Foundation Level

The Foundation level training courses are one day courses designed to provide an overview of some of the legislation and rules affecting the secured loan industry.

Lecture subjects include: General Finance awareness, Licensing, Non-Status Lending Guidelines, Self Regulation/Voluntary codes, Data Protection, Credit Referencing, Early Redemption, Account Handling and judicial controls, Broker Fees, etc.

The courses are held every month.

The cost for each delegate is currently £125 + VAT. This includes all course notes, lectures and examination costs. Delegates are provided with refreshments on arrival, morning tea/coffee, lunch and afternoon tea/coffee. The venues will cater for special dietary requirements provided the course administrator has received prior notice.

These courses are very popular and delegates are advised to book early.

Seminars

The Association regularly holds seminars on relevant subjects. Recent seminars have included: The Retail Mediation Activities Return, Training and Competence, PPI Sales Procedures and The Consumer Credit Act 2006.

If you would like the Association to consider arranging a seminar to address issues of concern to the FISA trader please contact the FISA office.

Details of future seminars will be posted here.

Associate Level

The Associate level courses are being designed to meet both FSA and OFT requirements. The Associate course is a mixture of distance learning, both correspondence and web assisted together with half day seminars. The course curriculum is designed to be completed over a six month duration.

Delegates joining the Associate course will be expected to study by themselves although some group sessions will be arranged. Delegates will requiredto complete monthly progress tests. There will also be a dedicated web site for delegates where they can post questions and receive answers. This site will be updated daily with items relevant to the curriculum. The course concludes with an examination. Delgates who achieve a pass of sufficent standing may be invited to apply for a Fellowship of the Association. Fellowship candidates will require further study and to pass a board interview.

We are currently compiling a list of delegates for the Associate level courses. With the new competency requirements of both the FSA and OFT we expect these courses to be popular.