I am of a similar position. I have all my ATPL theoretical knowledge exams and they expire in March 2011. I have most of the hours required under my belt, it's just a case of finishing and booking into for a CPL and IR course. Reason I've been holding off is due to the present situation with jobs etc.
I was told after groundschool that the theoretical knowledge exams remain valid to IR. I interpreted this as 36 months validity on the exams unless the IR is completed within this time, in which case they would still remain valid after said time had passed.
Can anyone explain confidently to me whether I am mistaken and this also refers to completing the CPL aswell as the IR in the allotted time?
Many thanks.