Orange Coast Database Associates Training and Programming Home Page

Computer Training Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

Home pages by format and informational pages

Group Training

Private Training

FAQ's

Links

Site Map

Related services

Programming and Consulting

Free Catalogs

Back

Home

About Us

Price List/Catalog

Contact Us

Go back to previous page.Cancellations

How much lead time will we get if you have to cancel a class?

We have a strict no cancellations policy. We do not cancel a class so long as there is one paid-up student enrolled.

Go back to previous page.Custom Content

You say your group and private classes can be tailored to our needs. What level of customization is included in the base tuition?

The base tuition applies to a standard class using standard materials. However, our instructors are very experienced and flexible. In many cases they can adjust the in-class presentations and exercises to your needs.

In addition, we can develop custom content such as PowerPoint slides, scripts, workbooks, etc. in advance. Please contact us for a free estimate. We can even develop the course content based on your database. (see below)

Go back to previous page.Databases

Can a custom group class use its own database instead of one you supply?

Yes, just let us know and we will be happy to provide a free quote. In many cases there would be no extra charge. We will need an extract of your database in advance of the class to help us prepare your class.

Go back to previous page.Directions

Where are your San Juan Capistrano classes held?

In San Juan Capistrano close to Interstate 5. See directions for details.

Go back to previous page.Discounts

I want to set up a class for several students. Is there a discount for this?

Yes. We do provide substantial discounts for multiple students. This applies whether you want an onsite class at your facility or ours. See Price List for current levels.

This is intended to apply to a single order. For example, two orders paid a week apart are treated separately.

What is the Internet discount?

We give this if you initiate the enrollment process on-line or request a quote on-line. It applies only to your first class with us.

Do I get a discount if I buy more than one class?

Yes, if you buy a Training Passport. This provides a very substantial discount. See Price List for current levels.

Go back to previous page.Enrollment

How do you enroll for a class?

We do not have a separate enrollment process. Simply place your order on-line. We will send you an invoice and confirm the dates when paid.

What is the deadline for enrolling in a scheduled class?

Right up through the Thursday of the week preceding the class.

As a single individual can I sign up for an existing group class?

No. Due to the nature of the group training environment we cannot allow individuals to "join" custom classes for other organizations.

We recommend you sign up for private training or take a regularly scheduled class.

What is the minimum enrollment?

Due to the semi-private nature of our training, scheduled classes will run so long as there is one student enrolled.

Custom group classes require a minimum of two students, three if taught outside the local Orange County area. Out of state clients should probably plan on 5 or 6 at the least.

Go back to previous page.Equipment

What equipment should we plan on for an on-site class?

One computer per student and one connection for the instructor's laptop or a customer supplied desktop computer. Ideally, all on a LAN with a share drive or folder.

A Datashow or equivalent screen projector. (Although we can supply this if need be for a modest fee.)

A suitable training room. (or see Facilities below.)

Can you supply us with computers or projectors for an on-site class?

Yes, although there will be a modest rental charge. We can provide the projector as well as a few laptop computers with software.

Does each enrolled student have a dedicated computer?

Yes, each student will have an individual computer for their use during the class. Our student desktop computers have Windows XP, Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft Office 2007 (and other software as required).

Go back to previous page.Facilities

If we prefer, can we ask you to supply the classroom facilities for an "on-site"?

Our goal with on-site training is to provide convenient, custom training to small groups at costs that are much lower than conventional training at a training center. However, if you prefer to train away from your facility we have two options...

1) Reserve our San Juan Capistrano training room. We do not currently charge for this option.

3) Have us arrange a University of Phoenix classroom. These large, comfortable rooms are available at reasonable rates in many major locations throughout Southern California ranging from Palmdale through San Diego.

Diamond Bar

Palmdale

Costa Mesa

Pasadena

Chula Vista

Kearney Mesa

Gardena

Laguna Hills

San Diego

San Marcos

La Mirada

San Bernardino

Ontario

Oxnard

Woodland Hills

Culver City

Murrieta / Temecula

Students either bring their own laptop or use one of ours.

Go back to previous page.Software

What software should we plan on for an on-site class?

MS Office Professional, 2003 or 2007 for Microsoft Office & Access classes.

For SQL classes: following versions or above - SQL Server 2000, Oracle 9i, MySQL 3.23.

