Five top tips for R06 – How to produce the case study answers the Examiners are looking for

R06 – What you need to know

To produce an answer that is going to gain you marks and get you that all important pass, there are few basic things you must be aware of and be familiar with:

One : Firstly, understand the exam, what is involved and how long do you have to complete your exam paper.  R06 pulls everything together from R01 right through to R05 and will cover the full financial planning cycle with possibly advice across all the different areas. So, test your existing knowledge, your confidence in pensions, taxation, investments and the wealth planning structure.  R06 is completely different from the other R0 exams as it is a written paper based on 2 pre-released case studies.

Two : The CII Case Studies are designed to demonstrate mastery of previously acquired knowledge, skills and techniques and the drawing together of these to provide solutions to financial planning scenarios. Therefore, the key to achieving a passing score is to ensure that you have the technical knowledge and understanding of all of the syllabus topics included. How well can you recall and apply your knowledge of the financial planning process to the client-facing scenarios you have been presented with.

Three :  The CII publishes an Examiners Guide for the last four exam sessions which you can access via their website under “Useful links & downloads” Click here to view the CII exam guides for R06 In every examiner’s guide, you will find very useful information directly from the examiner.  It will include examiners’ observations and feedback and common mistakes made by the candidates. By familiarising yourself with these guides it will help you to avoid making the same mistakes!

Four :  Understand question requirement.  The key to achieving a passing mark is to answer the question as set. Higher marks were awarded to fuller answers that were relevant and correct – answer the question, the whole question AND nothing but the question.

Five : Preparation is key.  To produce a good case study examination answer, you must have spent time looking and analysing the material in depth. Ensure that you are very familiar with your clients and that you fully understand your client’s needs, wants, values and risk profile. You need to identify and extract what their financial aims are before the exam as this will help you with applying your knowledge and will save you time on the day.

How can we help?

The R06 exam is designed to test what you can do, and not just what you know.  Our R06 study resources will help you to identify essential information helpful in producing good answers.  Through our analysis we help you to demonstrate good technical understanding of the potential topics that could be tested, through to clear and comprehensive explanation of how to apply this technical understanding to your particular clients.  We also help you to develop key examination skills through question practice/revision and access to past paper analysis materials.