Usually 4 weeks. Initially successful candidates go on to an assessment event day, of usually a small group of six to eight. Numerous tests, basic ticket selling, comprehension / following rules, basic maths and a situational judgement exercise (examples used previously included making cuts to a hospital, council or a housing association).
Must stipulate XC recently removed the dots / SCAAT / shapes / concentration / serious headache creation exercise - they have had dispensation to do this.
After testing, successful candidates go on to an twenty-ish minute interview where one asks questions whilst a second takes notes, with questions generally related to relevant experience and adapting to unplanned and handling difficult situations. Quite professionally-run event compared to other operators.