We tried to get something going on this in API, and what I was told then was that no one outside of OCS was being admitted to the qualifications because watchstanders needed it more than us. I thought that sounded fishy, but I got classed up pretty quick afterwards so I stopped working on it. Also, this may or may not be a big deal, but realize that they don't set aside money for you to punch holes in paper while you're twiddling your thumbs and practicing your 12 oz curls; if they let you do it at all, you might have to pay for rounds, and that could get into some red tape.