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CeFA Training Methods
Why do we offer 3 CeFA training methods?
We have been providing CeFA training since the qualification was first introduced back in the late 1990s. Our vast experience has shown that different individuals have
different strengths and, therefore, different training needs. For example, while some people learn very quickly and only need to have each topic explained to them once,
most of us need to be taught a topic and then be given an opportunity to go away to absorb the knowledge at our own space and in our own time, without any time pressures.
Similarly, while some people can afford to pay around £65 per night (on top of the training fee) for hotel accommodation, most would prefer to have the training
conducted within their own area in order to minimize the cost and the family disruption.
Since our customers come to us with different circumstances and preferences, we make three different alternatives available to them, as described below.
Option 1: Group Classroom Training (fast-track)
This is by far the most common training option available in the market, with most CeFA training companies providing no other alternative whatsoever. The usual format is
as follows:
- CeFA1: 5-day course (Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM)
- CeFA2: 5-day course (Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM)
- CeFA3: 5-day course (Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM) - this module also includes the strategy for CeFA4.
CeFA1 will usually be taken first, although there are alternative strategies depending on the people involved. Clearly, this is the reason the Institute of Financial
Services (
ifs), which is the organization responsible for the CeFA qualification, named the first module
CeFA1.
Secondly, while the intensive method of training is appropriate for some delegates, it proves to be totally inappropriate for others for the following reasons.
The
ifs recommends that CeFA delegates should spend between 40 and 60 hours of study on
each of the first three CeFA modules. This is in recognition of the fact that each CeFA module is considered to be broadly equivalent to an 'A' level (NVQ3), and
we know that even the best students usually take two years to complete their 'A' level studies.
In view of this fact and the amount of content that must be covered in each 5-day intensive course, the CeFA trainer has to drive the group at a fixed speed. Since not
everyone is best suited to this style of learning, it is inevitable that some people would prefer an alternative training method.
Although we have successfully guided countless individuals through such intensive courses, we always make our customers aware of the two alternative learning options
described below., which are:
- CeFA Online - a home study programme (distance learning)
- CeFA One2One - one-to-one tuition for those not suited to group learning
IMPORTANT NOTE: Sadly, there are a number of CeFA training providers operating in the market that claim to guide people through each of the first 3 CeFA modules in
just 2 to 3 days. Beware - it is not possible to cover the syllabus anywhere near sufficiently in such a short time. When these training providers receive complaints, and
there are many of these, their defense is to claim that the courses were only revision courses, and that the delegates should have covered the material before attending.
Unfortunately, in such circumstances, these individuals are then left with the following choice. They either:
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take and fail the exam, then needing to pay £105 to take the re-sit, with no guarantee of success,
or, alternatively,
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they book and pay for a number of extra revision days before paying the re-sit fee.
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Clearly, in such circumstances, having hoped to achieve a pass with just 2 or 3 days of study, typically paying around £500 plus travel and hotel expenses, these
delegates are disappointed to find that the ultimate will be much higher and their success could take much longer.
Option 2: Online CeFA Training (computer-based)
For those who would find it difficult to take a week away from work or from the family, regardless of whether they have the means to pay for five nights accommodation at
around £65 per night (in addition to the training course fee), a home-based learning option might prove to be a better alternative.
Drawing on our many years of experience with not only CeFA training, but also all other types of financial adviser training and development, we developed a unique,
custom-built, computer-based CeFA study software package. This learning tool contains everything that is included in the intensive classroom courses and, very
importantly, it is provided with
live telephone and email support, seven days per week, thereby ensuring that your questions (should you have any) can be answered as they arise.
Again, however, our vast experience has taught us that, although some people can learn with no difficulty from the computer-based system alone, there are others who are
better suited to a combination of the two methods so far described. For this reason, we offer our third option, which is as follows.
Option 3: One-to-One CeFA Training
This '
5 steps to success' option combines
one-to-one classroom training with our computer-based learning utility. The strategy is as follows:
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Step 1
We arrange the first 1-day, one-to-one training session, to be conducted at a location in your area. This saves you money on hotel and travel expenses and
ensures that you have the full attention of the trainer, rather than having to share it with nine strangers. Since the trainer has only you to concentrate on,
this is clearly far more valuable than group training.
During this first day, we complete the first part of the course together and we ensure that our computer-based learning system is available to you on your
laptop or home PC. Towards the end of the day, we register you with the
ifs and book your exam date and time as appropriate, typically 3 to 6 weeks later. At the end of day one, we will know whether you are likely to
be ready sooner, and if so, we can arrange an earlier exam.
At this stage, we also arrange a second 1-day, one-to-one training session, to take place (usually) 7 to 10 days after the first day (see Step 3 below).
We also arrange a third 1-day, one-to-one training session to take place (usually) 7 to 10 days after that, and this will usually be the week before your exam
date (see Step 5 below).
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Step 2
You use our computer-based learning utility to complete the second part of the course. As well as giving you all the necessary study material on-screen, our
utility includes well over 2,000 multiple choice questions (and answers) and a marking system plus test history chart that ensures you are ready by the time you
take your exam. Remember that, throughout this phase, you have access to live telephone and email support, 7 days per week.
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Step 3
We conduct the second one-to-one training session, again conducted at a location in your area, so saving you more money on hotel and travel expenses, and
again giving you the full attention of the trainer. During this stage, we would complete the third part of the course together and clear up any remaining
uncertainties from the previous stage.
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Step 4
Again, you use our computer-based learning utility to complete the fourth part of the course. Remember that, throughout this phase, you have access to live
telephone and email support, 7 days per week.
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Step 5
We conduct the final 1-day, one-to-one training session, again conducted at a location in your area, so saving you more money on hotel and travel expenses,
and again giving you the full attention of the trainer. During this stage, we would complete the final part of the course together and clear up any remaining
uncertainties before you take the exam on the following day.
From start to finish, the whole process will usually take no more than 16 days to complete and you may have noticed that this dedicated one-to-one training
option is no more expensive than the group training course.
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In providing the above three options, we have a solution to suit almost everyone's budget and
personal circumstances. If you feel that one of these options might be appropriate for you, please use our
CONTACT US
form to tell us which option you prefer and we'll happily answer any questions you may still have.
Summary
OK, that's the end of the
CeFA training methods introduction and I hope you found it to be informative.
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