Q. Can the course be accessed only through a company; what if I am the only person in my company who wants to do this?

A. The scheme assumes that the course will be part of a company’s training programme and the certificate recording success will be printed by the learner’s line manager. However, we are making it possible for 'self starters' to register via the CICM website with CICM Training.

Q. How is the course to be administered and the on-line tests administered?

A. The course is entirely on-line. The learner will have six months from having been given a log-in to record completion. If the course is not completed within six months, the line manager will be informed and the learner will not be able to re-register for two months. Whether to complete the course under 'exam conditions' will be for each company to decide.

Q. Is the certificate printed by the company the CICM Award in Trade Credit Insurance?

A. No. The course has been accredited by CICM and the certificate confirms completion of this course. In order to gain the CICM Award in Trade Credit Insurance which is worth 9 credits towards an CICM Diploma, the learner will need to register with CICM, pay the appropriate fee, and take an online exam based on the material already studied in the course. This exam will take place at a local Pearson VUE e-test centre and will be invigilated by Pearson VUE.

Q. Is this intended to be for brokers only or will underwriters be encouraged to take it?

A. There has been good support to date from brokers, but the underwriters which are members of the Trade Credit Committee of ABI have all said that they will make this part of their training programme.

Q. Will it be made a requirement for a broker to be accredited by underwriters?

A. This has not been discussed, but we are all required by FSA to ensure that individuals are competent for the jobs that they do.