5 things to check about In- Person Classes

Know before you go!

1) Verify the official certifying body.

Agile and Scrum have become big business so it is a case of “let the student beware”! All credentials are not created equal. An entry level certification like the Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) has no pre-requisites. Many resellers mark up the price of admission hundreds of dollars over the actual cost and tack on pre course “training” that isn’t needed or required by the certifying body. Checking directly with the instructor or the certifying body is advised.

2) Choose a qualified instructor.

Course offerings that don’t identify the instructor are trying to hide something. Make sure you know your instructor is a Certified Scrum Trainer® if you are seeking a Scrum Alliance® course or read the reviews of those who have taken the class. Then you can be confident you’ll get the most out of a class.

3) Check whether the class is guaranteed to run.

Many classes will cancel if they don’t sign up a minimum number of attendees – leaving you high and dry. Make sure your class is guaranteed to run. Especially if it is in person and you have had to make travel or transportation plans!

4) Verify an in-person class or a virtual class.

With venues opening back up and courses being offered both in-person or online, double check that you are signing up for what you intended. Ensure it is live, online if you had no plans to attend in-person. If you are seeking an in-person experience, make sure you also verify that there is a legitimate venue listed. Many marketers simply list a local hotel when “fishing” for enrollments and cancel the class if they do not sell enough tickets to cover their costs. 

5) Validate value over cost.

All training classes are not created equal! Even 2 different instances of a CSM® can offer you different experiences and value. If you are only looking at price, that is a mistake. What is being offered beyond the base information? Is there bonus content, access to a graduate community after the class or are you seen as a person in a seat? Checking instructor ratings as well as reading the fine print will ensure that you are getting the more value for your money.