I've done mine without any courses, no MS kits, no classes.
2-3 books per test (Coriolis / not that they are good / + sth). 2 weeks to learn + practice on sweet personal SOHO LAN.
It took ~5 month to complete, cause I'd also some job to do.
Was it worst it ?? Well, I'm not 16 yrs old and the rest, but still looking for good job.
The good point is to obtain CNA too, but it's expensive to handle 2 certifications in 2 years

You can do it yourself, ppl, good luck

Cheers
Chef