I will answer the second question first. The Tamil language is not hard until you consider it hard. In fact, no language is hard until and unless you consider it hard. It is our positive attitude that how much time we take to learn a language. Although Tamil is considered hard to learn by many linguists because it is one of the oldest languages. It is the only Indian language considered as old as the Sanskrit language. Tamil literature dates back to the 300-century BCand it is still a blooming language. 

Tamil Script:

The first step to learn a language is to learn its pronunciations and alphabets. The Tamil language uses Tamil Script as its writing system. The script is a unique script that uses vowels, consonants, and the combination of both to denote a combined letter. It makes Tamil script different from that of other languages.

Tamil Pronunciations:

Tamil pronunciations are also different and require a particular tone to bring the native effect. Learning this tone sometimes becomes tough for a learner.

But, as I said earlier that if you will think negatively, it will be hard. So try to learn it with enthusiasm and you will learn Tamil in no time. So, the answer to the first question is:

It took me around three to four months to clear the elementary level certification examination for the Tamil language. 

Now, it is upon you to increase or decrease the timing. But, I think 3 to 4 months are enough to learn elementary Tamil not because I took that time, but because of many restrictions one can face during the learning. (I also faced). So, what are the restrictions? Read the following:

A schedule:

While learning a new language, you have to follow a schedule so that you can dedicate time to your learning every day. Making a schedule is really tough because you may have many works to do.

Solution:

One of the possible solutions for the problem is: fix a time of one or two hours a day to learn the language.

Dedication:

Many times it happens that you restrict yourself. This means, you become lethargic or lenient for yourself and take a break for one or two days. It is a dangerous mistake as many times this break becomes long and you have to learn from the start.

Solution:

The solution is to be strict or take some help from a guide.

Learning proper pronunciations and tones:

Many times you can not figure the correct pronunciation and tones on your own. At this time, you get irritated and may leave your learning.

Solution:

The solution to this problem is to learn Tamil from an expert. You can search for the correct pronunciations and tones over the internet, but it is a time-consuming task. 

The only solution to all these problems is to learn Tamil from an institution online or offline. You can also enrol yourself in an online institution where you can learn Tamil online easily. So, register yourself with Multibhashi Tamil classes. All the best!