I had five months between application and test date. Will probably be a year and a half between application and training date (fingers crossed). Don't let an opening pass you by because it doesn't cost you anything to throw your name in the hat.

You have to apply through the FAA's ASAP site found here: https://jobs01.faa.gov/asap/

You'll be looking for a posting that will include PUBNAT8. They are usually only open for around a week so be sure to check often.