Hi Stephanie,
I took the course last fall and recommend it if you have the basics down. It is pricey, but you get a LOT of information to digest that is immediately actionable. I'm an in-house SEO and told the boss if we're going to go to the "next level" I needed some training. Soaking up GWT best practices will only get you so far in my opinion and eventually you'll probably feel like you've plateaued. Here's a few observations on the course:
1. If you have a basic understanding of SEO and need more comprehensive and advanced training - it is very thorough. Almost too much information and in some cases not enough depth when needed. On-page optimization, site hierarchy/structure, local SEO and link building strategies were excellent.
2. The information is actionable. You can implement what you're given as you're getting it.
3. Yes, some of the information/techniques are dated and could be fresher. It might be easier to keep it fresh if the scope was not so broad. Having said that, I like the breadth of the training.
4. They have a support program where course instructors can answer student questions on-line. It's a great concept, but could be better executed in my opinion. I felt the instructor's were too busy with their own jobs, clients, life, etc. to provide timely answers and depth to students inquiries.
5. One hour a week we get to have a live chat webinar with the course instructor. I liked it but I could have spent a half hour myself asking questions that came up from the course due to its volume of strategies.
6. I would have liked more current "real world" examples of sites using the practices so we can see the tactics in action.
Now, I feel like I need advanced Analytics and CRO training to compliment the SEO training I've received. There's a lot to do and do well.