HKSI introduces new initiatives to assist Licensing Exam (LE) Candidates

Since the launch of the LE in June 2003, the Hong Kong Securities Institute (HKSI) has been monitoring the performance of candidates. Analysis of the LE examination results indicates that candidates may require further guidance on examination preparation techniques, particularly for the regulatory papers. To assist candidates prepare for future LE examinations, the HKSI will be rolling out a number of new educational initiatives in the coming months including;

• Publication of ˇ§Guidelines for Examination Preparationˇ¨ which have been posted on the HKSI website since December 2003;

• Publication of Sample Questions Booklets including answers and explanations for each LE Paper. Booklets for Paper 1 and Paper 7 are now available for sale;

• Organisation of free revision strategy sessions for Human Resources, Training and Compliance Directors/Managers. LE strategy briefings (conducted in both English and Chinese) were held during March 2004 and were attended by approximately 100 industry participants. Additional sessions will be held according to market demand;

• Launch of the LE on-line revision strategy workshop. A comprehensive examination revision workshop, hosted by Mr. Gary Cheung, HKSI Chief Executive, will be available on the HKSI website in late April 2004;

• Increased industry participation in the LE by means of the LE external assessor panels which review the examination papers. Invitations have been issued to representatives of a number of key financial institutions which the HKSI believes may be interested in joining these panels;

• Publication of broad statistical results of LE Paper 1 on the HKSI website every month and in the HKSI bi-monthly journal, ˇ§Hong Kong Securitiesˇ¨ as from March 2004; and

• Disclosure of actual examination scores to candidates who fail LE Papers in their Notifications of Results as from May/June 2004.

The HKSI will continue to update the LE Study Manuals and to revise the questions to reflect changes in regulations and market practices. The HKSI will also continue to listen to feedback from candidates and will review the examination questions on an on-going basis. As a professional body and an independent examination provider recognised by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the HKSI is committed to the implementation of all practical measures to ensure the quality of the LE.

Appendix I outlines further details regarding the LE educational initiatives.

For further information, please contact either:

Mr. Gary Cheung, Chief Executive on 3120 6288 or
Ms. Tricia Klinger, Director - Corporate Communications on 3120 6158
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