Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to ALL courses offered by Apple Brook Consulting®  There are also specific details associated with the Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) courses.  Registration in any course offered by Apple Brook Consulting® is indication of acceptance of these terms.

Learning Objectives   more

The CSM and CSPO are Scrum specific courses. While we may make mention of other frameworks, values, principles, practices, methodologies, etc. the goal of these classes is to learn about the ScrumMaster role and the Product Owner role for Scrum in accordance with the respective Content Outline and Learning Objectives required by the Scrum Alliance.

The goal of these classes is not to solve each student’s issues in their organization. Rather, the classes will instill values, principles, and practices that enable every student to be a change agent in their organization; i.e. to creatively develop solutions to the problems that Scrum practices surface.

The instructor reserves the right to declare questions outside the scope of this class at his discretion.

What Else Do I Get?   more

•  Free Coaching – When students take a Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) Course with Apple Brook Consulting®, they also receive FREE coaching beyond the class.  If a student has questions or a need for light mentoring/coaching, they can contact ABC via Email and we will respond within 2-3 days.  If the effort is more involved, ABC may recommend additional coaching / mentoring time on a paid basis.  

•  Free Networking / Career Help – All students are sent a LinkedIn connection request from Daniel Gullo so that the student can become part of the support network that Daniel and ABC provide.  Students are sent an invitation to the Apple Brook Consulting® private group on LinkedIn.

•  Core Agility Newsletter – Students are automatically signed up for the Apple Brook Consulting® monthly newsletter which features articles, tips, tricks, etc. and regional course announcements.  If a student does not want to receive these, they may opt-out by clicking “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of any Email at any time.

Electronic Devices   more

Because the certification requirements set forth by the Scrum Alliance require TWO (2) FULL DAYS of classroom instruction, two (2) full days of participation in class are necessary and required. Therefore, electronics may ONLY be used at appointed break times.If a student does not adhere to this rule, they will be asked to leave the class. No refunds or certifications will be granted. Any student who is asked to leave may reschedule at a time when they can devote the necessary time and attention to the course. An additional surcharge will be added to cover logistical costs incurred.

CSM Exam   more

When students take a Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) Course with Apple Brook Consulting®, they leave the course as a fully fledged Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM), not just a candidate for CSM.  Apple Brook Consulting® believes that students should be rewarded for their hard work in class.  This is why students will take the exam at the end of the second day; to ensure they are able to: log-in, access the CSM exam, and ultimately get the certification in a timely manner.  With other trainers, the student may be waiting weeks or months to receive the certificate.  For more information about the CSM Exam, please see: Becoming A Certified ScrumMaster.

Students must attain a passing score on the CSM Exam to complete the certification (currently 24/35). Thus, while Apple Brook Consulting® attempts to position each student for success through the classroom experience and is there to support you through the process of taking the test, actually passing the exam is dependent upon each student’s abilities and performance. 

Guaranteed Certification   more

As part of the course registration fee, students are able to take the CSM Exam up to TWO (2) times, as noted on the Scrum Alliance website.  Each subsequent attempt requires payment of an additional $25.  Students of Apple Brook Consulting’s CSM courses have a 99.3% pass rate for the CSM exam on the first attempt.  ALL students who have taken the exam the second time have passed.  However, because Apple Brook Consulting is dedicated to our students’ success, if any student requires more than two attempts, we will pay for the additional exam fee.  We will also help provide clarification to the student while taking the exam so that they understand what the questions are asking, just in case there is some confusion.

Absence   more

Because the certification requirements set forth by the Scrum Alliance require TWO (2) FULL DAYS of classroom instruction, NO CLASS TIME may be missed during these two days.  If a student misses ANY class time for any reason, they not be permitted to continue.  Any student who is unable to meet the attendance requirements may reschedule at a time when they can devote the necessary time and attention to the course.  An additional surcharge will be added to cover logistical costs incurred.

Class Work Products and Other Artifacts   moreAnything created or shared by the attendees in class becomes the property of the instructor and Apple Brook Consulting.  These work products and artifacts may be used freely by the instructor or Apple Brook Consulting® for marketing and training purposes.

Photographs and/or video may be captured during the class for training and marketing purposes. The ownership of these materials remains with the instructor and Apple Brook Consulting®.  Usage of these materials is solely at the discretion of the instructor and Apple Brook Consulting®.

Refund Policy   more

If registration is cancelled from the time of registration to two weeks before the first day of class, 75% of the registration fee will be refunded.
If registration is cancelled from two weeks before class up to one week before the first day of class, 25% of the registration fee will be refunded.
There will be NO REFUNDS issued within one week prior to the first day of class.

Class Cancellation   more


From time to time, Apple Brook Consulting may find it necessary to cancel a class, e.g. due to illness, insufficient number of students, force majeure, etc.  In the event that a class is cancelled, Apple Brook Consulting will issue a refund for the class registration fee.  All other costs incurred are the student’s responsibility.  Refunds will be given in a timely manner according to the policy set forth by the payment processor (e.g. Paypal, Eventbrite, etc.)

