R0 exam candidates often consider progressing onto the AF exams. The AF5 Financial Planning Process is the mandatory unit of the CII’s Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. It’s an exam that focusses on the advice process, so is similar to the level 4 R06 exam, but the AF5 exam asks questions relating to one fact find rather than two shorter case studies. To pass the AF5 exam, you’ll need to demonstrate detailed analysis and critical evaluation skills, as you would expect for a level 6 exam.
Luiza Todd one of the BTS Directors shares her experiences of sitting the CII AF5 exam. Read the article in full here:
Sitting the AF5 exam – Professional Paraplanner Magazine July 2022
The CII recommend a minimum of 150 study hours for this mandatory unit. Make sure you don’t wing it – preparation is key both with the system, your knowledge and your question answering techniques. Candidates who buy an analysis and learn questions and answers are not giving themselves the best possible chance of a first-time exam pass. No-one knows exactly which questions will come up, and the AF5 exam is designed to test your analysis skills to the limit. Buy and work through a study guide, attend a workshop, gets lots of practice and buy a decent fact find analysis. AF5 is an advanced paper – your knowledge, question answering techniques and preparation all must be first class to have a chance of passing.
