Even though I haven't had any bad experience with the Hacking Dojo, I think you should contact http://attrition.org/ about this. (Twitter: attritionorg , Email: jericho[at]attrition.org)

Oh dear... I had a problem with the communitcation between student and teacher when it was herot...

Will be interesting to see if Thomas replies to this thread, he is on the forum.
 

I think before anyone has anything else to say we need to let Thomas get back on his feet.

I agree 

I'm sure Thomas will speak for himself, but as for the question about being required to pass an exam before moving to the next level, this has been in his FAQ for quite some time:

http://hackingdojo.com/faq/


Q: Do new students have access to all the levels of instruction at once? Or do students advance one level at a time?
A: Students advance one level at a time and will only have access to their appropriate skill level. This ensures that a student has the demonstrable skills and knowledge for the next level before advancing; otherwise they would struggle with the new material and hinder the progress of others during the live mentor training sessions. Once the student has demonstrated to the instructor their competency in the skills needed to move on, they do so. Competency is demonstrated through completion of a hands-on, written and practice exam.

Q: What if I already know the Shodan material – do I have to pay for the training, or can I simply move onto the Nidan level?
A: A new student that feels confident they can pass the Shodan exams should immediately ask to take the tests. The new student will have only one week to request the exams and successfully pass both the written and practical. If they fail to pass both, they must complete the Shodan material before moving onto the Nidan material.

Looks pretty clear to me...

I didn't say the 'refund' situation was clear.  That's between you and Thomas.

I was referring to your 'original' request of him, to bypass the exam.  His policy was spelled out in the FAQ, clearly.  So because you don't agree with, and want to follow, the standard policy, you requested a refund.

If you buy a software license, and disagree with it after a month, they generally won't refund it, based on time or other usage.  You paid for, and had access to, intellectual property.  I can understand your desire for a refund, but I can also understand his stance, if he doesn't.  So it's a matter the two of you will have to work out.

At this point, it's between you and Thomas.

I'm glad you gave your opinions on the course and the situation, though.  It's always good to get feedback, good or bad, so folks can make their own decisions.