Examination Schedule

Basic Competency Examination (BCE)

Objective
To ensure potential financial adviser representatives possess the requisite basic numeracy skills and proficiency in the English Language.

Contents
Paper 1 - English

Section	Allocation Of Marks	Description
A - Composition	30	A composition based on a situation (suitable for working adults) described in detail with about 200 words.
B - Comprehension (a passage of 350 to 450 words)	25	5 to 7 questions to test on understanding of information stated or inferred. 2 to 3 questions to test on understanding of vocabulary as used in the passage. 1 summary question.
C - Multiple-Choice Questions	5	5 questions on vocabulary.
Total	60 Marks

Paper 2 - Mathematics

Topic	Section A No. Of Questions	Section B No. Of Questions
Arithmetic	1	-
Ideas of Ordering	1	-
Ratio, Proportion & Percentage	3	2
Interpretation, Evaluation & Easy Manipulation of Formulae	1	-
Simple Financial Transactions, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest (including Foreign Exchange)	2	1
Statistics	1	3
Total Number Of Questions	9	6
Total Mark (40 Marks)	20	20

Structure & Format
The examination consists of two papers.

Paper 1 - English (60 Marks)
Paper 2 - Mathematics (40 Marks)

Both examinations are on the same day. Paper 1 examination will begin first to be followed by Paper 2 examination, after a 15-minute break.

New candidates are required to sit for both papers on the same day and those who fail in one paper may resit the failed paper on another scheduled examination date.  For details of the dates, please refer to the Examination Schedule. 

Duration
English - 1 hour 30 minutes
Mathematics - 1 hour

Minimum Passing Grade
At least 50% for each paper. However, the minimum passing grade can be attained at separate sittings.

Result Slip will be issued for each paper separately. 

Examination & Registration Fees (Inclusive of 7% GST)
For details, please click here.

Study Materials
There is no basic text to use.

Examination Mode
Pen & Paper (P&P) Examination in English only.

Candidates can self-study for the examination.

Examination Frequency & Schedule
The examination is conducted quarterly on a weekday.

Candidates representing the life insurance companies may refer directly to their respective Training Department for the Examination Schedule.  For other candidates, please refer to the Examination Registration.

Examination Resitting
There is no limit on the number of times that a candidate can sit for an examination. However, he or she will not be permitted to sit for any examination if he or she has either passed or been exempted from it.

Exemption
Not applicable.

Registration
Registration must be made online via SCI Website.

Please refer to the Examination Registration Policies for more information on registration.

Candidates who represent life insurance companies will have to register using their respective company's user ID and password. Please check directly with the respective Agency / Training Department for the registration details.

Candidates who represent only General Insurance Companies, Banks / Securities Houses, Insurance Broking Firms and Financial Advisers can register online via SCI Website.

Certificate Collection
No certificate will be issued to any candidate who passes the BCE examination. Only result slip will be issued.

Programme Changes
SCI solely reserves the right whether or not to accept any candidate, or to make any changes (including the fees) owing to any unforeseen circumstances, or when it considers necessary or appropriate to do so.