The new system is forcing me to take IPPT sooner than I would
like to.
I would like to know which bright spark proposed the 9 mth
window.

The same bright spark who removed the main incentive for
attending IPT (i.e., to avoid RT).
That bright spark doesn't seem to understand that those who
attend IPT do so mainly because they cannot afford the time for RT.
Now that RT-exemption is no longer guaranteed, the only way to
avoid it is to 'show improvement'.
You know, in the past I actually took all my IPT sessions
seriously.
But now, look at me, plotting to flunk my initial IPPT CAT test
as badly as I can so that I can 'show improvement'..... *shakes
head*