Determining an upgrade candidates suitability from an interview in the office by a group of individuals who are simply unqualified to do this is a f_cking embarrassment.
Quizzing someone on their memory abilities regarding the FOM 4-5 month before their course is a total waste of time. IT IS NOT a MEMORY ITEM! It is a REFERENCE MANUAL!
Do we quizz DECs on their knowledge of the FOM before we employ them? Or do we let the training department assess their knowledge and understanding at a more appropriate time?
F/Os have been under training and examination from GCAA and EK approved TRIs and TREs many times prior to them being recommended for upgrade. They have a fully documented history of their strengths and weaknesses. Interview them if there have been problems and some doubt still remains, otherwise let their records determine their suitabillity and trust the judgment of your training department.