JobSecurity
Platinum Poster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 604
I used the Regulatory Compliance guide and hated it also. The big orange book from FIS would be better if you are going to sit and read a big book. The bullet points sucked as I would rather have more information than that. I also took BVS classes on different topics, read magazines, etc.
I am also waiting for results and would like the waiting to end.
The Guide is simply meant to used as a tool to help guide you through the high points and pass the exam. It is not meant to be an educational tool to teach you all therr is know about compliance. If a bullet point seemed vague or unfamiliar, then that is a sign you need to do additional reasearch on your own within a fullbodied writing of the regulation in question.
If people are looking to the Guide as a tool to learn compliance, then they are not at a point where they should be taking the exam to obtain their CRCM.
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I don't repeat gossip, so listen closely...
I did the online review course, but if I had to do it over again I likely would not have.
However, I did like the weekly webinars that are a part of the course. We were able to get some extra training for the bank by having people sit in on those.
Also, the PDF copy of the reference guide was handy to load on the Ipad and study during down time instead of having to lug around a printed manual.
I think what helped me the most was just reading these threads about first hand experience to see what the questions will be like. Especially all of the "what do you do first/last" questions.
IMO, this is not a test that you can just study for and pass. If you don't have a good knowledge base from your day to day dealings, you are not going to do well on this. The study guides may be worth an extra question or two on the test just so you will be used to the format and what not.
JobSecurity
Platinum Poster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 604
Doubt anyone who purchased the Guide expected to learn compliance from it. I just felt it was not very much fun to read, very poor overview and the bullet points drove me crazy. The tests that were in it were good for letting you know where your weaknesses were but for the price I did not think it was very good and I would not have purchased it if I had been able to view it prior to purchase. It was a recommended tool and therefore purchased it. The books from the compliance school and the test breakdown areas/percentages were more useful to me as a preparation tool.
Doubt anyone who purchased the Guide expected to learn compliance from it. I just felt it was not very much fun to read, very poor overview and the bullet points drove me crazy.
....and there were TYPOS in it! Seriously, for the money, they could have at least run spell check and enlisted a decent editor to proof it.
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I can't herd the cats anymore, so I just set up the electric fences and let them fry when they stray out of bounds.
I actually found the guide to be quite helpful. I used it as my primary study material. Was it fun? NO, but it was helpful.That and my base knowledge helped me to pass the test given in October.
I took the test in Atlanta and had the PDF version on my notebook. I would recommend it as a study guide.
Really liked the ABA study guide. Thought the online course was a big waste of time and money. I agree, compliance work experience over many years helped greatly in passing.
I took the test on 11/2 as well, no results yet, what is going on??? This waiting and email checking is exhausting!
It can take 4-6 weeks because they review comments from test takers about questions that may need to be thrown out. also with the mail issue from Sandy, some candidates had to test on a different day, so that probably delayed them somewhat as well. I'm sure we will get them soon. I had the week of the 17th marked as the probable week of revelation.
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I can't herd the cats anymore, so I just set up the electric fences and let them fry when they stray out of bounds.
It was 5 weeks after I tested before we got the results. It can take up to 8 so they say, depending on the number of testers and the number of comments about questions. It IS nerveracking, to the point that I was so psyched out when I got the email it was like that scene from Major League where Wesley Snipes was afraid to open his locker. I mean, I even covered my eyes after I clicked open the email.....hang in there...I am feeling it will be tomorrow.....
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The last thing that blew my mind was the wind.
The tests change with the times and the comments. I'm with DY in that I'd stay with the ABA, ICB, etc.
And as a reminder to CRCMs, if you haven't been it will soon be time to update your CPEs.
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AndyZ CRCM My opinions are not necessarily my employers. R+R-R=R+R Rules and Regs minus Relationships equals Resentment and Rebellion. John Maxwell