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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 classes can be tailored to our needs. What level of customization is included in the base tuition?

For a typical custom class of 5 to 6 students, a full 10 to 20% custom content (PowerPoint slides, scripts, database queries, etc.) can be provided at no additional charge. Just let us know what you need when you request the class.

If desired, we can, of course, provide even more custom content. Feel free to contact us for a free estimate. Or, we could 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. We will need an extract of your database in advance of the class to help us prepare your custom material.

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 a custom group class at your facility or just want to send several students to open enrollment. 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 they are on the same order you will get a 15% discount.

However, this does not apply to two-day classes with days 1 and 2 separately orderable. For example you cannot buy AIN100A and AIN100B and get a discount since the two day sequence is really AIN100.

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 an open enrollment class?

Right up through the Thursday of the week preceding your 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 open enrollment class.

What is the minimum enrollment?

Due to the semi-private nature of our training, open enrollment 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. (If need be we can supply a few laptop computers for a modest fee).

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 open enrollment student have a dedicated computer?

Yes, each student will have an individual computer for their use during the class. All our student desktop computers have Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 (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 off-site we have three options...

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

2) Have us arrange to rent a completely equipped local training room. These are available in many locations in Southern California. Prices range from $500 to $1200 per group per day. Give us a call (949-489-1472) if interested.

3) Have us arrange a University of Phoenix classroom. These large, comfortable rooms are available at far lower costs (less than $100 per group per half day) in many major locations throughout Southern California ranging from Palmdale through South Orange County. Here is a list of locations...

Diamond Bar

Palmdale

Costa Mesa

Pasadena

Gardena

Foothill Ranch

La Mirada

San Bernardino

Ontario

Oxnard

Woodland Hills

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, 2000 through 2003 for Access classes.

For SQL classes: SQL Server 7.0 or above, Oracle 9i, MySQL 3.23.

Visio 2000 through 2003 or equivalent design tool for the Database Design classes.

Java: BlueJ IDE. (WebSphere with advance notice).

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.Open Enrollment

What do you mean by "open enrollment"?

Anyone can sign up. You do not have to be a member of a group. These classes are taught in our Training Rooms in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California.

Go back to previous page.Rates

What are the rates for work billed hourly?

We do both hourly work and fixed bid. Our rates are lower for Microsoft Access than for other products. For current rates please see Programming and Consulting rates.

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

Per class. For example a two day course advertised at $200 will cost $200 total, 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. Registration, customization and expenses incurred are non-refundable.

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

For open-enrollment classes, yes. We offer a money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the class we will refund the fees paid.

Go back to previous page.Registration

What is the registration fee?

This is a small fee associated with group classes and private training. It applies only once to multiple classes taken "back-to-back". It is assessed per billing contact not per student.

Registration is in addition to tuition. It applies only once per class not per day.

Go back to previous page.Retakes

Can we retake a class?

This depends upon the class. In general, groups and private training students may retake any one of the "sessions" without tuition charges within six months. (This does not apply to special promotional programs.) Some groups may want to repeat one of the modules that is of particular interest. However, some classes such as the Data Warehousing and Java courses cannot currently be retaken.

Open enrollment students are eligible for unlimited retakes within one year. They should bring with them their original materials.

Go back to previous page.Scheduling

When do classes start?

Unless otherwise arranged, all classes start at 9:00AM.

Can we schedule a class on Saturday?

Yes. This is fine. However, individual private training and consulting are billed at time and 1/2.

What about evenings?

Our modular approach makes this a very feasible concept. However, there may be limitations imposed by instructor availability. Again, individual private training and consulting clients will be charged time and 1/2 after 5:00PM.

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, although each student billed separately will have to pay a separate registration fee.

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.


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