I'd suggest taking the test. I was hit heavy on 121 stuff in my interview. I had about a week and a half to prep for taking it. Just used the Gleim test prep software...took the real thing after I could get an 85% or better 3 times in a row. Got an 88% on it. That was guessing at the complex calcs and doing only a few of the more simple ones. Whether or not you need it is another story. Some in my class have it, some don't. I'm glad I have it out of the way now - one for the tech portion of the interview and two for just not having to do it later on. I have a few friends trying to find time to study for it now, inbetween flying and life, so they can upgrade. Good Luck!