The CLU Institute, the professional organization that administers the Chartered Life Underwriter of Canada (CLU) designation, has announced the availability of a new CLU Challenge exam qualification process.

Upon finishing the qualification process that includes, among other things, completion of the online questionnaire and submission of two letters of reference from current CLU members, qualified candidates are invited to register for the CLU Challenge exam and optional preparatory course.

“The CLU Challenge exam offers a one-time opportunity to qualified senior financial advisors to achieve a professional designation in recognition of their experience, skills, and competencies in the areas of advanced life insurance applications and estate planning solutions,” said Kristan Birchard, chair of the CLU Institute, in a news release.

The exam is designed to acknowledge that many qualified senior financial advisors, while undesignated, have typically maintained successful long-term careers by gaining hands-on experience, knowledge, and expertise through self-study and participation in continuing education courses.

The exam, which is only open to Advocis members, will test the candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the concepts found in the CLU syllabus. Members who successfully complete the CLU Challenge exam will be awarded the cCLU designation.

While non-Advocis members may access the qualification questionnaire, they must become Advocis members prior to registering for the exam.

“While seasoned financial advisors are excited at the opportunity to achieve recognition for their knowledge and expertise, current CLU designates can be confident that the level of difficulty of the examination has been set to equal the testing in the regular CLU curriculum,” said Terry Taylor, COO of the CLU Institute

Advocis chapters across Canada will co-ordinate examination centres on the following scheduled dates: April 21, August 25, and December 15.

Subject to demand, optional preparatory courses will be offered in June of this year in major centres across Canada.

Interested financial advisors are invited to visit the CLU Institute Web site (www.cluinstitute.ca) or to contact member services at 1-877-773-6765 for further information.