Co-Instructor   more


From time to time, Apple Brook Consulting works with aspiring trainers who will be teaching portions of the class.  In some rare cases, when the aspiring trainer has reached the level when they are ready to become a fully-fledged CST, Apple Brook Consulting may allow the co-instructor to teach the entire class with Daniel Gullo providing additional commentary and input.  This has no effect on the certification process for the course.

Acceptance   more


Agreement to these terms is indicated by the student’s registration for the respective class(es) and ongoing participation; i.e. if you remain in class, it indicates that you agree to the terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do these classes cover?   more

Both the Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) adhere strictly to the Content Outline and Learning Objectives (COaLOs) from the Scrum Alliance for the respective certifications.  The instructor has also included helpful information that supports, compliments, and augments the COaLOs.  All material covered is included at the instructor’s discretion.

Who is GoodAgile, PMI-SNEC, [other company listed when I click REGISTER]?   more

At the present time and in select situations, Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) has contracted out the logistics, catering, registration, customer services, and payment processing services of other organizations through the formation of certain strategic alliances and partnerships.  These organizations handle the booking of the venue, catering, etc. which allows Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) to focus solely on delivering an OUTSTANDING classroom experience!!! 

Will we talk about…   more

Tools

Only briefly and at a high level. The class is focused on Scrum itself as a set of practices. In keeping with the Agile Manifesto, we favor: Individuals and interactions OVER processes and tools

Distributed Teams

Only briefly and at a high level. In keeping with the Agile Manifesto: The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.

Scaling

Scaling involves application of various practices within Scrum across an entire organization. It also requires knowledge of many supporting disciplines and concepts outside the scope of just Scrum itself. The scope of the COaLOs for this course apply to only a single Scrum Team for a single product which is the size suitable for a single Scrum Team.

My Organization

Only briefly and at a high level. We will entertain as many questions as possible and provide opportunities for sharing about your organization. However, given that there may be 15-30 other organizations represented in the classroom, we won’t have time to focus solely on saving any one person’s issues.  If you are interested in a class that would focus EXCLUSIVELY on your organization while learning the CSM and CSPO concepts, please contact us about holding a private, onsite training course.

Which class should I take?   more

Anyone who is interested in learning Agile / Scrum fundamentals (and understanding the role and responsibilities of the ScrumMaster) should take the CSM class. ScrumMasters are NOT simply “Agile Project Managers”.

In fact, the Product Owner role is often a better fit for existing Project Managers because many of the current activities of a traditional PM overlap with Product Owner responsibilities.

The CSPO class is also a must-have for those who are currently in the role of Product Manager.

If you know for a fact that you will be assuming the role of ScrumMaster, then you would be wise to take BOTH the CSM and CSPO since a big portion of your responsibility as ScrumMaster is to coach Product Owners as well as the Development Team.

Are there still seats available?   more

Unless the class shows “Closed” or “Sold Out”, there are still seats available. There may be no more seats available at the discounted price. However, there is usually no limit to the number of students for each class other than what the venue can accommodate.  Please don’t call or write simply to ask if there are still seats available… please.  🙂  Just sign-up!!

How many students will be in the class?   more

Typical class size for the United States ranges between 10-30 students with the average somewhere around 15. Class sizes in India range between 30-60 with the average somewhere around 45. As with most things in life, students often delay until the last possible moment to register for the class. If you are concerned about reserving a seat, it is recommended that you reserve early.

Can I get a discount?   more

Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) offers a No-Haggle discount to the first 20 students for most classes.  Once the first 20 spots have been filled, the full price is in effect. Registrations less than 48 hours before the start of class are subject to the full price.  Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) also offers group discounts to organizations sending a large number of students.  NOTE:  Some courses are produced and promoted by partners of Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC).  For these classes, Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) has no control over the pricing or discounts.  All prices include all requisite Scrum Alliance fees for the first renewal cycle (registration, test fees, etc.).  Please do NOT call asking for other discounts.

Unemployed

Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) does not currently offer a discount to unemployed individuals beyond the No-Haggle Price.

Students

Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) does not currently offer a discount to students beyond the No-Haggle Price.

Groups

Contact Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) for details on ways we can tailer training for your group of six or more.

Early Bird

Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC)  offers a No-Haggle price price for the first 20 registrants to a class.  This is subject to change at any time without notification.

Multi-class

Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) does not currently offer a discount to prior students or students registering for multiple classes.

As a former student, what do I get for referring someone to your class?   more

There is a whole list of benefits you receive as an alumni of an Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) class:  free coaching, free newsletter, access to a closed network of job seekers and employers, and much more.

If you really liked the class, then you also get the satisfaction of saying “Thank you!” by telling others about Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) and the satisfaction of helping someone else out in their Agile journey by recommending an instructor that you trust and enjoyed.   🙂

What materials are provided?   more

Both the CSM and CSPO provide a workbook that includes reference materials, fill-in-the blanks, area for taking notes, etc.  Other incidental supplies are also provided; such as Post-it notes, pens, pipe cleaners (optional), etc.  

Currently, there are no slides for the course.  On occasion, the trainer may use a slide deck, which is mostly a collection of photographs with title headings.  Material that is shown on the slides is echoed in the workbook; so, please don’t ask for a copy of the slides.  Thanks!

