Information

Q1. What makes Bilsoft better than other training providers?

A. Bilsoft provides the best value for money for all its international IT Certification Courses . It provides the best quality instruction, the convenience of learning at your own pace and flexibility to choose from different tracks.

Q2. How do I register for the course, once I have decided on the course and date?

A. You have to confirm availability of a seat with us. Once this has been confirmed, you can book your place by sending a deposit of US$500 (or GBP 350) by paypal, credit card, bank wire transfer or western union.

Q3. What is the process for obtaining a Visa and how much does it cost?

A. For advice and process for visa visit Visa Guidance. The process can take upto a week. In some cases it can take even longer and it is best to apply asap. The cost of the visa is £ 30 in UK and thereabouts in other countries.

Q4. What is the cost of flights to India?

A. Following are the indicative costs for travel to India (round trip):

From UK - GBP 550
From USA - US$ 1500
From Europe - Euro 850
From Africa - US$ 700
From Australia - US$900

Q5. What is a Boot Camp?

A. A Boot Camp is an intense residential training programme in a distraction free environment.

Q6. I have no experience. Will certification help?

A. Ironically it will. Though employers prefer a combination of experience and certification, there is a shortage of candidates who possess both and thus certified candidates without experience are also considered.

Q7.Is the qualification valid outside India and, if so, does it have the same recognition/status as if I had taken it in Europe/USA?

A. Yes, the qualifications / certifications are valid throughout the world and carry the same recognition as a certification acquired in Europe / USA.

Q8. I am worried about the communication skills of the trainers. Do they speak good English ?

A. All trainers at Bilsoft speak very good English. 90% of our customers are from outside India and our trainers speak in a neutral accent.

Q9. Is Individual Training the same as mentoring?

A. They are different. Mentoring, by definition, is support and guidance provided for self-learning. Individual training is actually instructor-led training where the instructor is present all the time (unlike mentoring) and it is classroom training (and not self learning).

Q10. Do you accept Microsoft Software Assurance vouchers ?

A. Yes, we accept Microsoft Software Assurance vouchers.

Q11. Is Individual training available only in Super Fast Track?

A. Individual training is available in all Tracks (including Fast Track and Regular Track).

Q12. Do your training programs run during the Christmas / New Year holidays?

A. Yes, our training programs run during the Christmas / New Year holidays.

Q13. Can we do more training in less time with Individual Training?

A. Yes. In Individual training, you have the flexibility to spend more time on topics which are new to you and skip topics with which you are already conversant. Thus you learn more as compared to group training.

Q14. How does online / CBT training compare with instructor-led training ?

A. Instructor-led training (ILT) is proven to be the most effective way to learn. Online / CBT training have their advantages - learn anytime, anywhere and less cost. Advantages of ILT are more learning in less time and a higher success rate. Thus despite the fact that ILT is more expensive, it makes economic sense to invest in ILT (time is money).

As per studies success rate with instructor-led training is 90% compared to 20% with online / CBT methods.

Presence of a teacher also acts as a motivation to learn. For example, if we decide to go to gym every evening, we might not go on a few days if we are tired. But if we commit to a friend that we will go to gym together, it is more likely that we will not shy away. Likewise in ILT, presence of a teacher and class-mates exerts pressure on every participant to attend classes regularly. This naturally leads to more learning.

Q156. Does it make sense to invest so much money on education during a recession?

A.In a recession, job cuts and reduced hiring is inevitable. In this scenario, experienced and certified candidates will retain their jobs. Thus it makes even more sense to invest in education and certification during a recession.

Q16. How are your prices so less as compared to Europe ?

A. This is because cost of living is much less in India. Rents are less, salary levels are less, books and exams are less expensive. Thus the total cost of training is less in India as compared to Europe and USA.

Q17. We want to train 4 people and would like them in a class to themselves. Is it possible?

A. Yes, if you send 4 participants, we can offer an exclusive Boot Camp for them which can be started from Any Date suitable for you.

Q18. Are you able to arrange training at short notice?

A. Yes, we can arrange training in short notice though booking in advance is always recommended. At times training can be arranged in 2-3 days. We have 120+ full time trainers and are currently able to meet 98% of Requests for Training. Please write us to check the availability.

Q19. Does the duration of the Boot Camps include week-ends?

A. Yes, the duration of the Boot Camp is from start-to-finish including Saturdays and Sundays.

Q20. If you do not have sufficient registrations for a Boot Camp do you cancel the Boot Camp?

