On our aircraft, any pax by any emergency exits have to be "suitable" pax to be sat there. They will only be briefed pre-takeoff if it is a self-help exit, ie no cabin crew sat there for takeoff..
A few years ago in the US, a friend of ours, given such seats, was asked if she understood and would be prepared to open it if need be. Her response was "can I practice first??"....
