First word, you'll hear often: long. Mine started in October, went through 8 sessions (including one where I was flown to an office and met with 4 people), mostly via web conference. I was hired in February, and for the most part knew as things were moving in that almost 5 month period with emails, calls and the occasional update through the Jobvite system (which was a mixed blessing, but I know why companies use it)