how different are the two skill tests?
Like chalk and cheese. An FI completes a comprehensive test based initially on teaching one of the primary teaching exercises, followed by a series of shorter secondary exercises and then a series of comprehensive questions covering the entire PPL syllabus. A CRI on the other hand has received only 10% of the training and is only required to demonstrate teaching elements of a class rating conversion with differences training type questions.
Whilst it may seem inelegant, why not just do the CRI course and skill test?
Up to now, the CAA has issued a CRI rating to any FI who has requested it. It is not inelegant, it is an indication of the gross ignorance and stupidity that is beginning to emerge from the Belgrano.