I think it very much depends on when in the "AIB cycle" you send your forms in, but I got mine within a couple of weeks or so and the AIB was around three weeks after that.

For ratings, there are some sample questions on the Royal Navy website: http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/3186.html. Admitedly there are not many, but it gives an idea of the type of question in the tests.

When applying to be an officer, prior to the interview board, I was sent an ...

This new fitness test has only just been introduced. I did the AIB in October last year and there was no fitness test then either during the board or as part of the medical.

The wording on the Royal Navy website is: "This is not a pass or fail test but you are required to put in maximum effort and ...

Is there anyone out there who is starting at BRNC on 10th May?

I should, all being well with a final few medical checks, be heading down to train as an Engineering Training Management officer.