Project 2003 or 2007 for MS Project classes.

Visio 2003 or 2007 or equivalent design tool for the Database Design classes.

Go back to previous page.On-going Support

Once the class is over can we contact you with questions?

Yes. We are happy to answer your questions for a full two months following one of our classes. In addition we encourage our students to take advantage of our consulting and programming services to help with their projects.

Go back to previous page.Training Modalities

What is the difference between group and private training?

Private training is set up for one person and is billed hourly. Students in group classes pay a tuition fee. Both types are scheduled to suit the client's convenience and are customizable.

Group classes are typically hosted at the client's location, private classes in San Juan Capistrano. But if desired, we will host the group at our facility or drive to your location for a private

Do you have "pre-arranged" groups?

No, but we do offer many of our courses on a regular schedule in San Juan Capistrano. Microsoft Access classes, for example, run every week.

Go back to previous page.Rates

What are the rates for work billed hourly?

We do both hourly work and fixed bid. For current rates please see Programming and Consulting rates.

Your course prices seem low. Are the prices per day or per class?

Per student per class. For example a two day course advertised at $200 will cost $200 per student, not $400. Our prices are low because we keep our overhead costs low.

Go back to previous page.Refunds

What if we have to cancel a class? Do we get the full amount refunded?

Tuition is fully refundable with two weeks notice prior to the class start, 50% refundable with 24 hours notice. Customization and other expenses incurred are non-refundable.

Will you refund our money if we aren't satisfied?

For schduled classes in San Juan Capistrano, yes. If you are not completely satisfied with the class we will refund the fees paid (less materials cost).

Go back to previous page.Registration

What is the registration fee?

This fee is currently being phased out. You should not be charged for it.

Go back to previous page.Retakes

Can we retake a class?

When Open Enrollment classes are re-instated a free retake will again be available for a full year following the class date. Retakes of group classes and private training require repayment.

Go back to previous page.Scheduling

When do classes start?

Unless otherwise arranged, class hours are from 9:00AM to 4:00PM for full day classes and 9:00AM to 12:00PM for half day classes. Evening classes are from 6:00PM to 9:00PM.

Can we schedule a class on Saturday?

Yes. This is fine, but is subject to instructor availability.

What about evenings?

For group and private classes our modular approach makes this a very feasible concept. However, there may be limitations imposed by instructor availability.

Can we take just one or two of the sessions for a given class?

Certainly. For example your group may already have some familiarity with how to create tables, work with the datasheet and do simple queries. But you would like some formal training on Forms and Reports (our session 2), or maybe Macros. Give us a call. Our modular approach is a perfect fit for this. We will tailor the class to your needs.

Is consulting offered outside normal work hours?

Subject to availability, yes. Billed at time and 1/2.

Go back to previous page.Travel

What are the travel charges?

40$/hour plus 40 cents/mile when outside the local Orange County Area. These are included in the original invoice at estimated levels per Mapquest.

For classes outside the Southern California area meals, lodging and any applicable airfare and auto rental at cost would apply. Travel time is billed at $300 per travel day.

What is the "local Orange County area"?

Locations within 40 miles of Laguna Niguel in south Orange County. Roughly all of Orange County, north to Long Beach and the Los Angeles County line, east to Riverside and south to Oceanside and Vista in San Diego County.

Do you provide training out-of-state?

Yes. See above for costs. You will probably want to have a minimum of 5 or 6 students.

Go back to previous page.Payment

When is payment for a class due?

You will be invoiced prior to the scheduling of the class. Invoices are due on receipt. Class dates and enrollment will be confirmed upon payment. You may pay by check or credit card.

Meals, auto rental and lodging charges, if any, will be billed at completion. Airfare, if applicable, will be billed as incurred. Travel time will be billed in advance with the original invoice.

What about payments for fixed bid work?

50% upon approval of the Statement of Work. 50% upon delivery and acceptance.

Can you bill students in a group class individually?

Yes, we can bill separately if need be.

Go back to previous page.Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept both Visa and MasterCard. We also accept American Express cards.

Go back to previous page.Training Certificates

Do you award training certificates?

Yes, at the conclusion of each class each student will receive an individual training certificate.


Privacy statement | Contact Information | Site Map | Back | Home | Top

Copyright(2001-2010) D.H.D'Urso & Associates