|
TDI does not cover cost structure in the standards (nor does any other agency I'm aware of). Business practices are kept out of standards, which usually deal with the instructional/educational aspect of the course. Agencies in general try to stay out of business disputes unless there's some gross ethics violations.
Some instructors include materials and c-card fees in their course fee, others tack it on later. One reason some do not include it is because certification is not guaranteed. The course fee pays for just that: the course. If you earn certification, then you pay the certification fee. Not saying I necessarily agree with it, just explaining the way some instructors do it.
Why $30 for a "piece of plastic?" Well, a good portion of that goes to TDI. While it may take a minimal amount of time and effort for the instructor to order the cards, they are not free. TDI charges instructors for the cards (as does every other agency).
Should you have been told about these fees up front? Absolutely. When I teach a course, I am very specific about what the course fee includes and what it doesn't include.
|