Sesame Bankhall Group launches ‘My Qualifications’ service to help advisers navigate qualification route to RDR

A new interactive service has been rolled out to help Sesame and Bankhall members plot their examination route ahead of the 2012 Retail Distribution Review (RDR) deadline.
‘My Qualifications’ is an online tool that helps advisers to undertake a gap analysis based on their exams and credits already built up and enables them to develop a structured learning programme.
Advisers complete a short questionnaire to assess where they currently are, and more importantly, illustrates the options available to help them get to where they need to be by the end of 2012. The new service is particularly useful for those people who are taking CII Diploma examinations.
To establish their current position and the way forward advisers follow three simple steps:

1. Record their existing exams
2. Identify their preferred learning style
3. Automatically produce a personalised ‘Your Results’ statement

‘My Qualifications’ then provides and explains the exam choices that are available. Advisers who then choose to follow the CII’s modular examination route are able to create a personalised qualifications roadmap, which illustrates:

1. The qualifications they have chosen to study for
2. E-learning chapter overviews including ‘Learncasts’  covering their chosen syllabus
3. Knowledge checkpoint tests, along with helpful tips and guidance
4. Visual progress of where they are up to on their revision route and the time remaining to their chosen exam day

The new interactive tool has been developed in association with Unicorn Training and has been designed to operate as part of the ‘My Learning’ online training and development service. This valuable system has been used by Sesame for several years and has recently been rolled out to Bankhall members. 
‘My Learning’ is designed to assess and refresh regulatory and technical knowledge, identify any future development areas, and retain CPD records. Advisers can use the online learning modules and self-assessment tools to improve their knowledge across a wide range of areas. The service also includes CII study materials to support revision for examinations. 
Stephen Young, Chief Operating Officer for Sesame Bankhall Group, said: “Regardless of the political and regulatory environment, we believe that higher professional standards are a fact of life and we do not expect any change in the direction of travel. We are also reaching a pivotal point for advisers where they need to engage in this process or risk running out of time.
“To achieve the RDR qualification benchmark advisers first need to undertake a gap analysis to understand which of their existing qualifications count towards QCF Level 4 status. From there they can then plot the examination route that is right for them. There are no easy options, but choosing the examination that matches their preferred learning style can significantly increase their chances of passing first time.
“Maximising the time available is also crucial given the demands on advisers to study for the future whilst continuing to look after their day to day client responsibilities – along with their home life. That is why we are committed to delivering practical solutions, and this new interactive tool is one way of helping to focus advisers on where they are now, where they need to get to and how they get there.”
Neill McWilliams, Managing Director at Unicorn Training, commented: “There is an onus on support service providers to not only help advisers to understand what they need to do to obtain QCF Level 4 status, but also help them to achieve it. What really differentiates this solution is the wide-ranging support content available, including e-learning and assessments provided by the CII. This makes it an invaluable tool for Sesame and Bankhall members.”