I believe other European countries have used a FI course entry test or other means of demonstrating CPL knowledge
I believe that was even the case in the UK pre 1989. EASA FCL 915 seems to point at having passed the exams
(2) hold at least a PPL(A) and have:
(i) met the requirements for CPL theoretical knowledge, except for an FI(A) providing training for the LAPL(A) only;