Frequently Asked Questions

Advanced Career Institute offers CDL Training, CDL Refresher Courses, & Welder Training programs at 5 campuses, located in Visalia, Fresno, Merced, and Bakersfield, California as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Each program offers a balance of hands-on training and classroom instruction to better prepare you for success in your chosen career. In addition, certain programs include specific training that can prepare students to sit for industry standard certification and/or license exams.

Click here to learn more about the programs offered at each of our campus locations.

All of our programs start on an on-going basis throughout the year. Class start dates for specific programs may vary by campus. Check out our Events Calendar for program start dates, or contact your local campus to find out when your program begins.

Program length can range from 40 to 760 Program Hours, based on your specific course of study. Click here to learn more about the programs offered at each of our campus locations.

We offer both Day and Evening classes for many of our training programs. When you meet with your school admissions representative, they can give you specific information on the programs you're most interested in, answer any questions, and provide you with current program schedules based on your specific needs and goals. In general, our class schedules are as follows: Transportation Programs in Visalia, Fresno, Merced, Bakersfield & Las Vegas: Daytime classes -- 7:00AM-3:30PM / 8:00AM-4:30PM Evening classes -- 4:30PM-9:00PM / n/a Ag Transportation Classes in Visalia, Fresno, Merced, Bakersfield & Las Vegas: Daytime classes -- 7:00AM-1:30PM / 7:00AM-1:30PM Evening classes -- 1:30PM-8:00PM / n/a Welding Programs in Visalia, Fresno & Bakersfield Morning classes -- 6:00AM-10:00AM Daytime classes -- 10:30AM-2:30PM Evening classes -- 2:30PM-6:30PM Night classes -- 7:00PM-11:00PM * All class times are subject to change *

Tuition & Registration costs vary by program. Tuition includes all books, supplies, and materials needed for the program. Your costs will also vary depending on your qualifications for any types of financial assistance. Contact an Admissions Representative to schedule an interview so we can give you an accurate answer on tuition costs and tuition assistance options available to you.

Yes, ACI offers tuition assistance (financial aid) to those who qualify. Our staff will work with you to determine your eligibility, and then help you apply for financial aid. For more information, check out our Financial Aid page, or contact the Financial Aid department for a complete list of available programs. Financial Aid Department Contact information: Visalia campus: 559-651-1978 Fresno campus: 559-441-4345 Merced campus: 209-580-4960 Bakersfield campus: (661) 588-3525 Las Vegas campus: 559-441-4345 Financial Aid Dept. Hours are 8:0AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday

Yes! We are approved for partnership in various funding programs offered through the Veterans Administration. Contact the Financial Aid department at your local campus for eligibility requirements, or to obtain an application. Financial Aid Department Contact information: Visalia campus: 559-651-1978 Fresno campus: 559-441-4345 Merced campus: 209-580-4960 Bakersfield campus: (661) 588-3525 Las Vegas campus: 559-441-4345 Financial Aid Dept. Hours are 8:0AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday

Yes! Advanced Career Institute provides assistance with job placement to all graduates who are in good standing with the institution and wish to use the service. Although we cannot guarantee any job, graduates who wish to do so may take advantage of a number of services provided to them, including assistance with updating resumes, preparing for job interviews, employer referrals, or other services.

Visit our Job Placement page to see what assistance you can receive as a graduates of ACI.

Our Job Placement staff will provide you with the tools that are necessary for you to find employment, including helping you search and apply for current job openings with a wide variety of local, regional, and national trucking companies and employers that consistently hire our graduates. We also regularly host employers on campus for presentations and recruiter visits.

Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming recruiter presentation visits, or contact the Job Placement department at your local campus for more information.

Advanced Career Institute does not currently offer on-campus housing, however, we can assist students in finding housing accommodations when needed. We have arrangements with nearby facilities to provide housing accommodations to students during their training.

If you are interested in learning more information about housing locations and costs, please speak with Student Services at your local ACI campus.

The new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Mandate requires all truck driving schools to meet a set of training requirements. They require a balance of classroom education and behind-the-wheel instruction for students to create a standardized curriculum. This standardized curriculum creates safer drivers. If you want to pursue a CDL, you must attend an ELDT certified school, or else you won't be able to take the CDL test at the DMV.

If you earned your CDL or a CDL endorsement (such as passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials) before February 7, 2022, you do not need to complete an ELDT certified program. The same applies to people who received their CLP before this date and either renewed it or got their CDL before their CLP expired. This new mandate won't affect you.