dxb, I think you might be confusing the theory element of a licence with the actual licence itself (i.e. flying course and skills test).
If you are doing the modular route, you need to have a PPL(H) before you can sit the ATPL(H) exams i.e. a minimum of 39 hour flying course and the PPL(H) exams (assuming you have a PPL(A), you will be exmept most of the PPL(H) exams). That is what I meant by exemptions.
Then, once you have a PPL(H), you only need to sit (I think) Helicopter Principles of Flight at ATPL level.
These exams of course do not give you an ATPL but the theory credits. The commercial flying course that you sit for (H) will give you a CPL(H) only.
Cheers
Whirls