The system replaces the existing paper-based, multiple-choice exams in the UK from the beginning of next year.
In future, CII candidates will be able to enter for an exam at a date that is convenient to their individual study programme, rather than be restricted to sitting the exam at one of the current quarterly sessions.
The CII is also offering companies the opportunity to establish an online testing centre within their own organisation. One of the many benefits of this approach will be the flexibility to schedule exams as an integral part of an in-house training programme.
Bob Bullivant,deputy director-general at the CII, said: “This is a massive step forward in our customer service both to corporate clients and individual candidates. Flexibility is the key to this new service. Candidates can take the exam when they are ready - taking exams during busy periods such as the financial year end can be avoided - and re-sits, for those that need them, will be available within days rather than months. This is going to be a very popular move.”
The online exam service will cover the Certificate in Financial Planning including lifetime mortgage activities and long-term care insurance units (except unit CF5 which is a written exam), Certificate in Mortgage Advice, the Foundation Insurance Test and all units in the Certificate in Insurance.
The format of the exams themselves remains unchanged from the current paper-based versions.
Bullivant commented: “We have invested considerable time and money to ensure that the quality and standard of the online service is consistent with the paper-based approach and fully reflects best practice for online exams.”
From January 2007 a minimum of 40 centres will be available in 24 locations throughout the UK, selected for their accessibility via rail/road links. Candidates choose the date and time of their exam from those listed for each centre.
Applications for entry can be made up to seven days in advance of the exam. On completion of the exam candidates will receive an immediate provisional notification of whether they have passed or not.
