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Comparing CPD Prices in the Migration Advice Profession
It seems that Legal Training Australia LTA) is still the least expensive CPD in the migration advice profession for all CPD types.
Here are the price points for some of the main CPD providers in the profession:
Practice Ready Program
MIA $1995
McKKrs $1320
LTA $1315 (lowest cost)
10 point face-to-face
MIA N/A
McKKrs $330-$660
RMA Training $330
Enriched Migration Training $550
Migration Seminars Australia $700
LTA $328.90 (lowest cost)
Online Private Study (Per individual point)
MIA $66-99
McKKr's $55
Enriched Migration Training unknown
RMA Training $44 (joint lowest cost)
LTA $44 (joint lowest cost)
So now we know which organisation is the least expensive. What about the depth and quality of speakers? How do we know which teachers / presenters are the best of the best?
Tips for finding the "best of the best" CPD teachers / presenters
Assuming that the Office of the MARA have approved all CPD providers based on a set of high-level criteria, which would appear to be the case, based on the looks of Legislative Instrument 17/047 which sets out the requirements to become an approved provider, it could be said that all providers will have similar levels of expertise and experience.
If you want the highest level of education, always look out for CPD providers who have Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers, Immigration Barristers, and Migration Solicitors on board their teaching staff.
Also look out for Registered Migration Agents who are well known in the profession and who associate themselves with top-level specialists (birds of the feather tend to flock together). Ask other agents, 'do you know if this CPD presenter is good or not?'.
Do a google search against the teacher / presenter's name and check them out online. Teachers in the migration advice profession who have great experience generally have a big presence on the web, and plenty of evidence around their success and capability as an agent / lawyer. Look at the cases they have run at the DIBP / DHA, AAT, Federal Court and High Court. This will tell you a story about them and their experience.
Look at how the person presents themselves. Do they dress professionally and speak clearly and articulately? Have they presented and recorded any CPD or other immigration video material? If so, find it on the web and watch their recorded presentations online. If you don't know, ask.
Have they been interviewed by radio stations or television stations in Australia based on their level of knowledge and expertise? If you don't know, ask the provider in an email or call them and ask for it. Most high-level professionals will be pleased to send you evidence of their capability, knowledge and experience.
Testimonials about a CPD provider on their own website are not the most ideal source of evidence. The CPD provider should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and ability as an experienced immigration professional OUTSIDE the CPD provider framework.
Comments
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Monday, 12 February 2018I think that the element of quality is in there at the end of the article, but is not not 'specific and measurable' as it is subjective. Readers are however invited to consider the quality of CPD presenters towards the end of the article, and have been given tips on how they can ascertain the quality of presenters themselves. It would not be appropriate under Part 4.3 and Part 4.5 of the Code of Conduct, or CPD Provider Standards to 'rank' migration agents against one another in terms of quality because to do that would mean someone needs to be the 'lowest' quality. That would not be appropriate, fair, or professional, in my view.
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Monday, 12 February 2018A big thanks to LTA, Christopher levingston is a great presenter, he is personable, knowledgeable and more importantly... is able to engage his audience. I usually dread sitting in classes but Christopher makes it worthwhile.
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Monday, 12 February 2018
Hi Liana
I am registered MARA agent working in Hong Kong, and like to seek you help for referral of insurance cover for us as agent in Oversea. -
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
Hi Ricky did you already try BizCover?
They are good and you get a Migration Alliance discount on cover.
Sam -
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
Dear Sam
Noted with Thanks
I try then, assuming I can get their contact from the web-site -
Wednesday, 14 February 2018
Any MARA agent operating in HK can help
I talked to the Biz Cover and they advised Australian insurance company only provide cover to companies incorporated in Australia, or the agent is domiciled in Australia. But in our cases, the company is incorporated in HK
Any help can email me rickychu@azzurra.com.hk
Immigration blog
So, would your advice be to a prospective Immigration Client that they should choose an RMA based on price? After all, RMA's are all required to meet OMARA standards as are CPD providers.
Like most purchases in life I evaluate price as part of the equation. What is missing from the spiel above is the element of quality.
In the analysis of value this formula works really well; Price, Time and Quality. Choose any two.