FirstPlace Software working in conjunction with the JER Group helped produce one of the first, if not THE first, University accredited course on search engine positioning. We've endorsed JER's online course for over three years as an excellent way to learn search engine positioning through an instructor led course that you can take from the comfort of your home. Since then, hundreds of people around the world have become accredited in search engine positioning, helping them to promote their own Web sites, or to promote those of their clients.
Although the JER Group course remains an excellent resource I'd still recommend, I've recently evaluated the accredited course by the Academy of Web Specialists. The Academy is led by Robin Nobles and in my opinion is the better resource if you're trying to decide between the two. For example, their resource library is updated continually and worth the price of the course by itself. I was surprised to see many tips that I'd never seen published anywhere else. Even if you're not interested in taking an instructor led course, consider taking the self-study option that simply gives you all their latest optimization articles and techniques.
In regard to Robin Nobles, you may have already heard of her. She has written several books on search engine marketing, is a regular speaker at various search engine conferences, and helped facilitate the original search engine course creation at JER Group. Even if you've taken a course from JER, I'd highly recommend you take the Academy's Advanced Course.
If you've never taken any courses on search engines optimization, the Academy has an "Essential Foundations Course" which is a great way to learn how everything works along with all the basic techniques you need to be successful.
http://www.webposition.com/resources.htm
Whereas JER Group now facilitates over 100 various online courses, the Academy focuses on doing nothing but search engine positioning research and course creation. This gives them more insight into the industry than most.
