Pathways FAQ

1. What is Base Camp?

Base Camp is your online gateway to Pathways, where you will find everything you need on your journey. Here you can work on projects, track your progress, connect with members of your club and view badges and certificates you’ll earn along the way. Base Camp also features resources to help guide you, including tutorials, videos, quizzes, interactive activities and more.

After you have ordered your Path, you may access Base Camp using the following steps:

Log into https://www.toastmasters.org/
Select Pathways from the menu bar
Select "Go To Base Camp"
Using the blue tile titled "Access my Path Through Base Camp", select "Log in as a Member"
This will take you to the Base Camp home page.

2. Why do I need to disable my pop-blockers on Base Camp and how do I do so?

It is common configuration for learning management systems and other websites to open additional content in new windows. Often, these new windows are recognized as pop-ups by your web browser. Because projects, tutorials, and resources on Base Camp all open in new windows, your pop-up blockers must be turned off so your browser does not prevent you from accessing them.

For instructions on how to disable your pop-up blockers, find your browser name in the list below and click on the corresponding link:

3. What does my computer system require to run Base Camp?

To ensure faster download speeds, the minimum requirements for your system are as follows:

Computer: 1 GB of RAM, 1 GHz Processor
Display resolution: 1024 x 768
Network and connectivity: 5Mbit/s (recommended: 8Mbits/s)
Browser with TLS 1.1 or higher enabled
Pop-up blocker disabled
JavaScript enabled

Base Camp is compatible with the following browsers:

Latest Microsoft Edge
Latest Apple Safari
Latest Mozilla Firefox
Latest Google Chrome
Browsers must be installed in vendor supported environments.

Note: If your system does not meet the minimum requirements, you may experience longer download times.

4. How will I know when updates are made to Pathways or Base Camp?

The Pathways Updates page provides a list of planned technical updates and user experience enhancements, along with a list of previously released changes.

5. Where can I find the evaluation resources for Pathways projects?

You can access and download fillable PDFs of all Pathways evaluation resources from the Toastmasters resource library, here. You can also download them from the Tutorials and Resources section of Base Camp or from the Speech Evaluations page. If you are looking for an evaluation resource for a project you’re working on, you can also access it directly from the “Your Evaluation” page of your project. Please keep in mind that evaluation resources downloaded from your project may not be fillable.

6. What is the Pathways Mentor Program?

The Pathways Mentor Program is part of the Pathways Learning experience, designed to help you build and reinforce the skills needed to provide a positive mentoring experience for protégés. The program includes three projects that cover topics such as understanding your role as a mentor and assessing your readiness to serve in this position. The program will equip you to mentor within your club—and outside of Toastmasters.

7. How do I access the Pathways Mentor Program?

The Pathways Mentor Program is free for all members. Once you’ve completed Level 2 in any path, the program will be available in your Suggested Learning box on the Base Camp home page. To access the program, simply click on title and then select “Open Curriculum” to add it to your Paths and Learning Page.

8. How long will it take me to load projects in Base Camp?

Internet speeds vary depending on your internet service provider and the country you live in. Some projects in Base Camp take longer to load than others, depending on the size (for example, the projects with videos will take longer than those without).

You may experience longer load times if your system does not meet the minimum requirements. To ensure faster downloads, your system should have at least 5 megabits per second in terms of network and connectivity speed. The recommended speed is 8 megabits per second.

9. Who are Base Camp managers, and what is their role?

For most clubs, the vice president education (VPE) will assume the role of Base Camp manager. The Base Camp manager helps facilitate your progress by verifying your education, approving requests and more. In the event that a VPE isn’t able to perform these duties, or if a club does not have a VPE, the Base Camp manager responsibilities will be fulfilled by the club president or club secretary. The central responsibilities of the Base Camp manager include:

Approving speeches outside the club
Verifying level completion
Tracking member progress
Verifying project completion for members using printed materials

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10. How many paths are there?

There are 11 paths. A full list of paths can be found here, by selecting “Paths and Projects.”

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11. How will I know which path is right for me?

