I believe the website is updated with the names of those that pass on the same day that letters are mailed. I think the last two times I took the exam the website was updated on a Wednesday and I received my letter on Friday. You will not receive a direct notification via the computer. If you see your name, you passed. If you don't see your name, you didn't pass. Don't get excited if you don't see your name for the rest of this week and part of next week or until you see VA people coming in to say they have passed. Also, all names are added at once so if your name is not listed when other names are, you didn't pass.
As far as different treatment for a first time taker, I'm not sure what you mean. We all take the same exam and they are scored the same. If you answer enough questions correctly, you'll pass. If you don't, you'll fail.
If you fail, with your diagnostic report there will be a paper with a phone number to call to re-register to take the exam again and when you can call. You will not have to fill out any additional paperwork until your three years has passed. Unfortunately I know this to be fact because Oct. 09 was my third time taking the exam and what I described above is exactly what happened after my first two attempts.
Lastly, it was my understanding that we have three years from when we are approved to sit for the exam to pass it. If after three years you have not passed it, you need to send in all of the registration material again. I don't think a specific amount of tries has been specified, just a time limit.
