The process is rather tedious and can take some time. Firstly, if you meet the requirements(Hours), you should consider going straight for the ATPL. Either way, it is one examination consisting of 80 questions. The best book, I believe is from Gleim Publications.
www.gleim.com. Whichever license you decide to take, you need to obtain a TSA clearance first. You can visit
www.flightschoolcandidates.gov for more information. If you are planning on doing the flight test in the US, you would need to obtain fingerprints (which forms part of the TSA Clearance). Check the website carefully as they have different requirements for different ratings. The flight school would need to send you a course number/ID, confirming that you are enrolled for a Comm/ALTP Test. Without this information from the flight school you will not be issued a TSA Clearance. Also, it is important to look on the faa.gov website and complete the necessary forms for the License verification. This could take up to 90 Days, so do it well ahead of the time. I do believe there is only a few DPE's (Designated Pilot Examiners) authorised to do your flight test outside the USA. Contact Captain Tom Hughston, a really helpful guy, have had dealings with him for over 18 months. His contact details are on his website,
www.businessair.us. He is based in the UK and is also authorised to do Initial Comm/IF/ATP tesys in Africa and the Middle East. Hope this helps!! Good Luck
