Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

At STC, the safety of our students, instructors and employees is our top priority, and we’re closely monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19).

We understand that there may be concerns regarding our in-person classes.  All classes are taking place as scheduled; however, our in-person classes have moved to virtual only through June.  Additionally, STC has expanded our virtual class offerings to make them more accessible to our students. Whether you choose to self-study or attend our virtual classes, we want to assure you that we are fully operational.

Additionally, as we have expertise in the area of virtual delivery, we have confidence the experience will be seamless and powerful, helping you succeed!  Thank you for trusting STC with your licensing exam prep.  

We’re committed to making your classroom a safe space to learn during this uncertain time. Below we outline some important information about your classes.

Remote Exam Update
FINRA in coordination with Prometric permits candidates to schedule Remote Testing for the following exams
• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
• Series 3
• Series 6
• Series 7
• Series 30
• Series 31
• Series 63
• Series 65
• Series 66
In addition, FINRA will also accept requests to allow candidates to take the following exams remotely ( for the exams listed above there is no requirement to request a remote accommodation)
• Series 24
• Series 57
• Series 99

https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/key-topics/covid-19/exams

You may find updates regarding online test delivery requirements and appointment scheduling here (https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/schedule-exam). Additionally, here (https://www.stcusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Remote-Testing-Tips-v04.pdf) are some remote testing tips to help you prepare for your exam.

If you have an existing appointment at a local testing center, you are able to test online; however, you must first cancel your existing appointment.

Any person who requires testing accommodations will need to make an appointment at a local test center. FINRA is continuing to test various provisions to make online delivery accommodations available to candidates with disabilities.

Due to circumstances arising from COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease), we are changing some of our live on-site classes to live virtual (online) classes. This decision has been made as the result of our commitment to the health and safety of our students, our employees, as well as our community. STC will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide
updates as necessary.

Students will receive an email with information on how to log-on along with a link to join the WebEx live training. The live program will provide great opportunity to ask questions and receive answers in real time. We will also email the class handout in advance and recommend you print it in advance so that you can follow along with your instructor.

FAQs

How is STC keeping classrooms clean? 

Our classrooms undergo rigorous cleaning.  STC undergoes rigorous cleaning in each of our classrooms. We use disinfectant solution on all high touch areas in the classroom multiple times a day. Our cleaning services are also taking additional steps to deep clean all high touch areas every evening.

Each classroom will have hand sanitizer and extra cleaning supplies during class.

Will STC notify students if a course is cancelled or the schedule changes?

If we determine it’s best to cancel a course or change it to virtual delivery due to local outbreaks, you’ll be notified via email prior to the course. We’ll work with you to reschedule your course free of charge.

Will students be charged for changing a class?

The safety of our students, instructors and staff are our utmost priority. We’ll accommodate your class change free of charge.

Can students enroll in a virtual class instead of an in-person class?

If you are currently enrolled in a live class and would like to switch to a virtual class, please contact our customer service team. They will help you make the switch at no cost to you. Or if you are purchasing now, simply find one of our virtual classes that suits your needs when you checkout.  The virtual class material and instruction are the same as our live in-person classes allowing you to get the same experience from home or in the office.

How is Prometric testing center affected by COVID-19?

Prometric's goal is to continue to open sites when and where it is safe to do so in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.  This list will be evaluated with the intention of opening additional sites on a rolling two week basis. Please note that the open status of these sites is contingent on numerous factors or guidelines; should anything arise that forces us to close one of the test centers listed here, impacted candidates will be notified. This list will be updated daily to reflect any changes in status.

You may also refer directly to the Prometric 'Social Distancing' site here.

How is PSI testing center affected by COVID-19?

Depending on state and local area restrictions, some testing locations may remain closed. Make sure you or your candidates check your provider's website for further details.

How is Pearson Vue testing center affected by COVID-19?

Depending on state and local area restrictions, some testing locations may remain closed. Make sure you or your candidates check your provider's website for further details.

What happens if a testing window becomes interrupted due to test center closures?

You may email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-STC-1223 to request a courtesy extension of your on-line materials.

Also, STC is working with state regulatory agencies to help communicate changes to pre-licensing and testing:

  1. Live exam proctoring, to suspended it or implement virtual proctoring
  2. Temporary Licensure
  3. Extended Pre-license certificate validity

Please check out our DOI FAQ here to refer to your respective Department of Insurance & Exam Vendor for all state-specific COVID-19 changes and updates.

Who can I contact for more information?  

Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-STC-1223.

How may I stay updated on safety recommendations?

We recommend the CDC’s website as a resource for prevention and treatment for COVID-19.

How can we hire while complying with FINRA and SEC which requires fingerprints to be submitted within 30 days?

The SEC issued an order that provides temporary exemption from fingerprinting requirements until May 30, 2020.  FINRA is therefore temporarily extending the time period for submitting fingerprint information.  Members that submitted, or plan to submit an applicant's initial or transfer Form U4 between February 15, 2020 and May 30, 2020, now have until June 29, 2020 to submit the necessary fingerprint information.  FINRA will continue to assess this situation and consider any additional extensions of time as appropriate.  For additional information, see FINRA's notification.