I am Brit (american mother) took FAA exams first then converted to UK CAA in 1983,essay questions at that time!Same ridiculous exams (plotting etc)use about 10% of knowledge gained.However the exams were intended as a screening process to weed out those who might struggle in this profession.The FAA exams are practical,but in my opinion ridiculously easy.Apparently the FAA & EASA have formed several harmonization boards to look at harmonizing regs on a/c technical regs & flight crew licencing,let's hope something comes of it!