The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment is keeping the majority of its test centres open despite the coronavirus fallout but is toying with the idea of "remote invigilation".
In an update today (March 19) the professional body said it was exploring its options for remote invigilation for its computer-based exams, but had decided to delay its narrative exams originally set for June until September.
Despite this, chief executive Simon Culhane said all of the CISI's test centres in the UK remained open, with the exception of the Birmingham centre which will stay closed until April 15.
The CISI test centres in Europe, Africa, North America, the Middle East and most of Asia are currently closed.
Mr Culhane said: "We would like to reassure our candidates and wider stakeholders that we are following government and medical and health advice and working closely with our testing partner, Prometric, to ensure the safety of our exam candidates while supporting individuals’ and firms’ need to maintain business as usual as far as possible.
"At the current time our test centres in all countries, other than those specified, are still open.
"Our testing partners have confirmed they have enhanced their cleaning and hygiene measures in test centres to help protect the health of candidates. We are seeking to ensure that every effort is made to minimise any risk."
Earlier this week the Chartered Insurance Institute announced it had postponed exams due to take place in April in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic.
The CII confirmed its written exams planned for April 20, 21 and 22 would be moved to October in light of the UK government’s advice to stop non-essential contact and travel.
But the CII said its multiple choice question online exams would go ahead at the pre-booked centres as there were less than 25 candidates at each sitting.
In today's announcement the CISI said it would waive the transfer fees for any candidate with an existing exam booking who wished to move to an alternative date.
Mr Culhane said: "Although we will have to postpone, cancel or change some of our event programme, we will contact you directly if you have booked spaces on something that is changing.
"We are proactively working with our firms and regular speakers around the world to continue to offer alternative continuing professional development options."
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
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