CII exam structures

CII Financial Planning Exam Structures 

Exam Level Exam structure Duration (hours) Recommended study time (hours) Nominal pass mark (%)
CF1 Certificate 100 question multiple choice 2 60 70
CF2 Certificate*
100 question multiple choice 2 70 70
CF3 Certificate 50 question multiple choice 1 40 70
CF4 Certificate 50 question multiple choice 1 40 70
CF5 Certificate Written paper comprising 2 case studies and associated questions 2 70 55
CF6 Certificate*
100 multiple choice questions and 5 case study scenarios each comprising 5 multiple choice questions 3 70 70
CF8 Certificate*
50 multiple choice questions and 5 case study scenarios each comprising 5 multiple choice questions 2 60 70
ER1 Certificate
50 multiple choice questions and 5 case study scenarios each comprising 5 multiple choice questions 2 60 70
HR1 Certificate 30 multiple choice questions including 5 scenario based questions 1 20 70
* Counts as diploma credit if exam passed prior to 2007
FA1 Certificate 50 question multiple choice 1 40 70
FA2 Certificate 50 question multiple choice 1 40 70
           
JO1-JO7 Diploma Written paper comprising 15 compulsory short answer questions 2 90 55
J08
Diploma 2 case studies are sent to candidates 2 weeks before the examination.  They will contain client information which will form the basis of the exam questions
3
100
 55
AF1-AF4 Advanced diploma

Case study approach. Written papers comprising 160 marks spread over three compulsory questions. Marks for questions 2 and 3 may vary between examination sessions.

Question 1 – 80  marks
Question 2 – 35-45 marks
Question 3 – 35-45 marks
3 120 55
AF5 Advanced diploma Candidates receive a “fact find” two weeks before the examination. The examination tests key aspects of the financial planning process as applied to the client scenario. 3 120 55
Online training material available from Wizard Learning

Online assessment packages
CF1, CF2, CF3, CF4, CF5, CF6, CF8, ER1, HR1, FA1, FA2

Subject knowledge questions
J01, J02, J03, J04, J05, J06, J07

Practice exam packages
J01, J02, J03, J04, J05, J06, J07, AF1, AF3, CF5

Online courses
CF1, CF2, CF3, CF4, J04, J05, J06

See here for details