Frequently Asked Questions

About Training

Q1. What makes Cathayschool better than other training providers?
No other provider in the world offers the level of customized one-on-one training that Cathayschool provides each and every student who enrolls in one of our training programs. When you enter our program, you will work alongside an expert personal instructor dedicated to ensuring you pass the lab exam. This personalized instruction allows for some of the highest passing rates in the industry-on average, more than 90% of our students pass the lab exam on the first try! Our unique one-on-one approach combined with the most up-to-date mock labs available make Cathayschool the top provider in the industry, hands down!
Q2. What is the difference between your 1-Week Lab Experience and your Instructor-Led Boot Camps?
The focus of the 1-Week Lab Experience is practice, practice, practice! Our 1-Week Lab Experience is specifically designed for students who need additional time practicing the most updated mock labs in order to pass the lab exam. Each day is dedicated to mastering one full-scale lab with the help of personalized feedback from the instructor at the end of each day. This course is recommended for students who have taken the exam before but did not pass.

Our Instructor-led Boot Camps are designed for students who require more assistance throughout each day of training in order to master mock lab questions and solutions. You will sit alongside your instructor as they guide you to full understanding and mastery of the topics. This course is recommended for students who have not taken the lab exam before.
Q3. How many of your students pass the lab exam?
On average, approximately 90% of our students pass the lab exam on the first try.
Q4. What course materials are used?
All course content including workbooks and mock lab scenarios are expertly designed by our instructors and always reflect the most recent revisions to the exams. We never use outdated materials or offer instruction that isn't completely in-line with what you will be experiencing when you take the actual exam.
Q5. What is the schedule for training?
Classes run from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Our racks are always available for your use until 10:00pm.
Q6. Is your training really one-one-one?
Yes. Providing unparalleled one-on-one training with an expert instructor is the cornerstone of our training philosophy. If you do not have your very own personal instructor throughout the duration of the Boot Camp, than you are not attending a Cathayschool Boot Camp! If you would like to see firsthand what our training rooms look like, please visit the "Classroom" video clip on our homepage.
Q7. Can you tell me more about your mock labs?
We'd love to, as we are quite proud of the high-quality labs that we make available to each of our Boot Camp students. Our lab equipment is the most up-to-date available and the configurations you will practice simulate as closely as allowed by Cisco standards those you will be required to complete during the actual exam. To see the lab equipment for yourself, please visit the "Our Racks" video clip on our home page.
Q8. What if I would like extra practice time after my boot camp is over?
If you need more practice time after the course has ended, just let us know! We'll happily arrange that for you.
Q9. Can you mail the course materials to me prior to my arrival?
In order to prevent copyright violations, we are unable to honor this type of request. The instruction materials represent proprietary information written by our expert instructors and designed explicitly for Cathayschool students. Upon arrival, you will have unlimited access to every resource possible to ensure your success.
Q10. Is it difficult to study continuously for so many days?
Participant feedback indicates that our boot camp experience is interesting, challenging, and enjoyable! In order to combat study fatigue, it is the sole purpose of our friendly Hospitality Crew to make certain that your spare time allows for fun and relaxation in our fine city.
Q11. May I extend my stay in China?
Of course! Please note that the cost to extend your stay will depend on the hotel in which you are staying. Feel free to extend your stay in order to spend additional practice time in the lab or to leisurely enjoy the sights and sounds of the region.
Q12. Are your instructors fluent in English?
Yes. It is a strict requirement of Cathayschool that all instructors are fluent in English. In addition, Cathayschool provides continued English-language training to each instructor twice a week.
Q13. How do I know that the instructors are qualified?
Every Cathayschool instructor is CCIE certified and highly familiar with the most up-to-date requirements of the exam.
Q14. What if I would like to withdraw from the course after class has already begun?
Cathayschool prides itself on the high quality of our one-on-one training experience, but we also understand the possibility that our training might not match your needs. That's why we offer every student a 2-day trial period. If after two days of training, we have not surpassed your expectations, you may withdraw from the course without paying a penny! This is our promise to you.
Q15. What if after attending your Boot Camp, I fail the exam?
Cathayschool offers our "Sure Pass" Guarantee. With our "Sure Pass" Guarantee, if you do not pass the exam after attending our Boot Camp, you will continue to receive unparalleled support until you pass the exam. Our continued support includes additional hours of mock lab remote access, updated lab materials and solutions, and unlimited email support from your personal instructor, absolutely free of charge! Cathayschool is 100% committed to helping you pass the exam and launch your new career, as evidenced by our exceptionally high pass rates.

