1. What is the Professional Qualifications Program (PQP)? What is the difference between the Professional Qualifications and the Qualification Examinations?
This program consists of three different qualifications; technical, regulatory, and specialized qualification. The qualification is obtained by passing its respective exam successfully.
2. Who is this program applicable to?
The PQP is applicable to Registered Employment Positions of Licensed Persons at the CMA.
3. Are the qualifications provided in the PQP available only for Registered Employment Positions?
No, the qualifications provided in the PQP of CISI are recognized internationally. They are available to anyone by applying through CISI website.
4. Will this program replace the Fit and Proper requirements?
No, the program represents a main part of the Fit and Proper Rules. It falls within the criterion of Competence and Capability.
5. When should a person registered in the Registered Employment Positions meet the requirements of PQP?
The CMA decided to implement the PQP for Registered Employment Positions in two phase:
ــ Preliminary implementation phase: Commenced on October 1, 2019
ــ Mandatory implementation phase: has been postponed one year and shall commence on October 1, 2021
The CMA divided the segments concerned with the implementation of the program into three different segments:
ــ First Segment: Persons registered before the preliminary implementation phase.
ــ Second Segment: Applications for nomination and registration submitted between the preliminary and mandatory implementation phases.
ــ Third Segment: Applications for nomination and registration submitted after the mandatory implementation phase.
The PQP page details the requirements of the program for each of the above-mentioned segments.
6. For persons registered prior to the date of implementation of the program, how will their attendance to the relevant training programs be verified?
The Licensing and Registration Department at the CMA shall coordinate with the Licensed Persons to provide them with documents proving the attendance of the training programs.
7. Is there an exemption from the requirements of the PQP?
The "Exemption Policy" applies only to the technical qualification, and does not apply to the other qualifications (regulatory and specialized qualifications). The exemption policy is based on the professional qualifications and practical experience set forth in Appendix (3) "Qualifications and Experience Required in Registered Positions and Employment Positions in Licensed Person in accordance with Fit and Proper Rules" of Module Five of the Executive Bylaws of Law No. 7 of 2010 and their amendments.
The exemption policy page details the professional certificates and years of practical experience required for the technical qualification exemption.
8. Do the requirements of PQP apply to the registered person in the event of changing the position within the same company?
If changing the position requires applying for nomination for Registered Employment Positions, pursuant to the Fit and Proper Rules, the change is considered a new position and the qualifications required for this new position apply.
9. If a registered person transfers from a conventional company to a company that operates in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia, how are the requirements of the PQP handled?
In the event that the transfer of the position requires the applicant to apply for nomination for the Registered Employment Positions in accordance with the Fit and Proper Rules, the change shall be regarded as a new position and the qualifications required for this new position shall apply.
10. Does the regulatory qualification differ according to the Registered Employment Position or is it a general qualification for all positions?
The regulatory qualification is one qualification for the rules and regulations of the CMA. It is for all Registered Employment Positions.
11. Is the specialized qualification mandatory?
The specialized qualification is optional, not mandatory. However, passing the three qualifications of the PQP (technical, regulatory, and specialized) leads to achieving a certificate accredited by the CMA and the CISI “CISI/KCMA Professional Qualifications Program Award".
12. Is a person granted a certificate when passing one qualification?
CISI grants a certificate for each qualification upon successful completion of the qualification exam. Passing the three exams of the program leads to achieving a certificate accredited by the CMA and the CISI “CISI/KCMA Professional Qualifications Program Award".
13. Is it necessary to participate in training courses to obtain the qualification?
There is no need to participate in training courses to obtain the qualification. The preparation process for qualification examinations is based mainly on self-study. Upon registration, the study materials are obtained through the CISI website.
14. How many hours of studying are required to pass the exam?
CISI determines the number of hours expected to pass each of the qualification exams, and the number of hours varies depending on each qualification.
Information regarding the hours expected to pass each of the qualification exams are available on CISI website.
15. How can I get the study material for the exams?
Study materials are obtained upon registration for the exam through the CISI website, where the fees for the exams include the study material and the exam itself.
16. What are the fees for qualifying exams and qualifications?
All fees for exams are determined by CISI. Fees range from £ 120 to £ 320, depending on the exam required. The fees include the study material and the exam itself. Companies and individuals can register at the CISI's website to take the exams.
Information regarding exams fees are available on CISI website.
17. Can I purchase the exam/ study material separately from the exam?
CISI may be contacted in this regard.
18. What are the nature and number of test questions? What is the grade of passing the exam?
All exams questions are based on multiple choice questions and the number of questions varies depending on each qualification. In general, the required score is 70%.
19. How often can a exam be taken until it is passed?
The CISI determines the number of times an exam can be taken until it is passed, in addition to the mandatory period between them.
20. Is it possible to take exams and have the study materials in both Arabic and English?
The choice of exams language is based on the person's choice, depending on the languages provided by the CISI for each of the exams. It is advised to take the exam in the same language as of the study materials.
21. How do I apply and pay for the exams? Are they all through the CISI?
Yes, fees for applying and sitting all qualification exams are paid through the CISI website.
22. How do I know which centers are available to take the exams, and should they only be taken in Kuwait?
The list of available exam centers may be obtained upon registration for the exam through CISI website. PQP exams may be taken at any center around the world as they are internationally accredited and available to anyone wishing to apply.
23. How can I know the training centers accredited by CISI?
You can consult the CISI website for accredited training centers around the world.
24. Does the certificate of professional qualifications expire?
In accordance with CISI policies, there is no set period for the professional qualifications certificates.
25. Can a qualification be used outside Kuwait?
Yes, the qualifications listed in the PQP relevant to CISI are internationally accredited qualifications, with each country determining the extent to which they are recognized and used.
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