According to EASA you need to pass 9 subjects in the theoretical knowledge part to get a CBIR.
Not true. To obtain an IR, by whichever route, the requirement is to demonstrate adequate knowledge in
7 subjects (FCL.615 IR(b)). Nowhere does EASA mandate how these subjects are arranged into examination papers and it would be possible (although perhaps not practicable) to set a single examination covering all seven. The fact that The Netherlands does it in three papers is easily understandable and wholly in compliance with EASA requirements.
The
minimum theoretical knowledge training required on the CB-IR course (80hrs) is a little over half that required for the IR(A) (150hrs) but the same knowledge level is required. In some cases, this may not be achievable in the minimum CB-IR instructional hours.