Nashers,
That's incorrect.
EYZ - presumably you are at the stage of the checkride, so that should suffice - just check with your MCC provider. They may ask for evidence, and they may withhold your MCC certificate until you pass the IR, but you can start the course. EDIT: I see you are based in AUS - I can't answer for AUS, but the above info is good for the UK.
DW.