If you take the LPI route there are some resources at:
http://www.penguintutor.com/certification.php.
In particular the IBM materials are written as though they are course notes. It does not however provide a proper computer based training course, but does highlight all the important areas you need to look at.
You can then take some of the practice exams and see if you feel confident enough to take the exam.
You still need to turn up at a test centre for the exam, but it's possible to pass LPI through reading books / online free documents and through hands on using a Linux system.