Ask for these in writing:
☐ Total fee including GST
☐ Instalment options and any extra charges
☐ Module list with approximate hours
☐ Lab access: in class / outside class / online
☐ Recorded sessions for missed classes
☐ Assessments or capstone project
☐ Certification exam voucher: included or separate
☐ Resume help and mock interviews
☐ Batch repeat policy
☐ Refund policy

# Fill in the numbers you receive in writing
total_fee = 0          # including tax
lab_hours = 0          # guided, hands-on hours
if lab_hours:
    print(f"Cost per guided lab hour: {total_fee / lab_hours:.0f}")
else:
    print("Ask for the number of guided lab hours before deciding.")

Free self-study starter path
1. Networking basics (IP, TCP/UDP, DNS, HTTP)
2. Linux command line
3. Security fundamentals (CIA triad, threats, controls)
4. Home lab: two virtual machines on your laptop
5. Beginner rooms on legal practice platforms
6. Write up every lab you finish
Try this for 2-3 weeks. If you keep going happily alone,
you may need less from a course. If you stall, structure helps.

# Minimal home lab idea (on your own laptop)
# 1. Install VirtualBox or VMware
# 2. Create a 'host-only' network so VMs cannot reach the internet
# 3. VM 1: a Linux security distribution for tools
# 4. VM 2: an intentionally vulnerable practice VM
# 5. From VM 1, scan only VM 2:
nmap -sV 192.168.56.0/24
# Never scan networks you do not own.

Cybersecurity Skills Tracker
                            Before   Mid-course   End
Explain CIA triad            ☐        ☐            ☐
Subnet and port basics       ☐        ☐            ☐
Linux permissions            ☐        ☐            ☐
Scan a lab network           ☐        ☐            ☐
Analyse a packet capture     ☐        ☐            ☐
Find a web flaw in a lab app ☐        ☐            ☐
Write a finding report       ☐        ☐            ☐
Triage a SIEM-style alert    ☐        ☐            ☐

Is the fee worth it for me?
My goal: SOC / testing / IT security / general awareness
Can I learn this alone? Yes / Partly / No
Guided lab hours offered: ____
Support included: ______________
Batch fits my schedule? Yes / No
Total cost (fee + exam + travel): ______
Decision: enrol / self-study first / compare more

Questions for the counsellor
1. What is the current total fee including GST?
2. What exactly is included, and what is extra?
3. How many guided lab hours are in the course?
4. Can I access labs outside class?
5. Is there a capstone or assessment?
6. What career support is included?
7. What happens if I miss classes or need to repeat?
8. What is the refund policy?

Comparison Sheet
                       Uncodemy   Option B   Self-study
Total cost             ______     ______     ______
Guided lab hours       ______     ______     n/a
Trainer feedback       ______     ______     none
Project/capstone       ______     ______     self-made
Career support         ______     ______     none
Schedule fit           ______     ______     flexible

If I enrol, my commitment:
Classes attended: all (or recordings within 2 days)
Extra lab practice: ____ hours per week
Write-ups: one per week
Mock interview: by course midpoint
Portfolio: updated every two weeks