Hi

I have a question about the RIBA Part 3 course/exam. I have my Part 1 and Part 2 from a UK university and have been working in an architectural practice in Hong Kong for a number of years now. So I have at least 2 / 3 years worth of practical experience. However I do not have 12 months UK practical experience, either post Part 1 or Part 2. I would like to get my Part 3 and so I realise that I need to go back and work for 12 months before I can get this. But before I go back to the UK I am thinking about doing the Part 3 course which they are offering in HK, since I think I wont be leaving to the UK until end of this year. I can take the course here but then wont be able to take the exam until maybe 1 year later. Has anyone done this before? (taken the Part 3 course but not taken the exam until a long time after finishing the course). There is an expiry date of 3 years after finishing the course when the exam has to be taken so I assume that some people have done this before, even if they had to defer their exam for a year or two.

If not then any comments would be most welcome!  

Thanks!