This document contains questions posed by employers and answers by the Profession.

Why is the course so lengthy?

The course was designed with the guidance of some employer representatives and this length was considered appropriate.

Is the course at the right time to get maximum benefit?

We will keep this under review but earlier discussions with employers suggested that the timing around 18 months of joining the profession was appropriate.

What is the aim of course?

The aim of the course is to help students understand:

• the business environment in which they are working;
• the challenges in the industry;
• approaches to tackling business related problems;
• their professional responsibilities;
• the need for lifelong learning.

Why is the profession offering the course?

The profession identified the importance of teaching students business awareness soon after they joined the profession. In discussion with employers it was felt that there are many advantages in getting students to start networking from an early stage and also to appreciate that different companies may have different approaches.

Can an employer opt out and offer it for themselves?

We do not believe this to be appropriate initially.

Will exemptions be made available?

This will not be the case unless for recognised overseas society run courses.

What happens if there is no Internet access or sound on PCs? What happens if your Internet connection is slow?

We expect students to find ways of getting suitable Internet access while engaged in the Business Awareness module.

How will the online test be monitored for security i.e. student has no help or it is not the student taking the course? What happens if Internet goes down during test?

We hope that the employer will help ensure that the test is taken under reasonable conditions and that students do not resort to inappropriate means in taking the test. We will talk to our supplier about any issues with the Internet going down while a student takes the test.

Can employers be informed if the student does not take the test after the course?

We will make sure that the entry form for the module allows feedback to the employer if the student does not complete any part of the module, the course or the test.

Will there be a pass list issued?

Yes, on the 1st of every month.

Will the students get feedback from the test?

Yes there is on-line feedback.

What happens if a student repeatedly fails the on-line test?

If a student fails the on-line test more than four times then the Profession will have a discussion with them to plan future approach.

What happens if a student misses one day of the two-day course?

This has to be discussed with the Registrar ang an appropriate decision will be made.

Will it matter if a student delays this module until nearer qualification? Will employers be told if the student has not registered after 18 months?

It is possible for a student to defer if they wish. However no qualification will be given in future until this is passed. We will not be able to inform employers if a student has not been after 18 months but we hope that the employer will be monitoring this through work-based skills.

Are more advanced students going to miss out on something e.g. ideas on professionalism?

We believe that acquisition of professionalism skills is best done through discussion with others. Points can be raised at all stages of someone’s career and it is unlikely that key issues will be overlooked.

Is there still a need for the professionalism course on qualification?

The Profession recognises that an actuary should start professionalism when they first start as a student, address it again on qualification and then at regular ten yearly intervals.

Can existing students go if an employer wants this?

It is possible.

Can the Business Awareness Course count for work-based skills or is this double counting?

Yes the two-day course can be recorded as part of the activities undertaken in work-based skills.

Will related review questions for work based skills be clearly identified?

It is assumed that several questions in the Commercial or Professional dimensions will be relevant.

What are employers doing about rewards for successful students?

This must be for employers to discuss among themselves but the Profession will consider doing a survey on study support in the future.