About Pricing

Q1. When I sign up for a Boot Camp, what costs are covered?
If you sign up for a course that is not a Pre-Arranged Boot Camp, the cost includes:
1. One-on-one training throughout the duration of the Boot Camp
2. Expertly-designed and updated course materials
3. Hours of practice on the most up-to-date mock labs available
4. Snacks and refreshments
5. Airport pick-up and drop-off service
6. Superb customer support from our Hospitality Crew
Q2. Is airfare included in the price?
No. Airfare is not included in the price of any of our courses. However, if you shop around, you are sure to find some great deals.
Q3. Does the cost of training include meals?
Only our Pre-Arranged Boot Camp Packages include meals and hotel accommodations.
Q4. What are the benefits of choosing a Pre-Arranged Boot Camp Package?
When you purchase a Pre-Arranged Boot Camp Package, hotel accommodations, meals, and entertainment options are included in the price of the package. Plus, we do all of the planning for you-including arranging your stay at a luxury 4- or 5-star hotel. You choose! Please note, however, that it is your responsibility to arrange for your Visa, as well as book airfare to and from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. For more information regarding obtaining a Visa in your country, please visit http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/default.htm.
Q5. How do I pay for training services?
We currently accept only cash or bank wire transfers. Credit card payments are subject to an additional charge and other conditions may apply. Traveler's checks are NOT recommended as a form of payment as you are only allowed to cash a maximum of $1000 per day according to most bank policies, and they take up to 3 hours each in most cases.

About Food and Accommodation

Q1. If I purchase a Pre-Arranged Boot Camp Package, in what type of hotel will I be staying?
If you purchase our Economic or Standard Package, you will stay in a high-quality 4-star hotel, just five minutes from the training center. Or, you may upgrade to an elegant and luxurious 5-star hotel by purchasing our Premier Package. You can view both of these fabulous hotels from the video clip on our home page.
Q2. What kind of food will be available?
You can find most types of cuisine among the local restaurants-Japanese, Continental, Chinese, etc. If you choose a Pre-Arranged Boot Camp Package, you will enjoy the "Freedom to Eat Anywhere Advantage," which allows you to choose from the many delicious restaurants in the area for your lunch and dinner needs (up to $100).
Q3. Can I join a gym while in China?
Yes, there is a nice gym near our training center, with a cost of membership around $80 per month. If you opt for the Premier Plan with its 5-star accommodations, you will have access to the well-equipped hotel health club, at no additional charge.
Q4. Can you give me an idea of prices in China for various items and services?
China has a fairly inexpensive cost of living. Here are some typical costs (based on prices in the city of Guangzhou, where you will be staying):
Can of Coke: $0.30
Can of Beer: $0.60
Cab for a day (8 hours): $ 40
Dinner at a specialty restaurant: $ 15
Professional Hair-cut: $ 5
Laundry: $0.60 for a shirt or slacks
Pack of 20 cigarettes: $ 1.00

Others

Q1. I am interested in a Pre-Arranged Boot Camp which starts on Oct. 6th and ends on Oct. 24th. For which dates should I book my flights?
We will reserve your hotel room from Oct. 5th (in the afternoon) until Oct. 24th (at noon). You should plan to arrive on Oct. 5th and fly back on Oct. 24th at night. Of course, you may arrive earlier or leave later. If you have purchased one of our Pre-Arranged Boot Camp Packages, the additional cost to you will be $60 per night for our Economic and Standard Packages (4-star hotel accommodations) and $150 per night for our Premier Package (5-star hotel accommodations).
Q2. I have never been to China before. Will there be anyone available to help me get acquainted with the city and the customs?
Yes. If you need information or guidance regarding the language, customs, places to visit, or how to get around the city, please do not hesitate to ask a member of our Hospitality Crew. They are always available to assist you in making your stay in Guangzhou as comfortable as possible. To sneak a peek at our beautiful city, please visit the "Location" video clip located on our home page.
Q3. Is a Visa required for a visit to China?
Yes. You must obtain a Visa from the Chinese embassy in your country. You should apply for the Tourist Visa. To find a Chinese embassy in your country, please visit http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/default.htm. If there is no Chinese Embassy in your country, you should contact the Chinese Embassy in the country closest to you.
Q4. Do I need to bring my own laptop?
Yes.
Q5. Can I use my mobile phone in China?
Yes. Mobile phone services are available in China. If you have a GSM or CDMA mobile phone, we advise that you carry it with you. We can provide you with a cell phone along with a local SIM card for free during your stay in China. Call charges are $0.05 per minute for calls within China and $0.40 per minute for international calls (including USA and UK).
Q6. What vaccinations do I need in order to visit China?
A trip to China does not call for any mandatory vaccinations, although most health care professionals advise that you always remain current on all routine vaccines. Most of our students arrive without having received any specific vaccinations before their trip and have not encountered any problems to date. However, we do advise that you consult a physician so that you may make an informed decision before your trip.
Q7. Is it possible to bring my partner with me?
Yes, you can bring your partner with you. Please contact one of our Customer Service Associates to discuss additional costs for accommodations.
Q8. Are there any other benefits to choosing Cathayschool aside from receiving a one-of-a-kind training experience?
Yes! China is an excellent place to receive medical care, due to our world-class doctors and comparatively inexpensive health care costs. In fact, health care costs are a fraction of those in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For that reason, a number of our students have scheduled medical services during their stay in China. We'd be happy to provide you with more information regarding these types of opportunities.

In addition, few countries are as rich in fascinating history and culture as China. Opportunities for sightseeing, museum hopping, and discovering the regional flare and flavor abound! During your stay, be sure to enlist the help of our Cathayschool Hospitality Crew in making your trip to South China an amazing and memorable experience. Their sole purpose is serving you!