If you choose to access Pathways using Base Camp, you will take an online assessment of your skills, interests and goals. Once you’re finished, the assessment will recommend the three paths that best match your responses. If you don’t want to work in a recommended path, you may select whichever path you prefer. Please feel free to click here for a summary of each path as well as which competencies it helps you develop.

12. Are there different levels in each path?

Yes. Each path is made up of five levels that increase in complexity. The program is designed this way so you’re always building on what you learned in the previous level. All learning paths contain the following levels:

Level 1: Mastering Fundamentals
Level 2: Learning Your Style
Level 3: Increasing Knowledge
Level 4: Building Skills
Level 5: Demonstrating Expertise

13. How many projects are in a path?

Every path has required and elective projects. Path recognition is achieved when a member completes 14 projects across all 5 levels—a combination of 10 required projects and 4 elective projects chosen from a comprehensive list covering a variety of subjects. Each project includes at least one speech. Though members are required to complete 4 elective projects, they have the option to complete as many as they would like.

14. Is Pathways available in printed format?

Pathways gives you the flexibility to learn online or in print. Using Base Camp—Pathways’ online learning management system—you’ll have access to engaging learning tools, including videos, interactive quizzes and activities, feedback and recognition, useful tips and more. When working online, choose from multiple unique learning paths. If you prefer to work in print, five paths are available in full-color, professionally bound materials. The following paths are currently available in print:

Presentation Mastery
Leadership Development
Strategic Relationships (English only)
Dynamic Leadership (English only)
Team Collaboration (English only)

15. Does Pathways offer accessible educational materials for visually-impaired individuals?

Yes, Pathways is available in an accessible format. Please visit Pathways Accessible Materials for more information.

16. What are the costs associated with Pathways?

Your regular membership dues cover the cost of your first path, however, if you choose the printed materials option for your path, there is a 25 USD printing fee. The cost for an additional path is 20 USD, and if you elect to work in printed materials, the 25 USD printing fee also applies to all additional paths.

If you are working in one path and decide to switch to another path, you do not need to pay an additional 20 USD as long as you make the exchange within 90 days of the original purchase. The 25 USD fee you pay for a path in printed materials is not refundable. Remember: you can always print out copies of the Pathways materials on your own, at no charge. If you are enrolled in Pathways online, you can print out any of the materials on Base Camp.

Do I still have to pay a new member fee now that there are no Competent Communication (CC) or Competent Leadership (CL) manuals in Pathways?

Yes. Although new members will not receive a physical kit when they begin in Pathways, the new member fee covers membership processing costs, your first path, and access to Base Camp and its resources.

If I choose an online path, which means my learning materials are all digital, why do I still need to pay for Pathways since I’m not receiving manuals and other printed materials?

While it’s true that members who choose a path on Base Camp will not receive physical manuals or materials, Pathways gives you access to a richer learning experience, featuring 10 paths to choose from, over 300 real-world skills to learn and in-depth training resources to help you every step of the way. In addition, there are still costs associated with maintaining the Pathways learning experience, including software licensing, support and ongoing educational development.

I pay dues twice a year. Why don’t I receive a new path every time I pay dues?

Dues cover your ongoing membership, as well as services provided to you, your club and your district. In Pathways, each new member receives one free path, just like you received a Competent Communication (CC) and Competent Leadership (CL) manual without any additional costs when you joined the traditional education program. Additional paths must be purchased individually in Pathways, similar to the traditional education program, which requires you to pay for additional manuals beyond the CC and the CL.

When I purchase an additional print path, do I need to pay the fee for printed materials again? And do I also have to pay a shipping fee for each path?

Each time you purchase a print path, you pay a fee for printed materials. This fee covers the cost of your materials and shipping. Shipping cost is included in the materials fee.

