CPD TESTING PROGRAMME

A major part of the FSA approach to Training and Competence is an insistence that the CPD undertaken is relevant to the needs of the individual, and will therefore result in an improvement to performance.

Testing knowledge must therefore be an important aspect of determining what is needed, and providing a straightforward way of showing the connection between CPD and needs.

We can offer an affordable package designed to enable you to test your advisers regularly, using questions developed independently. We have also made it easy to record the results and any action needed following the test.

Our CPD testing programme gives you:

• A regular test paper of 30 multiple choice questions, for you to use with your advisers, complete with blank answer sheets;
• A marking grid, which enables you to mark the answer papers quickly and accurately;
• A copy of the test paper for the supervisor, with the correct answers highlighted;
• Notes for the supervisor, explaining the correct answers;
• A choice of approaches - you can either take our standard selection, or design your own programme from the subject list supplied; and
• Easy to use forms for record keeping purposes, including individual result sheets, yearly records for each adviser, and a group result sheet for each test.

Because we provide you with all the materials you need as Word files, sent by email, and do so on a regular basis, we make the job as easy as it can be from your point of view.

For the standard selection each quarter, fees start at £50 per quarter for a firm with up to 10 advisers or £80 per quarter for larger firms. If you make your own choice of subjects, the fees are £75 (up to 10 advisers) or £120 per quarter (larger firms). VAT at the current rate is additional to these amounts.

With the standard selection service, each subject is covered according to the timetable below; alternatively, you can choose your own programme from the same list of subjects.

Will these costs change?

We will review the costs from time to time, but will give three months' notice of any change.

The costs above are guaranteed not to increase throughout 2005, other than directly as a result of any change to VAT rates.

How often will we receive tests?

The service is designed to run on a quarterly basis, and will be despatched on the last working day of February, May, August and November, ready for use in the following month, or later in the quarter.

How difficult are the questions?

Broadly, the questions are pitched between FPC/Cert FP and Advanced FPC level.

The purpose is to diagnose progress, and areas where further work is required, so there is no ‘passmark’ as such. The performance you expect from your advisers will reflect their experience; the record keeping forms allow you to note whether any action is necessary, and if so, what it is.

Because subjects recur, you will be able to check progress in knowledge areas over time.

What if the number of our advisers changes?

Please let us know if you increase your advisers above ten, or reduce to ten or fewer advisers, so we can adjust the fees we charge you accordingly.

What if the service does not suit me?

You can stop using the service at any time; there is no minimum commitment. We only ask that you let us know. If however you do feel that there are ways we could improve the service to meet your needs better, we would be happy to discuss your comments, to see if we can help.

What subjects are covered?

Each test covers three subjects. The subjects and standard distribution dates are as follows:

As conditions generally change, we may alter the subject areas, to ensure that the basis of testing remains current. You will receive plenty of notice of any such change.

Why have a "Current Topics" section?

One of the most important areas of testing is to identify any weakness in the updating of knowledge. This is one of the best ways of checking the effectiveness of CPD.

This section also acts as a useful reminder of changes which have occurred, or are planned to occur.

What about updating the questions?

The questions are supplied on an up to date basis, at all times. The questions are different each time a subject is included.

When are the questions sent?

The questions for each quarter are sent by email on the last working day of the preceding month.

How can we subscribe to the service?

Please email us (info@fitfortraining.co.uk) and we will contact you to arrange to include you from our next distribution. Alternatively, please telephone us on 01202 764423.