FASEA has announced it is cancelling the April 2020 face-to-face sittings of its adviser exams but the exam will be available as a remote online option, irrespective of the distance to the exam centre.
An option to defer until the June or a later sitting is also available to candidates.
The announcement from the authority says it recognises the challenges presented by COVID-19 on the delivery of face-to-face exams and that the April 2020 face-to-face sittings of its Adviser Exam “… are cancelled due to these challenges”.
“FASEA is conscious of the need to continue to offer exams through the remainder of 2020 to enable existing advisers to meet the legislated time-frame,” it says.
“The Exam Provider ACER, will make the April exam available to registered candidates as a remote online option. An option to defer until the June or a later sitting is also available to candidates.
“This measure is being taken in light of the evolving … pandemic and in the best interest of all people involved with the exam,” it says.
FASEA says ACER will directly advise candidates registered for the April exam of details regarding registration and sittings, including details of the remote online option available for registered candidates.
“ACER requests candidates to ensure their email addresses are up to date in the registration system.”
It notes in the statement that it “…understands and appreciates the unprecedented nature of the … global pandemic and its evolving impact in Australia on the business as usual routine of financial advisers”.
FASEA Guidance on CPD Compliance – Coronavirus
In other FASEA news, the authority has issued guidance on CPD compliance arising from COVID-19 business disruption, advising that online options are appropriate alternatives to face-to-face offerings.
The authority says, in a media release, that it has received enquiries relating to operation of CPD requirements resulting from current coronavirus business disruption and that it recognises the challenges presented by coronavirus and understands that delivery of face-to- face CPD offerings may be difficult.
It “…encourages licensees to take a supportive approach to compliance in these extraordinary circumstances”.
“FASEA understands that effective solutions are being offered by Licensee CPD programmes that contain online learning as part of a led or conducted CPD programme. Video conferencing and/or webinar technology options are appropriate alternatives to face-to-face offerings.”
It states that licensee CPD policies are required to include potential relief provisions to assist the needs of advisers affected by extenuating circumstances (including medical).
“Advisers affected in this way should consider contacting their licensee to determine the most appropriate approach to their individual position.
“In the current extraordinary circumstance licensees will no doubt be reviewing and, where appropriate, adjusting their CPD policy to include appropriate provisions,” FASEA says.
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