FAQs for Mandatory Training and Test
1. What is the AML/CFT mandatory training programme?
The AML/CFT mandatory training programme consists of a prescribed AML/CFT course and a proficiency test. The AML/CFT course is a 5-hour course that will help RFAs understand their role and responsibilities in AML/CFT and the proficiency test is a one-hour test that will be made available online.
2. What is the objective of the mandatory training programme?
The objective implementing the mandatory training programme is to meet RFAs’ needs in AML/CFT training and is also part of ACRA’s ongoing efforts to help raise the professional standards of the CSP sector and to strengthen resilience against Money Laundering/Terrorist Financing.
3. Who needs to attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test?
Existing RFAs whose renewal are due on/after 15 Nov 2018 - Attend prescribed AML/CFT course and pass proficiency test before renewal as a pre-condition.
New RFA applicants seeking registration from 15 Nov 2018 - Attend prescribed AML/CFT course and pass proficiency test before registration as a pre-condition.
4. Who in the RFA should attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test?
The AML/CFT course must be attended by at least one director or owner or partner of the RFA. The same person that attended the AML/CFT course must take the proficiency test.
5. If the Director who took the AML/CFT course and proficiency test resigned from the RFA, is there a need for another Director to attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test?
Yes, RFA needs to ensure that at least one director or owner or partner of the RFA has completed the AML/CFT mandatory training programme. The person that attended the AML/CFT course must take the proficiency test.
6. Do RFAs have to attend both the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test?
To satisfy the requirements of registration and renewal, an RFA must attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test before registration or renewal from 15 Nov 2018.
7. Do existing RFAs need to take the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test? What if they fail the requirements?
Existing RFAs whose renewals are due on/after 15 Nov 2018 must attend the prescribed AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test before they can renew their registration. Thereafter, RFAs must attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test at least once in every two years. RFAs that do not complete the prescribed AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test will not be allowed to renew their registration as Filing Agents.
8. Do new RFA applicants have to take the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test before application?
Anyone seeking registration as a RFA from 15 Nov 2018 must attend the prescribed AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test as a pre-condition of their registration. Thereafter, RFAs must attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test at least once in every two years.
9. Is there a need for everyone in the RFA to attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test?
To satisfy the requirements for registration and renewal, at least one director or owner or partner of the RFA must attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test.
10. Can RFAs take the proficiency test before attending the AML/CFT course?
No. RFAs must attend the AML/CFT course before attempting the proficiency test.
11. Is there a requirement for the RQI(s) and employee(s) of the RFA to attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test?
There is no requirement for RQI(s) and employee(s) of RFAs to attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test but RFAs may choose to send them for this course and take the test if they wish to as part of an RFA’s training obligations for its RQI(s) and employee(s).
12. Is this a one-off requirement?
This is an ongoing requirement for registration as RFAs. RFAs must attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test at least once in every two years in order to renew their registration as filing agents.
13. Who are the training providers for the AML/CFT Course?
To ensure that the AML/CFT course takes into account industry practices and needs, ACRA has worked with the Chartered Secretaries Institute of Singapore (CSIS) and the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) to jointly develop the training programme. The training sessions will be conducted by the two professional bodies while ACRA will administer the online proficiency test.
14. What is the course fee for the AML/CFT course?
The course fee is $200 payable to the training providers (i.e., CSIS or ISCA). This is on a cost recovery basis.
15. Where can I sign up for the AML/CFT course?
More information on the AML/CFT course and how RFAs can sign up for the course can be found here.
16. What are the course dates available?
Please refer to CSIS and ISCA’s websites for more information on the training dates available.
17. Will I receive a certificate after completion of the AML/CFT Course?
Yes. A certificate of attendance will be issued by the training provider(s).
18. Will I be awarded Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours for attending the AML/CFT course?
Attendees of the AML/CFT course will be accorded the respective hours as part of their Continuing Professional Educations hours depending on the professional bodies they belong to.
19. What is the duration of the AML/CFT course?
The AML/CFT course is a 5-hour course.
20. Are there any fees chargeable for the proficiency test?
The online proficiency test is $45.00 for each attempt. This is on a cost recovery basis.
21. Where is the proficiency test conducted?
The online proficiency test is conducted online. Click here to register.
22. Can I retake the proficiency test if I did not pass it on the first attempt?
Yes. You may retake the proficiency test at $45.00 per attempt.
23. How many test attempts can I take for the proficiency test?
There is no limit to the number of attempt.
24. What is the duration of the proficiency test?
RFAs have one hour to complete the proficiency test in one sitting.
25. Is there a timeframe within which RFAs have to take the proficiency test after completing the AML/CFT course?
There is no specific time frame for the RFA to attempt the proficiency test after completing the AML/CFT course. RFA can attempt the proficiency test once they are ready to do so after completing the AML/CFT course. However, RFAs should ensure that the AML/CFT course and proficiency test are completed within two years from the date of their application for registration or renewal.
26. I am a RFA, can I request for my company’s Compliance Officer to take the proficiency test on my behalf?
The compliance officer may attempt the proficiency test only if he/she is also one of the directors or owners or partners of the RFA. ACRA will not approve any request for a third party to attempt the proficiency test on behalf of the director or owner or partner of the RFA. To satisfy the requirements for registration and renewal, at least one director or owner or partner of the RFA must attend the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test.
27. I am a director of two RFAs, do I need to take the AML/CFT course and pass the proficiency test twice to satisfy the requirements for renewal for both firms?
There is no need to do so. Both RFAs may renew as long as the common director has attended the AML/CFT course and passed the proficiency test.
28. If I have a Professional Qualification from ICTA/ACAMS/other course providers, can I be exempted from this requirement?
No. There is no exemption.
29. Do I need to create an account to attempt the proficiency test?
The proficiency test is made available via ACRA’s eLearning Portal. RFAs must register via the eLearning Portal before signing up for the proficiency test.
30. Do I have to login with my SingPass/CorpPass to attempt the proficiency test?
There is no need to do so. RFAs have to sign up for an account via ACRA’s eLearning Portal. If you have previously signed up for the Directors Compliance Programme on ACRA’s eLearning Portal, you can use the same account to login for the proficiency test.