[Link: crestron.com]

You'll notice the registration fees are waived for dealers or partners. That specifically implies that the classes are open to non-dealers/partners, albeit at $1000 per class. Which is still not a horrible deal.

In addition, if you're determined to do it, obtaining hardware is quite easy. Crestron equipment is very accessible on eBay or through several online companies who sell the hardware. You could build a decent bench test system for not a lot through used equipment. Finding someone (outside of your local city) to allow you to take classes under the guise of employment through them is going to be quite difficult in my opinion. I could see someone local to you allowing this if you were close to them and there was something in it for them.