Licensees need to support advisers through ‘extraordinary circumstances’

FASEA is urging licensees to support advisers with adjustments to CPD policy.

“FASEA encourages licensees to take a supportive approach to compliance in these extraordinary circumstances,” FASEA said in a statement.

“In the current extraordinary circumstance licensees will no doubt be reviewing and, where appropriate, adjusting their CPD policy to include appropriate provisions.”

FASEA listed video conferencing and webinar technology options as some of the appropriate alternatives to face-to-face offerings. FASEA also understands that solutions are being offered by licensee CPD programs that contain online learning as part of a led or conducted CPD program.

“Licensee CPD policies are required to include potential relief provisions to assist the needs of advisers affected by extenuating circumstances (including medical),” FASEA said.

“Advisers affected in this way should consider contacting their licensee to determine the most appropriate approach to their individual position.

Coronavirus has also seen the cancellation of FASEA’s April 2020 exams, something that FASEA said “is in the best interest of all people involved with the exam”.

"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," FASEA said in a statement.

"The exam provider, ACER, will make the April exam available to registered candidates as a remote online option – irrespective of the distance to an exam centre. An option to defer until June or a later sitting is also available to candidates."