training question

Hello people, Please forgive the question for being a bit off topic, but recently I went to a job interview for a linux admin. position. They required you to be SAIR certified to get hired. They gave you a choice of either paying $3100 for training, then taking the tests. (If you passed the tests, you get reimbursed for the training fees.) Or, you could take the tests on your own. If you pass the tests either way, you are guaranteed the job. Does this sound too good to be true?? And what are good books to get for SAIR testing? I thought LPI was better..... Regards, Oskar