If you guys are really in your mid-40s and 50s the chances of you passing the course are close to nil. I'd think long and hard before giving up your jobs. I'm not aware of anyone that age ever passing before. I know of several ex-RAAF controllers in their 40s who came back to the job but weren't able to pick it up again. Aptitude is only one of many attributes that you need to consider. You will not be able to learn and pick up skill in Airservices time frame. It is a skill for young people to acquire, and most of them find it difficult.