A. We guarantee that all Boot Camps will run as scheduled once a registration has been accepted. We never cancel a Boot Camp on account of insufficient registrations.

Q21. Is Visa required for India?

A. Yes. You have to get a Visa from the Indian embassy in your country. If there is no Indian Embassy in your country, you should contact the Indian Embassy in the country closest to you. You should apply for the Tourist Visa. Use this link to find an Indian embassy in your country. http://india.gov.in/overseas/indian_missions.php

Q22. Do I have to take any precautions while visiting India on the health account?

A. India is pretty safe from health point of view. Most of our students come without vaccinations and have never faced a problem. However, it is advisable to consult your physician before coming to India.

Q23. Is it possible to bring my partner with me?

A. Yes, you can bring your partner with you. However, there will be an additional cost in terms of Hotel accommodation and meals.

Q24. What other benefits can I avail by visiting Bilsoft for a boot camp?

A. Medical services in India are at par with the world and are a fraction of costs in Europe and USA. A number of our students have scheduled cosmetic, dental and ocular procedures during their stay in India. We can provide advice about this, on request.

Q25. I want a unique combination of certifications, which is not listed on your website. Can you help?

A. You can opt for a Customised Boot Camp and choose your own set of certifications / exams, duration, start date and accommodation.

Q26. What is your pass percentage?

A. As per current records, 95% of our students clear their Microsoft exams in the first attempt. The pass percentage for Cisco exams is 90%.

Q27. Tell me about the infrastructure available in the training rooms?

A. All training rooms are equipped with P4 machines with 2/4 GB RAM and 17" Color Monitors. There is 1000 MBPS network and WiFi internet access. We use real equipment for Cisco training program and Sun machines for Solaris training.

Q28. What will be the course material?

A. We provide press courseware for Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat, Novell, EC-Council, Security Certified, CIW, LPI. For other training programs suitable publicly available books are used.

Q29. What is the schedule of training?

A. Class timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Classes will be conducted from Monday to Saturday. You will have Sundays to relax, self study, and prepare for exams.

Q301. What will be the batch size?

A. Maximum batch size is 5 students.

Q31. Can I avail extra time?

A. Yes. You can avail extra lab time in the evening.

Q32. Do I have to go through the course material before I come to class?

A. It is recommended but not mandatory. If you register well in advance, we can courier the courseware to you.

Q33. Do I get a certificate of participation?

A. Yes, you will get a participation certificate from Microsoft, Red Hat, Oracle, Novell and EC-Council. You will receive a participation certificate from Bilsoft for all other Boot Camps.

Q345. What if I need to extend my stay in India?

A. You can extend your stay in India. Accommodation will cost extra depending upon the Hotel you choose to stay in. There is a provision to extend the tourist visa (for a maximum of one month) while in India but the discretion is of the Indian Government.

Q356. What if I get interested in other courses, can I extend my stay to do the other courses?

A. Yes, you can extend the boot camp for other courses. In fact, many of our students do that.

Q36. What all is included in the boot camp package fee?

A. Following services included in the package:

• Hands-on Training.
• Exam Fee.
• Inhouse testing in all 4 locations.
• Courseware.
• Single occupancy accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
• Free Wifi Internet in the training centre.
• Three months after-course technical support.
• Airport pick and drop.
• Daily transport to training centre.
• Concierge facilities - arranging SIM, mobile phone, laptop, tours (at extra cost).

Q37. Is airfare included in the price?

A. Airfare is not included in the price. Bilsoft can arrange flights from most countries including Eurpoe (€ 800) , UK ( £ 550) and USA ($ 1,500). For advice about booking flights, visit Airfare page.

Q38. Does this price include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea?

A. Yes, it includes all the meals.

Q39. Is Halal food available in India?

A. Halal food is available in Goa.

Q40. Can you drink alcohol in India ?

A. Yes, you can drink alcohol in licensed bars and pubs (which are plenty in all cities). You can buy alcohol from licensed shops (which are also easily accessible).

Q41. Is there a place where I can perform namaz?

A. All training centers have a prayer room where you can perform namaz.

Q42. Are there any hidden costs involved?

A. No, there are no hidden costs. However, costs of laundry, phone calls are not included and you can budget a suitable amount for such expenses.

Q43. What is the mode of payment?

A. The registration amount of US$ 500 can be paid by Bank Wire Transfer, Paypal, Western Union or Credit Card (using online secure payment gateway). The balance amount has to be paid by travellers checks or cash after arrival in India. You can also pay the balance by credit card, but there is a 3.5% surcharge on this. You can also pay the balance by paypal. There is a surcharge of 4% in this case.

