As one exam session closes another session opens and it’s all about being ahead of the game. Plan, prepare, practice and perform.
Studying for a qualification can sometimes be quite daunting, especially if you’ve been out of formal education for a while. However, if you take the time to plan your exam journey properly then this will help you to execute each step, reach your goals and fulfil your career potential.
When you prepare ahead of time you become proactive and respond to situations rather than reacting to them. A good plan will lead to a good performance.
So whether you’re planning to become a financial planner, paraplanner, mortgage adviser, or work in a finance related support role, CII qualifications will develop the knowledge and potential to support you throughout your career.
Fact 1 – know your exam route
Take time to choose your career path and the exams needed to get you where you need to be:
https://www.bba.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/CII-Financial-Services-Quals-brochure_11-14.pdf
https://www.cii.co.uk/media/5924576/cii_qualification_key_facts_-_financial_services.pdf
Fact 2 – know what the exams involve?
R01-5 are online, multiple choice exams with immediate results.
The R06 financial planning practice exam requires advisers to complete two written case studies two weeks before a three-hour exam. Exams are in January, April, July and October. Results are given in March, May, August and November.
The Level 6 exams are held in April (results in June) and October (results in December).
AF5:
3 hour exam
Fact find based with 8 compulsory questions
The pass rate for those completing the unit is currently 58%
AF4:
3-hour exam
Case study based with 3 compulsory questions
The pass rate for those completing the unit is currently 48%
AF1:
3 hour exam
Case study based with 3 compulsory questions
The pass rate for those completing the unit is currently 56%
AF7:
2 hour exam
3-4 written short answer questions, 2 case study based questions
The pass rate for those completing the unit is currently 44%
AF8:
Three written coursework assignments, each typically 2,000 to 3,000 words
The pass rate for those completing the unit is currently 76%
Must be completed within a 12 month timescale
Fact 3 – know your studying options when booking your exam
When you book your exam with the CII you will have two options to choose from ‘enrolment’ or ‘enrolment plus’ both options will include your exam entry, study resources and use of RevisionMate. Once you have booked your exam you need to start mapping out your exam plan. You can use our exam plan template below to do this:
Fact 4 – know what studying resources work for you
Take time to evaluate your studying options. Decide what works best for you and look at the pros and cons of each option.
Consider the challenges you may face and how you can handle them.
If we can help you with planning your exam journey, then why not drop us a line or give us a call in the office.
