So i just received my CJO after going through the interview process. I was asked pretty quicky during the interview, "what did I do to prepare?" When I mentioned that I did the Emerald Coast prep course, they seemed to be pleased with that. Would it make a difference if you skipped it? Hard to say, but they appeared to like the fact that I actually did everything I could to be professional and ready for it. That said, it was around $500. I sort of felt that if I can eek out a 25 year career here, then it's small potatoes to to come up with $500 to have that...if that makes sense. Anyway, on another note, the folks I interviewed with were super friendly and the process wasn't as daunting as I had expected. I'm sure you'll do fine.