Q44. I have read somewhere that foreigners cannot take Microsoft exams in India? Please clarify how your boot camps are run.

A. Foreigners can take exams in India.

Here is the clarification : Bonafide foreign students can take Microsoft exams in India (even if they are foreign nationals).

Foreign candidates have to email a copy of their passport and visa to Microsoft (proving their presence in India).

The above measure has been taken to check fraudulent exams being conducted by unscrupulous testing sites.

All students at Bilsoft are following the above process and taking their exams without any problem.

In effect, foreign nationals can take exams in India. They just have to send certain details to Microsoft.

Q45. What if I fail an exam ?

A. You can retake the exam by paying the cost of the exam.

Q46. What services are included in boarding and lodging?

A. It includes hotel tariff and meals only. Other services such as telephone calls, laundry, etc. are payable to the hotel.

Q47. Do I get a rebate if I myself arrange accommodation?

A. Yes, we give a rebate of $ 34 per day (for Delhi) from the price of the Budget Hotel. For example, MCSE 2003 Fast Track with Budget Hotel in Delhi is $ 2,550 (25 days). If you arrange your own Hotel and meals, the cost will reduce to $ 1,700 ($ 2,550 - $ 850). Please note that when you arrange your own Hotel you have to arrange for your transport to and from the training centre and pickup & drop from the airport. The rebate is $26 per day for all other locations.

Q48. What is the difference between Serviced Apartment and a Budget Hotel?

A. Apartment is an abridged version of a Budget Hotel. Apartment has 3 bed rooms, Budget Hotel is usually more than 10 rooms. Room service is not as elaborate in an Apartment. However, an open kitchen is available in an Apartment which is not available in a Budget Hotel. Some other amenities such as washing machine, living room are available in an apartment which are not available in a Budget Hotel. Apartments are also quieter than a Hotel.

Q49. Can I join a gym while in India?

A. There are good gyms near the Hotels and training centre in Delhi, Goa and Shimla. Cost of joining a gym is around US $ 30 for a month. If you opt for 5-star accommodation, you get access to their health club free-of-cost.

Q50. My English is not good. Can I still attend training at Bilsoft?

A. You need not be proficient in English to attend our training programme. If you are able to understand the contents of our website, you will be OK . We regularly receive students for whom English is not the mother tongue. If you think that your English is not so good, you can consider opting for Individual training where the trainer will be able to give you full attention and speak slowly for you to understand. We can provide you references of recent students who have successfully attended our training programme though their mother tongue was not English.

Q51. Can you give me an idea of costs in India for sundry items and services?

A. India is a relatively inexpensive place for living. Here are some typical costs:
Can of Coke : $ 0.45
Can of Beer : $ 0.65
Cab for a day (8 hours) : $ 20
Dinner at a specialty restaurant : $ 25
Hair-cut : $ 3.00
Laundry (Budget Hotel) : $ 0.60 for a shirt/trouser
Pack of 10 cigarettes : $ 0.80

Q52. RHCE (2 takes). In the event I did pass the exam on the first attempt, is there any refund?

A. There is no refund of second exam fees if you pass the exam in the first attempt. The costing of RHCE (2 takes) takes into account that a certain percentage of students will pass in the first attempt and fewer number of students will require the 2nd take.

Q53. Can I start with group training and later opt for Individual Training?

A. Yes, you can change to Individual Training subject to availability of resources and after paying difference of cost.

Q54. Why is it that some Cisco certified candidates go unemployed ?

A. The situation is same across all certifications (not just Cisco). All candidates who get certified do not get a job. This is due to various factors - certifications acquired (CCNA will not get a job as quickly as CCNP would), depth of knowledge acquired (apart from passing the exams), how well the interviews are delivered, aptitude of the candidate, how many jobs are applied for, etc.

Nevertheless, most (if not all) Cisco certified candidates who work hard do get a job. Bilsoft provides training on real Cisco equipment and focuses on in-depth knowledge, we also provide Experience after the training.

94% of our students report that they have got a job after receiving training at Bilsoft.

Q55.Your website recommends bringing a laptop. Is this just for personal use, or will it be used for training purposes?

A. Both. Though you have your own workstation in the class, the laptop is useful to review power point slides in the evening. It will also help you to connect to the internet. We can provide a laptop at an extra cost for the duration of the course. You can decide about this once you start with your Boot camp.