Options

1. Certification programs
2. Training manuals/video
3. Seminars/conferences
4. University degree/Certifications

Why buy
Business continuity education comes in a variety of formats and is valuable on many levels. Certification programs can lend credibility and impart knowledge. Seminars and conferences may serve as refreshers or introduce new concepts for consideration or implementation. Training manuals and videos can offer information on specific topics or provide introductory overviews for large groups. Courses taken at institutions of higher education can reinforce learned concepts while simultaneously offering new information. These courses can also be used to gain certification or a degree.

What to look for
1. Certification programs
2. Proven Methodology
3. Reputation for excellence and industry credibility
4. Program based on a defined, organized body of knowledge
5. Organization that caters to certification levels beyond basic
6. Program requirements that are evaluated on a regular basis to ensure currency with industry practices
7. Established, experienced, respected instructors
8. Competence is specialized technical areas
9. Seminars/Conferences
10. Clear course content and objectives
11. Interactive sessions that result in skill knowledge transfer
12. Presenters with practical experience, examples to relate beyond the theoretical
13. Courses that fulfill academic requirements, apply toward continuing education credits
14. Training manuals / videos
15. Information attributable to known, respected names in business continuity profession
16. How-to-formats that include methodology and tools
17. Well organized, inviting, accessible presentations
18. University degree/certification
19. A detailed course description
20. Satellite campuses or other alternate, conventional locations
21. Part-time options for professionals

Cost Considerations
A detailed costs analysis will often reveal hidden expenses. When adding up costs, consider the following:
1. Are materials fees included in the purchase price?
2. Are follow-up sessions or materials necessary or does the initial program serve completely?
3. Are registration fees refundable in the event of cancellation?
4. Are there associated consulting fees or ongoing membership fees to be aware of?
5. Is a cancellation fee charge if a course is dropped?
6. Is a fee charged if a course sign-up is late?

Be prepared
In order to bid for your business, vendors will want to know:
1. Your current level of knowledge and expertise
2. Short-term and long-term aspirations
3. Number of people involved
4. Time limitations scheduling considerations
5. Other resources you’ve relied on in the past
6. If prerequisites classes have been completed

Key Questions to ask potential vendors
1. Certification programs
2. Who recognizes your certification?
a. How many people have you certified?
b. How many in each of the past three years?
3. Who is on your board of directors?
a. Is the organization for profit or non-profit?
4. Is there a written examination, interview, or other mechanism for assessing students’ knowledge?
a. How is experience measured?
5. How often and where is certification testing offered?
6. Does the program require continued education?
a. Must continued education be documented for periodic re-certification?
7. Seminars / conferences
8. What will learn?
a. Is the focus on theory or practical application?
9. Are sessions interactive?
a. Is there opportunity for hands-on experience?
10. Does content reflect current industry practices?
11. Are instructors certified?
12. Training manuals / videos
13. Who is the intended audience?
a. What other companies have used this resource?
14. University degree / certification ?
15. What are the qualifications of the person teaching the course?
16. Who is target audience?

Key questions to ask vendor references
1. Certification programs?
2. Why did you choose the become certified?
a. Why this program?
3. At what level are you certified?
a. How difficult, time consuming was course work?
4. Did you find yourself challenged?
a. What did you learn?
b. How have you applied what you learned?
5. Has your certification afforded you professional benefits or advanced?
6. Seminars/conferences
7. What level of knowledge transfer was attained?
a. What new skills did you leave with?
8. Did presenter allow time for questions, one-on-one follow-up?
9. Was presentation based on current, timely information?
10. Training manuals / videos
11. Was information presented in an interesting, logical format?
12. What are common comments from users?
13. Have there been noticeable gains in reader / viewer expertise?
14. University degree / certification ?
15. Which courses have you taken?
16. Why did you take the course?
17. What have you learned from the course(s) taken?
18. Would you sign up for additional courses?

Buyer beware
1. Seek a “try before you buy” option to asses true scope and benefit, and request a money-back guarantee.
2. Avoid inflexible registration, refund, and cancellation policies.
3. What Next?
4. Request sample course materials. Compare scope, content, and teaching method.
5. Request class description, including, syllabus, target audience, course objectives, and schedule.
6. Request preview or sample copies of materials considered.
7. Request a course description, including fees, objectives, prerequisites, schedule, etc.

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