The IICRC course is a two day theoretical course which has an optional examination. As I recall there are 120 multiple choice questions testing one's knowledge & understanding. The course is divided into several categories, its very well presented by Keith Robertson who writes Stoneman's Corner in the NCCA monthly newsletter.
The NU-Life course is a two day practical hands-on course. The lecture room consists of 1-2 sq m sections of most natural stone and tile floor types. You actually work in small groups on several sections of stone types over two days, includes stone ID, cleaning procedures and methods, treatment procedures and methods. There's opportunity to hone and polish too. The course tutor is Mike Philbin who has about 17 or 18 years of experience.
