Mine was an 1-2 hour powerpoint presentation followed by a 45 minute ride a few months later. That was with Lothian & Borders.
The powerpoint was useful. I had already read the police riders handbook "Roadcraft", so a lot was repetition, but a few of the theories were clearer when explained in person.
TBH I didn't find the ride that useful and was a bit disappointed, the observer (bike cop) said my riding was fine and didn't have any feedback to give, other than to give me a bollocking that I gunned it a bit too hard on an overtake, and I could have got past no problem with less power. I always use the theory that I cross the centre line without accelerating to get a better view, then once I have a good view I use plenty power and gun it past. He said I had enough space so I should have cruised past nice and easy. The roadcraft book and various other training DVD's I've watched disagree
Thats why I didn't reply to the recent thread on advanced training. I'm a bit disallusioned with it as I've done a bit of reading and DVD watching on the subject and you get contradicting advice from different sources. I believe the IAM is just the same depending on which observer you get. From what I can figure out it seems to be the best thing to use a reputable training school to get you through ROSPA, and then stick to that one instructors view. Whether another advanced rider thinks he's right or wrong, it's got to be better than no training at all.
And no, it'll do bugger all for your insurance premuim. It's not training and doesn't result in any qualification, it's a police safety initiative with the aim of improving rider education and trying to encorage people to take advanced training.