And btw, you do not need to have passed the CPL theory. The French have come up with their own examination which tests "knowledge at CPL level equivalent" or however it was phrased in the JARs
Actually, the 'phrasing of JARs' is absolutely clear. JAR-FCL 1.335(b) requires that an FI shall have "met the knowledge requirements for a CPL(A)
as set out in Appendix 1 to JAR-FCL 1.470", thus rendering invalid any ersatz 'equivalent' examination. The fact that the DGAC have, for purely nationalistic reasons, weaseled out of this requirement is, of course, entirely predictable. It is a sad reflection, however, on the rest of the JAA that they do not, under the terms of JAR-FCL 1.015(a)(1) refuse to accept the patently non-compliant FI ratings issued by the DGAC.