If the only question you were asking is whether you need to be a captain.
The its a nice simple no answer
I'm pretty sure that (in the UK at least - other JAR states could be different) that you can only operate in command of a multi pilot aircraft once you have the full licence. So you just need the skill test
And as far as i'm aware the skills test will be like an LPC but with a couple extra parts, and can only be completed after you have the required hours