Lokki
There is absolutely no difference between an IR qualification obtained by the 'traditional' route compared wth an IR qualification obtained by the CB-IR route.
Nor is there any difference between an IR test completed after a 'traditional' route course compared with an IRT completed after a CB-IR course.
The only difference is in the number of hours required to do the course, 50 s/e or 55 m/e for the traditional route compared with 40 s/e or 45 m/e for the CB-IR less relevant credits.
The only credit you can get against the traditional course is the 10 hours for holding a CPL or a BIFM certificate.
You can get various credits against the CB-IR, including the 10 hours for CPL/BIFM certificate holders, 15 hours for holders of an IMC rating and other credits for other IR holders (e.g. FAA IR) and PIC IFR usage using an IMC or other ICAO IR.
This can bring the total hours training for a CB-IR down to 10 hours minimum.
Also, if you want to do a PPL/IR only (i.e. not ATPL) there is a reduced IR theoretical knowledge course (80 hours study)
Linda Mollison