I have been reading many reviews of courses and I must say that this forum is incredibly helpful and informative.

Let me explain my - perhaps unusual - situation.

I'm not a pentester nor am I in the IT industry nor have I taken any kind of formal computer-related course.  I'm just someone who is interested in security and enjoys learning new things.  I have decided that it would be a good investment to pay money to learn in an academic-type of environment which is structured.  I don't really care about certification.

I do not consider myself to be a 'natural' (if such a person exists) but rather someone who learns through constant practice.  I mention this because I am the type of individual who needs a level of guidance in order to learn.  Simply saying "try harder" is not necessarily appropriate for my character.

That said I have taught myself a few things over the years.  I know basic Python.  I've used a number of common tools (like Reaver, Pyrit, Aircrack suite, BackTrack, Medusa and suchlike - nothing complicated through). 

I originally was interested in Penetration Testing with Backtrack (PWB) but soon ruled it out as it does not sound like an introductory course (even through it apparently is).  It strikes me that it is for people who have far more advanced skills than I do.  Then I looked at the Hacking Dojo.  The main issue seems to be that it is a one-man operation which can cause problems if the trainer is unwell or suchlike.  Also I am not convinced that I like the idea of stages before you can move upwards.

Therefore I currently have two ideas: eLearnSecurity (Student) (http://www.elearnsecurity.com/course/penetration_testing_student/) and The Hacker Academy (http://www.thehackeracademy.com/).

There are positive reviews of eLearn Security (http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/307/24/ and http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,8818.0/) but these apply to the Pro (rather than Student version).  I wonder if anyone has any experience with the Student component?  It is $349 for the course.

The Hacker Academy has more debatable reviews but they are over a year old.  Also they are not negative just not entirely positive (http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/374/2/ and http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,7458.msg39993/#msg39993).  I like the look of the curriculum which appears to cover both basic and more intensive courses.  I also like the idea of a monthly $150 fee which gives you access to all modules.

The eLearn videos apparently are longer and more professionally created.  As mentioned, I need something that provides a level of clarity.  The Hacker Academy review implied that external material provides more information which questions what one is paying for.

I would certainly appreciate any comments about these courses and the differences between them. I'm happy to provide more information if that will help.

Thanks!

EDIT:Ok, so it's been a while since I was a member of THA, but when I went through it was a good program. Despite the corny advertising, I remember the information was pretty decent, and there was an opportunity to communicate with the staff.

While some would disagree with me I would suggest looking at Mile2's offering in this arena, the CPTE. I did go through their training material and I enjoyed it much more than EC-Council's version. The cert itself may have no value, but I liked the training.

I can't comment on the eLearn/Dojo courses since I haven't taken them (although, I have the same concerns as you re. Dojo based on recent posts).

Sounds like your skill level is beyond EC Council's CEH course - which I have taken - so I'd strike them off your list. Personally, I'd put off the OSCP until you have some more formal training under your belt.

I am currently enrolled in both ELS and THA.   

I originally enrolled in ELS to get some experience and knowledge to help me break into the security industry.  Once I got a job in the industry I was offered a good deal on THA so I took it.

I honestly think you would be good with either one.  I find that they complement each other very well but either one will serve as a good first step.  It depends on what you are looking for.

THA is still updating their course and putting out new modules.  Recently they put out new modules on the methodology of pen testing and project management of a Red Team. They also have other modules that you won't find in ELS like Reverse Engineering and Digital Forensics. 

ELS however has the better labs in my opinion.  THA uses cloud based labs that never work for me and when they do they are slow.  You also have the option of doing it completely on VirtualBox which has worked for me.  ELS has nice labs and good walkthroughs to help you out.

As for the student ELS course.  I bought the package deal with both student and Pro.  Honestly, if you aren't completely new to security I don't think you need the student course.  It's pretty basic information and I think you could get the same information with a cheap security+ book.

Like I said they are both good first steps.  I am planning on taking the ELS cert test soon and then I'm going on to the OSCP.  And then when I get time I will go back to the forensics and reverse engineering courses in THA.  I would say take the ELS Pro if you want pen testing and THA if the extras interest you like forensics and reverse engineering.