it’s time to join IDOL Academy.

Here’s a little tough love: With a proven career-building program ready and waiting for you inside the Academy, the only thing standing in your way right now is YOU. So why put off your goals even a second longer when success is within reach? Enroll today and you’ll be mere months away from the better career you’re dreaming of.

Enrollment includes 12 months of access to all IDOL Academy features, including:

✓ 24-week skill development track with immersive lessons, weekly assignments, live practice sessions, and 1-1 personalized feedback

✓ Weekly live lessons (replays available) from expert faculty on the topic and the lesson(s) released that week

✓ All tech and tool training

✓ 5+ digital software badges (must meet requirements)

✓ Individual commercial and non-commercial licenses to specified design tools (worth $7500+) 

✓ Portfolio training, tasks, and feedback

✓ Hands-on experience through internship and/or IDOL World projects

✓ 8 milestone assessments, with digital badges, evaluated by expert practitioners (must meet requirements), including: 

• Internship
• Instructional Designer
• Learning Architect
• Learning Experience Designer
• Visual Designer
• Rapid Prototyping
• Instructor-Led Training
• eLearning Developer

✓ Certified Professional in Training & Performance (CPTP) graduation certificate (24 CEUs) (must meet requirements)

✓ All career readiness support, including: 

• Resume & Cover Letter Writing
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization 
• Smart Networking
• Interview Prep & Practice
• Job Search & Applications Coaching
• Offer Negotiation Coaching

✓ Business Box training and templates

✓ 1-1 Career Coaching

✓ 1-1 Business Coaching

✓ Private IDOL community and alumni network with 24/7 access

✓ 1 assigned mentor during your cohort

✓ 10+ Professional IDOL coaches

✓ Paid contract opportunities through IDOL Talent (must meet requirements)

✓ Proud Portfolio Guarantee (must meet requirements)

Need more flexible payment options? 

You can finance your tuition over (up to) 24 months through Climb Credit. Please note, options and interest rates vary according to your credit history. Early enrollment discounts do not apply. And all activities, including approvals, are managed by Climb Credit, not IDOL courses. 

Click here to start the approval process. →

Whitney’s enjoying better benefits and less stress.

​​"IDOL courses helped me move from the classroom to a corporate job with so much better benefits and less stress. I learned so much and in a short amount of time. It was definitely worth the investment. The feedback and support you get from Robin and the group are invaluable. I can't recommend it enough... it has literally changed my quality of life."

Whitney Estes

Senior Technical Curriculum Developer at Amazon

Morgan is working from home and loving every minute of it.

"I am so thankful for IDOL, as it allowed me to achieve my dreams. I am now working for a company I love, and I am able to work from home. I would not have been able to transition out of education without the IDOL Courses Academy program, or the incredible system of support that it offers. I felt equipped and prepared to answer questions in interviews, and feel knowledgeable in my new role. Thank you IDOL for changing my life! 

Morgan Lavey

Instructional Design Consultant III at Principal Financial Group

Shemaine finally looks forward to Monday morning. 

"It's an amazing program that gave me the confidence and skills to land a dream job. I was working just to make ends meet.

Now I love what I do and I can't wait to get started everyday. Thanks IDOL Courses Academy for helping change my career and my life." 

Shemaine Hernandez

Instructional Designer at WYSR