Re: im up to this and the exams are scheduled for january and wont let me take but im able to examin the work is that normal? would that imply i can study it but not take the test exam until the dates listed in january?

No, those blue dates are exam planner dates, not due dates.  You can take those exams sooner if you would like.  You can also click Update My Plan to have a more accurate show of when you should take your exams.