well ive literally just had a private message from someone that is nearly finished the course with them, yes its more expensive because of the way its open for you too choose how you do it and when, rather than a college telling you you have to come this day and that day, this course is aimed at people that cant cater to the colleges time table and the reason the other courses are in there as its for people that know nothing about electrics at. so before you go slagging them off why not talk to people that have finished the course with them as you actually know nothing about them, i like to see where you have found that online about having to pay 80 quid and they openly told me that i would have to pay for accommodation and then they would reimburse upto half the amount and would only do this if you was over 50 miles from the nearest test centre other wise they would reimburse your travel cost. did you actually ask any questions or are you a yes man that just nods there head, i did not find it to be a sales pitch when they came to see me. they gave me plenty of time to think about it, also the colleges will want the money in lump somes and these are offering a credit argement and again this is aimed at people with other commitments