Hi Cat,
I completed the RIBA office based examaination Part 1 & 2. Please note it is definetly not for the faint hearted and you need to be self motivated. There is no one there to guide you every evening. It is up to you to lock yourself away with the sketch pad, books and in front of the drawing board, while the rest of the world realxes around you. I note you mention you have family. It is really important that you have their support, as you will need it at critical times of the programme.
I am not trying to scare you away from the course, on the contrary, I just like to pass on my experience, so you are aware of the level of dedication required to complete it.
Now, that I have completed Part 3, I can say it was all worth it! 🙂