I was over three years from the first stage of testing to starting at the college, I passed the tests first time, but was a near miss on the technical interview so had to wait a while before having another bash at it.

I think HR have got a lot better since then though as they lost my application for a while and then it got put in the wrong folder and I was told I'd failed and then got a phone call saying I'd passed :confused:

my experience
 

I hope my experience helps with understanding the timescales involved. Combined with everyone elses experiences, you should be able to make an informed decision.

• Stage 1 was in mid March. (informed of pass 1 week later)

• Stage 2 was in May. (informed of pass on same day)

• Stage 3 was end of June. (they phoned me day after giving me the good news)

• Medical will be mid July.

• This is likely to get me on the January intake.

I have always chosen the most appropriate date for me to attend each stage (fit around studies, part-time work e.t.c), not necessarily the first available date available.