We often receive queries from employers regarding the validity of RE certificates produced by prospective applicants. This is indeed wise, as we are aware of instances where people fraudulently replicate documents by means of modern technology.
What copy cats do not realise, is that all parties of the illegal act can be identified – both the owner of the original document, and the copier, due to the built-in security measures. Committing an act of fraud can lead to regulatory action, including debarment.
The FSB published guidelines for FSPs to verify the RE status of their current employees. Please click here to download a copy.
What is the situation with prospective employees? The FSP does not have access to the RE status of such individuals, and have to rely on the documentation provided by the applicant.
Authentication
If a candidate provides a certificate issued by Moonstone, the employer can obtain written consent from the applicant to apply to us for authentication of the certificate. In terms of our mandate from the FSB, we are only allowed to confirm or deny that it is a valid document – nothing more. The letter of consent, together with a copy of the applicable Moonstone RE certificate, can be sent to faisexam@moonstoneinfo.co.za with a request for authentication of the document.
Verification
Only the FSB can verify the actual RE status of a job applicant. Requests for this information should be referred to the FSB Fais department on 0800 110 443. Please do not contact us in this regard. We are unable to assist, even though the applicant may have written the RE at Moonstone.
Preparation Material
There are two fully updated resources for those requiring access to the legislation applicable to the regulatory examinations:
- LexisNexis provides a “Legislation Handbook” together with a “Preparation Guide” containing the qualifying criteria, with a link to the relevant legislation. Queries can be addressed to Nerine.
- The Juta FAIS Pocket Statutes also contains a CD with a comprehensive list of updated supplementary legislative material for reference purposes.
RE Schedules, Venues and Registration click here to visit our exam page.
Article – Previously posted on the 11th of July 2014
