The drive towards higher professional standards is here to stay, according to Sesame Bankhall.
And the network is warning intermediaries that pressure is intensifying on them to engage in the process or risk running out of time.
Stephen Young, chief operating officer of the network group made the statement while launching a qualifications matrix to help guide advisers through the different routes available.
The online matrix has been created for advisers to compare the range of options available, along with the total cost and amount of study hours recommended to achieve them.
It also includes details of the approved Retail Distribution Review (RDR) qualifications announced by the FSA in its consultation paper 10/14.
Three sections will inform advisers about:
guidance on each qualification, including syllabus content and past papers with model answers;
how to obtain study materials and available discounts;
and how to book on to the examinations.
Young, believes the key for advisers is to make an informed decision about which route is right for them because different examinations will suit different people.
"The FSA has now published the list of approved qualifications and this means advisers have greater clarity and certainty over what is required," he says.
"But that also means that the drive towards higher professional standards is here to stay, and the pressure on advisers to engage in this process, or risk running out of time, is intensifying.
"Choosing the right examination significantly increases the chances of passing first time," he adds.
