I think you will find you have to do similar full time work on maintenance possibly more, it may be something like 2 years. They may accept what you have been doing so far though. All the trainers will have the same type knowledge, but be prepared for it being 1-11, trident comet experts. The exams are suposed to be harder and cover more. I dont think any training centers are yet offering examination that has to be done with the NAA but in time the training centers will be doing exams. At the moment with the new JAA system just come in things are in turmoil here and no-one quite knows all the answers yet, give us a couple of years.
P.S. you can have a wait of up to 6 months for your exam from applying.