17. What is the Pathways return Policy?

The Pathways Return Policy is as follows:

There are no refunds on educational materials or customized items (e.g., engraved items, certificates). All other items may be returned for a refund as long as the member contacts Toastmasters International within 30 days of receipt of the item; after 30 days no refunds can be initiated. Returned items must be in like-new condition.
Educational materials and all other non-customized items can be exchanged as long as the member contacts Toastmasters International within 30 days of receipt of the item. Exchanges of paths in the Pathways learning experience are limited to one exchange per purchase. After 90 days no exchanges can be initiated. Paths cannot be exchanged once any project has been completed and/or any level award completion has been submitted.
The new item for an exchange must be selected at the time the exchange is made; members are not given a “credit” to select a new item at a later time.
Any time an item is being returned or exchanged, including when it is exchanged due to damage or a shipping error, Toastmasters International reserves the right to require that the original item be returned to Toastmasters International and/or require a photo of the damage. When a damaged item must be sent back to Toastmasters International, the replacement item, if applicable, will be sent after the returned item is received at World Headquarters.
For exchanges due to item(s) being incorrect or damaged when the member receives them, the item(s) will be replaced at no cost to the member. Depending on the member’s location, Toastmasters International may provide a return label for the member to use or reimbursement to the member after he/she incurs the expense.
When items are returned to Toastmasters International for a return or exchange that is not due to a shipping error or damage, the member will pay:

The cost of shipping the original item back to World Headquarters, in all cases.
The cost of shipping the new item to the member, in the case of an exchange.

The 25 USD fee that members pay when ordering a path in print is not refundable, even when the member is exchanging a print path for an online path. (This applies to Pathways materials only.)
Educational materials belong to the person for whom they were ordered; they are not transferable between or among members.

18. How many free paths do I get?

Every member is entitled to their first path at no cost. Qualifying members can get a maximum of two free paths. In order to qualify for a second free path, you must meet the following three requirements:

You belong to two or more clubs*.
Your membership of at least two clubs began prior to the date of when Pathways launched in your district.

AND

Your membership to at least two of the clubs you became a member of before Pathways launched in your district is still active the day you redeem your second free path.

*Note: Joining additional clubs after Pathways became available in to your region will not qualify you for a second free path.

How do I redeem my second free path?

The second free path must be redeemed with our Supply Orders Team before the transition period ends on June 30, 2020. They can be reached by phone at +1 720-439-5050 or email at supplyorders@toastmasters.org.

19. Can I use a Toastmasters gift certificate to purchase a path?

No. Toastmasters International gift certificates are only for Toastmasters-branded merchandise. Pathways educational materials are not available for purchase using a gift certificate.

20. Can I order a print version of The Navigator?

Yes, you can purchase bound copies of The Navigator for 5 USD each through the Toastmasters Store.

The online version of The Navigator is available here.

21. Why did the education program change?

In the 2010 strategic plan, the Toastmasters Board of Directors called for the education program to be revitalized. The Board stressed the need to modernize the communication track and renew the focus on leadership learning in the leadership track.

The traditional education program served Toastmasters for many years. However, much of the communication track hasn’t been updated since the 1970s. The Toastmasters Pathways learning experience is not a departure from the traditional program, because it builds on the established educational foundation. Pathways is a modernized learning experience suited to our changing global society. It offers you more benefits and more opportunities to learn, grow and meet personal and professional goals. You now have the opportunity to develop additional skills you can use not just in your club, but at your job or in your community as well.

22. Why is Pathways valuable to me?

The many benefits to members will include:

A learning experience tailored to your personal and professional goals
The opportunity to develop many skills relevant to an evolving global marketplace
Recognition of educational achievements that come earlier and more frequently
New technological resources to improve speeches and support meeting roles
Online access to educational materials
Videos that model the skills you are learning

23. Are my achievements in the traditional education program still relevant in Pathways? Is the work I've done towards an education award in the traditional program transferable to Pathways?

No, your progress toward awards in the traditional education program is not transferable to Pathways because the projects and structure of learning in the programs are different. However, you still have plenty of time to complete awards you are working toward. There is a transition period to allow you the opportunity to complete your work and move over to Pathways, concluding on June 30, 2020.

Please note: Any service you have completed as a club or district leader that has not been applied toward an award can be used to fulfill your next education award in the traditional education program or Pathways (including club leadership, district leadership, club sponsor, club mentor, club coach, Youth Leadership Program and Speechcraft).