What should I wear to class?   more

Some kind of modest clothing… please.  🙂

Because the classes involve moving around and are all-day long courses, students should plan to wear very comfortable, casual clothing so that there is no restriction of movement.  Temperatures can be extreme so make sure to bring a sweater if you get cold easily or wear very light clothing if you are typically warm. 

The instructor frequently wears shorts, t-shirt, and sandals/flip-flops to class to ensure comfort and to create a very casual, easy-going, welcoming learning environment.  Please don’t come in a business suit or other formal business wear.  There is really no need for that and there is a chance you will mess up your nice clothes.  You will also end up making EVERYONE uncomfortable.  🙂  Let’s have FUN!!

What food is provided?   more

In order to offer the course at a significant discount to the first 20 people, Apple Brook Consulting allows students to make their own lunch arrangements. However, we do provide ample amounts of coffee and water throughout the day.  

When will I receive my certification?   more

For both the CSM and CSPO, you will receive your certification on the second day of class.  

The Scrum Alliance CSM requirements currently include a 35 question exam; which the student must pass with a score of 24 or better.  

Apple Brook Consulting® (ABC) is one of the only training companies in the world who requires that the CSM exam be taken on the second day.

With almost ALL other instructors and companies around the world, the student leaves the class as a “CSM candidate” NOT a fully-fledged, Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM).  

Thus, we will take this exam in class on the second day of class so that the instructor can ensure that you have access to the exam and that there are no technical issues.  The exam is not proctored; i.e. the instructor will not prevent you from using reference materials such as your notes, the workbook, your Internet browser, or even collaborating with others in the class (just as you normally could if you took the exam outside of the class).  

The CSPO currently requires that you merely attend both full days of class.  In both cases, the instructor will upload your information to the Scrum Alliance at lunch time on the second day.  The expectation is that you will stay for the remainder of class or your name will be withdrawn from the Scrum Alliance and you won’t be certified.

What are the pre-requisites for the class?   more

There are no pre-requisites for the CSM or CSPO. However, there is pre-course “homework” in terms of a reading assignment. This is to help students prepare themselves for the discussions and material covered in class. The homework is not absolutely mandatory but strenuously encouraged. The values and principles of Agile and practices of Scrum are very simple, but not easy. The more exposure a student can get reinforces the concepts in their minds.

Does the course provide PDUs?   more

Yes. The Project Management Institute (PMI) has determined that the CSM and CSPO are worth 16 PDUs due to the fact that the Scrum Alliance has issued a position on these courses as containing “2 full days” of instruction which constitute 16 Scrum Education Units (SEU).  The PMI PDUs would be listed under Category B as self-reported, continuing education courses. 

Normally, 1 SEU = 1 contact hour of instruction, except that the CSM and CSPO have been specifically deemed to be 16 SEUs. Normally, 1 PDU = 1 contact hour of instruction, except in this case.

How do I log PDUs?   more

PDUs should be logged under Category B in PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS). This is a self-reported category which will require the student to enter the information themselves rather than finding the information in a dropdown box in CCRS. Instructions and guidance on using CCRS are available on the PMI website.

Does the course provide SEUs?   more

Yes. The Scrum Alliance (SA) has determined that the CSM and CSPO are each worth 16 SEUs due to the fact that course requires “2 full days” of instruction. Normally, 1 SEU = 1 contact hour of instruction. However, SA has specifically allocated 16 SEUs to these courses.

How do I log SEUs?   more

Currently, SEUs are only being used to determine eligibility for the Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) certification. More information can be found by visiting the CSP page on the Scrum Alliance website. This includes how to log your SEUs in the Scrum Alliance system.

When should I arrive at class?   more

Apple Brook Consulting® does not provide breakfast for attendees. This is due to the fact that venue meal costs are usually very high. To keep the price of the class down, we have decided not to provide breakfast. Since the course starts at 9:00 AM sharp, students should plan to arrive precisely at 8:45 AM so that they are not late. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER THAN 8:45 AM.  If you do arrive earlier than 8:45 AM, you will be asked to wait outside the classroom so that the instructor can complete the preparation of the classroom.

What are the hours for the class?   more

All students should plan to be in the class from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  There are no exceptions.  If you are unable to be in the class for the full length of the class, you may reschedule when you are able to be in attendance for entire 2 day class period.  NOTE: A service charge will apply when rescheduling your class for a different time.

I have a meeting that I need to dial-in to during the class…   more

If you are unable to reschedule or miss your other meetings/appointments, you are free to reschedule the class at a time when you can devote your complete attention for 2 full days.  If you miss class time due to a meeting or other reason, you will be dropped from the class.  You can reschedule the class at a time when you are able to devote your complete attention to the class.  NOTE: A service charge will apply when rescheduling your class for a different time.

How do I prepare for the Certified Scrum Professional® (CSP)?   more

The requirements for the Certified Scrum Professional® (CSP) are constantly being updated and changed. More information can be found by visiting the CSP page on the Scrum Alliance website. This includes how to log your SEUs in the Scrum Alliance system and includes the other necessary elements to apply for CSP.