Hermes you can study the manual at your leisure, there is no time scale.When you have submitted your test answers to Admiral Rivera, you can adopt the rank of Ensign.
Hermes, I wrote how to take the exams several years ago when I was the CAG. Use this link to find the Viper & Raptor training manuals that are still in working order. Read the discussion and at the very end, you will find the manuals. I just checked them and they work. https://battlestarfanclub.com/group/perseus-squadron/forum/topics/v...
There is also another test you can take to earn a certificate, just look through all of the discussions that I posted.
I recommend that you take both the Viper & Raptor exams. Be careful answering the Viper exam if you also want to become the next Top Gun. To my knowledge, no one has ever failed the Raptor exam.