Are my achievements in the traditional education program still recognized?

Yes, all educational achievements will remain part of your record with Toastmasters International. Competent Communication (CC), Competent Leadership (CL) and other awards earned in the traditional education program will always be recognized by the organization.

Pathways features more than 10 paths instead of two educational tracks, which is why designations like CC and CL are not part of the new program. Pathways features a completely new set of achievement designations.

When is the last day to submit an application for an education award in the traditional education program?

The final day to submit an application for a traditional education program award is June 30, 2020, the end of the 2019-2020 Toastmasters program year.

Members who serve as a club or district leader or as club coach through June 30, 2020, may receive an exception to use this as credit toward a traditional education program award that is also submitted on June 30, 2020. The role must be the final requirement for the award to receive recognition and these exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please be aware that members who use the role to complete an award such as ALB or ALS in the traditional program will not be able to transfer the work to an award in Pathways.

Members who are seeking a DTM but are unable to complete all requirements by June 30, 2020 may be better served by applying their club and district leadership roles to a Distinguished Toastmaster award in Pathways. Please email the Education Services team with any questions about your best course of action.

24. How will Pathways change my club experience?

Pathways is designed to keep club meetings at the center of your Toastmasters experience. The biggest changes you’ll experience are the new opportunities to grow more skills and master additional competencies. You can still expect the same support from your fellow club members and the familiar structure of your club meetings.

25. How will I receive recognition in Pathways?

In Pathways, your achievements are acknowledged frequently because recognition increases motivation. You’ll earn digital badges and certificates as you progress through a path. When you complete your path(s), you receive the accolade of Proficient, signifying your demonstrated expertise. You can complete the Pathways Mentor Program and earn a credential. Those looking for more to achieve can explore the Distinguished Toastmaster award (DTM) and the Distinguished Club Program (DCP). Visit the Achievement + Awards page for more information.

26. Does the Distinguished Toastmaster award (DTM) still exist in Pathways? If so, are the requirements different for earning the DTM in Pathways?

Yes, you can still earn the DTM award in Pathways, and it still represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters.

The new requirements for the DTM award are:

Complete two unique learning paths.
Serve as a club officer for 12 months. (If your club has six-month terms for officers, you can fulfill this requirement by serving as a club officer twice, but you don’t have to do it in consecutive terms.)
Serve as a club mentor or coach.
Serve as a club sponsor or conduct a Speechcraft or Youth Leadership program.
Serve as a district officer for one year.
Complete the DTM project. (Members are required to create and implement a project of their own design, in which they demonstrate the skills and expertise they have gained.) This project can be made available upon request after a member completes Level 3 of their second path. A member can request this from the Education Services Team by phone at +1 720-439-5050 or by email at EducationProgram@toastmasters.org.

27. How has the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) changed in Pathways?

During the transition period, there are an additional six goals that have been added to the available education goals. Any of these 12 goals may be submitted but only a maximum of six awards will count toward credit for the DCP for the year. More information about the DCP goals in Pathways is available on the Achievement + Awards page.

28. How do I apply my credit for serving as a Pathways Guide, Chief Ambassador, or Ambassador?

Your service as a Pathways Guide, Chief Ambassador, or Ambassador can be applied toward a DTM an award in lieu of the district leader service requirement; however, it does not fulfill any qualifications for any elected or appointed district leadership roles.

When you are ready to use this credit towards an educational award, please submit a completed application for the award to EducationProgram@toastmasters.org. This credit cannot be applied online.

29. I am a member of a prison club or liaison for a prison club. When can my club begin in Pathways?

The Board of Directors has voted to allow existing prison clubs to continue working in the traditional program until June 30, 2020. No prison club will be required to begin in Pathways before this date. However, any new prison clubs (after August 1, 2018) must have the ability to either use Pathways online or pay the fee for printed paths.

Toastmasters International is working to develop a reasonable solution for members of prison clubs. A committee of leaders and staff members will be convened to conduct research to further understand the prison club environment and the needs of its members. We hope to provide a solution that gives prison club members access to all the benefits Pathways offers in the near future.

