Illegal ATPL training?!
 

Dear All!
I'm just before my ATPL theory, but I have a little problem: I made a deep search about the low-cost ATPL schools, and I've found that some of them don't provide any classroom training. Do you think it's normal (legal)? I don't really want to risk my licence and my money.
Thank you for your answer!

Are these in the US?

If so, the US FAA certificate is called an ATP, not ATPL.

There is a classroom course required, but it's often done separately from the flight training, even at another school or provided by an airline. FAR 61.156 describes this.

So the flight training for the ATP checkride does not require any formal classroom training in the US. That's probably what those schools are offering.

I hope I'm not too late with my reply. According to EASA regulations it is mandatory to attend classroom training before you are allowed to take theorical exams. Any ATPL Theory course without it is indeed 'illegal'.
Many of us has almost fell into the same trap before and I've heard about a captain who actually has. He created his site to raise awareness regarding this problem. You can also find lists for reliable ATPL training organizations based on feedback from many pilots. It could help if you are still looking for schools.

I'm a little late to this party, but to be honest the requirements for ME ATP seem to be identical to the required CTP course before written.

Am I off on this?

As I've been preparing I've been under the impression that CTP covers the required ground. Then any ground done at the flight school is familiarization with the aircraft being used.

As pointed out half a year ago, it is important to distinguish between the FAA system and something foreign. As the OP said ATPL, they are probably talking about foreign licensing. Under the FAA system there is no requirement for ground school prior to taking the FAA ATP written exam. There is no requirement for an instructor's sign off prior to taking the written. If you are taking the ATM written there is a requirement to complete the CTP class but that class has next to nothing to do with what is covered on the ATM written and will not prepare you to take the ATM. If you are taking the checkride in a light airplane there is no requirement for training or an instructor sign off prior to the checkride. The FAA thinks if you are at the level of getting an ATP you should know if you are ready for the written and checkride.

If you are getting a type rating along with the ATP (or adding a type to any level certificate) in a simulator it falls under Part 142 and there is a requirement for formal aircraft ground school and flight training and a sign off.