I phone interviewed without my multi. I literally had the multi check ride scheduled for like a week later. My recruiter kind of laughed and said “I’ll just go ahead and say you have it, because you’ll pass.”

That’s the only experience I have. That being said, let me play devil’s advocate. What about people who interview without the hour requirement met? The hours are a requirement too. They get CJOs for when they get their hours. Why would it be any different for the ME? I’d say you definitely have to have it to report to class.... but for interviewing, I’m not so sure. Depends on the regional and your circumstances.