Advisers split in 'books in exams' debate

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A suggestion financial advisers should be allowed to take resource material into examinations to better replicate their working conditions has sparked a frenzied debate among industry figures.

Earlier this week, AWD Group marketing director Martyn Laverick said having reference books and data available during exams would be a "more logical way of testing skills". "Why not let advisers have research books with them during exams," Laverick asked, "thereby [allowing] use of all the tools they have at their fingertips in the real world?" His idea sharply divided opinion among IFAonline readers, highlighting how contentious and emotive the subject of examinations is proving to be. Keith Churchouse, director of Churchouse Financial Planning, says: "Clearly the cold weather has...

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