September 2019 Update

New Pathways FAQ: Opening access between levels

30. Can I access all projects in any level at any time?

Yes. By the end of September 2019, all paths in all languages will be updated to allow members to access any project in any level, right away. These updates begin with English paths on September 12 and will be applied to other languages in which Pathways is available by the end of the month.

31. Why did Toastmasters International decide to open access to all projects in a path?

Though it is still recommended that projects be completed in order because they build in complexity, many members expressed a desire to view all projects in their path. The ability to view what is coming at higher levels in a path may help members plan their projects and chart their learning.

32. What does this change mean for me as a member?

The process for completing an individual level has not changed. Members are still required to submit a level completion request to their Base Camp manager once all projects in the level are complete.

With this update, you will no longer need to wait for your Base Camp manager to approve a request before you can begin your next level. All projects will be available to you. You can get started with more learning right away!

You’ll still need to submit approvals to your Base Camp manager to approve the level as quickly as possible so it can show complete on Base Camp and you can receive your certificate.

33. Can I complete projects and levels in any order I choose?

Projects in Pathways build in complexity across levels. The levels in each path are designed to be completed sequentially. For example, you may learn about organizing a small event in Level 4 of your path. At Level 5, you may then work on a developing and implementing a larger event. The sequential order, time to complete projects, and opportunity to apply what you learn throughout your path, is by design.

Should you decide that it is appropriate for you as a learner, you may complete levels and projects in the order of your choice.

34. I completed Level 2 in my path, but I skipped Level 1. How can I submit for my Level 2 award recognition?

While you can complete levels and projects in the order of your choice (see previous question), level completions must be submitted in chronological order on Club Central for recognition purposes.

Your Base Camp manager can approve your Level 2 on Base Camp as soon as you have completed all projects in the level. However, they may not submit for your level 2 award on Club Central until you have completed Level 1.

Similarly, to receive recognition for Level 3, you must have completed Levels 1 and 2, and so on through your path.

35. Now that I can open every project, how do I complete my path?

To complete the last project in your path, you must first complete Levels 1 through 5 and have each approved by your Base Camp manager.

Once these levels are marked complete, you will have access to view and complete the final project, “Reflect on Your Path.” After finishing this project, you will submit a Path Completion Approval request to your Base Camp manager. As soon as they have approved your request, your path will be complete!

36. I completed Level 5 but did not receive a certificate of proficiency or a proficient badge. Will I still receive these?

Yes! Upon completing a full path, members will receive this badge and certificate. To receive these items, you must complete all five levels in your path, complete the “Reflect on Your Path” project, and submit the Path Completion request to your Base Camp manager.

Additionally, you will now receive a Level 5 badge and certificate! As soon as Level 5 is marked complete, you’ll notice a Level 5 badge on your badges page and will be able to launch a Level 5 certificate from your transcript.

37. What does the change mean for me as a Base Camp manager?

As a Base Camp manager, you are still required to approve each level of every member’s path. Level completions will work as they always have. However, members will be able to move forward to the next level in their path, even if their previous level completion has not yet been approved.

Keep in mind that while members will be able to proceed with their education, it is still important that you approve their level completion promptly. Members will be eager to receive their level completion certificate and badge. Additionally, for members to access the last project in their path, all five levels must be marked complete.

Marking levels complete on Base Camp does not automatically award credit on Club Central and still must be done separately. See the question below for more information.

38. A member asked me to approve a Level 2 completion, but they have not completed Level 1. Is this something I should approve?

When a member requests a level completion on Base Camp, confirm that they have finished all requirements for that level. Then you may approve the level completion on Base Camp, even if they have not completed the prior levels.

You may not submit that level for award recognition on Club Central until the prior levels are complete. When a member completes Level 2 on Base Camp, you must wait until they have also completed Level 1 before you can submit Level 2 for credit on Club Central.

39. If I’m working in printed materials, will I receive all projects at once?

Members who choose to work in Pathways in printed materials will continue to receive their path in three distributions. Once members have completed everything in distribution one, they can request distribution two. Similarly, distribution three becomes available to request once everything in distribution two is complete.

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