I'd check with a flying school but, it would seem that an IMC( accord to cabair, i think i read) gets credit in both cpl training and IR training knocking a few hours of each.
I've just done mine very enjoyable. Even if you don't intend to use it much and lets face it would you really take your tin can into the complete unknown ;o) It makes you a better pilot, holding headings and levels remember +/- 300ft in commercial airspace is a level bust.