Originally Posted by
MrAverage
Jimmy
Some of the above advice is incorrect in the UK. Whoever is setting the exam assesses whether you have gained sufficient knowledge and then approves you to take each exam. Although the exams are not difficult, the rules about taking them are complicated and I recommend you take your school's advice about how to deal with those rules. PM me if you wish.
I'm not sure any of this comes across, in reality. I've taken two exams at a different location (having let my base know - their examiner was on holiday) and then waltzed back into my school, weeks later, and put my name down for three more, two of which I take tomorrow. I'd imagine most schools - once they know you - are happy for you to put your name down for any of the exams whenever you please (within reason). Particularly with regard to the easier exams, much of the content of which I'd question in terms of value. My school/instructor encourages some ground school for subjects like Nav but I'm pretty sure you can just read the Pooley's book and understand it all within a few days. It just depends on your ability to concentrate for a sufficient period of time, outside of work commitments. For some, and I include myself in this, there is likely much value in attending an offsite ground school for the more important subjects like Nav and Met.