Yyc,
First of all, yes the exams are multiple choice. Don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy, though.
As for the CPL/ATPL decision, the normal advice is to go for the ATPL exams. These exams will entitle you to train for both a CPL and an IR up to 3 years after your final exam pass. So if you get your CPL, then decide to get an IR, there's no more ground studies required.
On the other hand, if you do the CPL exams, then, 30 months later, decide you quite fancy an IR, you'll have to do the IR exams. There's some overlap between the two sets of exams, but you don't get any exemptions - you have to repeat those which overlap. And even this doesn't entitle you to an ATPL once you've got the necessary hours, you'd still have to do the ATPL exams for that.
What's more, there are far more schools offering ATPL exam courses than CPL courses. And more choice means you're more likely to find one that suits you.
There are only two cases where it's worth doing the CPL. One is if there is absolutely no chance whatsoever that you'll be doing an IR within 3 years of finishing the exams. The other is if you've tried to do the ATPL exams but find they're too tough.
Good luck!
FFF
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[Edited the typo as per my post below]
Last edited by FlyingForFun; 21st August 2003 at 19:20.