fired for failing exam???

[MaxBaby1]

I work for a financial firm in California. About 3-5 months ago, they informed us that all sales assistants were required to be licensed, that meant having to take the Series 7 Exam. This policy affected about 10 employees. We were given study material and also were signed up for a 5 day review course. Only 2 people passed on their first attempt and 8 people failed. Only this past Monday did they inform us that if we failed we would be terminated or we could opt to accept a severance package and voluntarily resign. There was no prior written or verbal notice to this change in policy. I've been working here for over 15 years! It's absurd to think that there are numerous people here who took the exam 2 or more times to pass and they didn't have the fear of losing their job. Is this legal or do I have grounds for wrongful termination? I feel as if the firm did not provide me with the necessary training to sucessfully pass as evidenced by the high failure rate. In addition, the time contraint was a big burden as I spend 8-9 hours at work and had a hard time juggling the studying with my responsibilities at home. They want me to sign something agreeing to this new policy but before I do, I want to know what my rights are. PLEASE HELP!

 

[Proserpina]

This was not a wrongful termination. You have the right to allow them to fire you (which if you want any chance at UI would be the best course of action), or to resign and accept the severance package.

 

[jharris352]

The passing rate of the series 7 is about 25% so your results are not out of line. But there is nothing at all wrong with requiring that you pass the test to keep your job. You can't sue, it isn't wrong. STUDY STUDY STUDY. Good Luck!