hey frank....sorry just read your post.

sounds like you and your girlfriend have a long distance relationship?? like myself! lol.
anyway, i started getting my credentials assessed almost straight after graduating since the jobs in the nhs here are crap! however this has been a few months now and the canadian alliance have only JUST started assessing my profile. its a long process so my advice to you and your girlfriend is to get started if she is planning on coming soon.
as for exams...even i dont know if i can take them yet as my assesments are not complete. hopefully it wont be too much of a hassel....however, i have just started to make preparations to study for the exams. i realise they are difficult and pass rates dnt look too good. also, make sure your girlfriend is still getting some clinical experience after graduating...as job opportunities are not promising.

hope this helps!

jess