Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

At XCEL, the safety of our students and employees is our top priority, and we’re closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

Here are some updates that can help you continue your path to licensing during these uncertain times:

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Virtual Strategies for Student Support

Along with our fully online learning experience, in response to the market needs, XCEL has made available additional On-Demand Lectures and Online Flashcards.

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Strategies to help students keep the information fresh

In an effort to address student concerns, XCEL’s recommended approach is actually based on where students are in their preparation. The first approach is for students who have completed all of three elements of the training program (Pre-licensing Education, Prep Review and State Exam Simulators), while the second approach is for students who have not yet completed all elements of the program.
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For students who have completed the entire training program

Although it may sound strange, take a break for a few days. You’ve worked hard and deserve it. Then, after the break, you should:

  1. Enroll in the courtesy study aids by clicking the tile on your dashboard.
  2. Reread the cliff notes. This second reading will often provide students with a greater understanding of the important concepts as a result of having completed the different elements of the program.
  3. Combine the reading with the On-Demand lectures. In other words, read a chapter and then follow up with the On-Demand lecture for that chapter.
  4. Use the Flashcards as an additional form of studying.
  5. Within 5 days from the scheduled test date, begin retaking the State Exam Simulators to continually reinforce the correct answer.
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For students who have not yet completed the program

Keep up with your studies until all of the elements have been completed. For example, if you have completed the Pre-licensing Education Course but still need to do the Prep Review and State Exam simulators, continue until all three parts are complete. At this point, you should reward yourself by taking a break for a few days. After the break, complete steps 1-5 above, same as students who have completed the entire training program.
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Regulatory Strategies for Partners

XCEL is working with state regulatory agencies to help communicate changes to pre-licensing and testing:

  1. Live exam proctoring, to suspended it or implement virtual proctoring
  2. Temporary Licensure
  3. Extended pre-license certificate validity
    Please check out our DOI FAQ here to refer to your respective Department of Insurance & Exam Vendor for all state-specific COVID-19 changes and updates.
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Remote Exam Update

Effective, September 28, 2020, FINRA in coordination with Prometric has updated the remote testing functionality which will now permit candidates to review previously answered questions and make changes. This change allows candidates to have the same experience as a test center. FINRA did not commit to extending remote testing to any additional exams beyond the SIE, Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and 66 although that may change in the future.  The link is below and the information is contained under Test Centers & Exam Enrollments Updated September 28, 2020:

 https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/key-topics/covid-19/exams

Effective July 13, 2020, FINRA and NASAA are allowing all candidates and firms to schedule remote (online) test appointments for FINRA’s Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 6, and Series 7 Exams, as well as NASAA’s Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 Exams. This is in addition to local Prometric testing centers which are open and available for all qualification exams. FINRA update page and related information can be found here.

Due to the months of COVID-19 restrictions, both FINRA and NASAA recognize the challenges associated with accommodating the need for testing and anticipate a high demand for online appointments. To monitor the program’s performance under increased volume, online appointments will initially be limited. As they work with Prometric on increasing online capacity, the regulators encourage firms and candidates to utilize a combination of online testing as well as testing at a local test center (if open).You may find updates regarding online test delivery requirements and appointment scheduling here.

If you have an existing appointment at a local testing center, you are able to test online; however, you must first cancel your existing appointment.

Any person who requires testing accommodations will need to make an appointment at a local test center. FINRA is continuing to test various provisions to make online delivery accommodations available to candidates with disabilities.

Because this disruption is unanticipated and unprecedented, students are likely left with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. At XCEL, we are uniquely aware of just how much time and effort goes into preparing for pre-licensing exams. Please know that XCEL’s support staff and instructors remain available to help students with any concerns or questions they may have.

If you have any questions, please email us at support@xcelsolutions.com or call us at (866) 559-9235. 

For more details on XCEL’s COVID-19 response, visit https://www.xcelsolutions.com/coronavirus-covid-19-update

Wishing you all the best,

Your XCEL Support Team

FAQs

How is Prometric testing center affected by COVID-19?

Prometric’s goal is to continue to open sites when and where it is safe to do so in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.  This list will be evaluated with the intention of opening additional sites on a rolling two week basis. Please note that the open status of these sites is contingent on numerous factors or guidelines; should anything arise that forces us to close one of the test centers listed here, impacted candidates will be notified. This list will be updated daily to reflect any changes in status.

You may also refer directly to the Prometric ‘Social Distancing’ site here.

How is PSI testing center affected by COVID-19?

PSI Examination Services has advised that PSI Services will be closing corporate testing sites beginning Friday, March 20, 2020, and will remain closed until Tuesday, April 30, 2020.

How is Pearson Vue testing center affected by COVID-19?

Starting Tuesday, March 17, Pearson Vue has suspended test delivery at all U.S.- and Canada-based Pearson VUE-owned test centers for 30 days until April 16.

My Testing Center is closed, do you have any additional aides that can help me be prepared in the meantime?

We have enabled On-Demand Lectures and Flashcards to student dashboards for you to enhance your studying, at no cost to you.  Please click on the tile in your dashboard to enroll. 

XCEL is working with state regulatory agencies to help communicate changes to pre-licensing and testing:

  1. Live exam proctoring, to suspended it or implement virtual proctoring
  2. Temporary Licensure
  3. Extended Pre-license certificate validity

Please check out our DOI FAQ here to refer to your respective Department of Insurance & Exam Vendor for all state-specific COVID-19 changes and updates.

My Course has expired, how do I extend my course?

If your course has expired, you may use code STUDYNOW to secure a 25% discount to extend your XCEL study materials through May 31. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary. 

Will fingerprinting services be interrupted during this time?

XCEL has been made aware that some State Sheriff’s offices are suspending performing fingerprinting due to the COVID-19 virus. As such, XCEL recommends you check with your state’s fingerprinting governing body to ensure you understand your options.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please email us at support@xcelsolutions.com or call us at (866) 559-9235.

Where can I stay updated on safety recommendations?

We recommend the CDC’s website as a resource for prevention and treatment for COVID-19.