I went to the first session in Beaumont about 4 years ago(?). I'm sure a lot has changed since then, but I recall that we spent long hours in the seminar. No one really "cracked the whip" over us and I thought it was worthwhile. The instructor oriented the material to things we might not have been exposed to (a lot on metallurgy) rather that make the seminar a repeat of what we had already learned over the previous 9 years.
I felt it was worthwhile and I would like to do it again when my recertification is due. At the same time, I wouldn't be afraid of the re-test if time and money were short.

Chet Guilford