Sally,
Really its a case of taking as long as you need. Theres no rush at the moment as nobodies hiring!! Its far better I think to spend say 9 months on phase 1, making sure you pass all 7 or 8 exams. Rather than rushing, taking the exams after only 3 months and failing 3 or 4 exams.
Some guys I know have taken all the exams within a space of 6 months but have failed a few in the process. I'm sure everyone will agree its alot more stressful and time consuming to be on that third or forth sitting or even worse, needing to take all 14 exams again if you go over the maximum number of resits!!
