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 AF5 asks questions relating to one fact find rather than two shorter case studies. To pass AF5, you’ll need to demonstrate detailed analysis and critical evaluation skills, as you would expect for a level 6 exam.
Passing AF5 needs a ‘little and often’ approach when it comes to your study plan .
The BTS resources provide a structured study path through the AF5 syllabus, covering both the technical knowledge and exam technique required to achieve a pass.
We follow a simple model based on our proven STEP approach to planning your study: Study | Train | e-Learn | Practise
Below you will find an overview of the study support options that make up the BTS approach with details of how the BTS materials can be used to support your learning.
You don’t need to use every element of the BTS approach, but we recommend starting by working through the BTS study guide before attending a workshop in the lead up to your exam sitting. Workshop attendees receive access to the e-Learning Fact-find Analysis module as part of their booking fee but it is possible to purchase the Fact-find Analysis standalone if you can’t attend a workshop.
Working through our study guide is the essential first step in your AF5 study plan.
The BTS AF5 study guide is a complete replacement for the examining body textbook.
How is the BTS AF5 study guide different?
The BTS AF5 study guide follows a similar format to our well-loved R0 study guides. It is made up of two parts; the main study guide and an accompanying Appendix.
The main study guide contains a logical breakdown of the syllabus and is packed full of examples, exercises and activities, all explained in an ‘adults in conversation’ fashion.
The questions in the BTS AF5 study guide are based on three fact finds. Two of them form the basis of the many practice questions and activities we cover in the guide, and the third is used in a full specimen exam.
The key to exam success is not just reading and learning technical information parrot fashion.
As you work through each chapter, you will gradually cover the full AF5 syllabus and practise the required exam techniques through the use of:
Think of your BTS study guide as the first step on your very own revision track. You’ll be able to check your progress throughout, using activities, practice questions and end of chapter tests.
The fact finds are contained within the separate Appendix, together with the AF5-style tax tables. This makes it easy to have the fact finds open at the right section whilst practising questions.
You don’t need to purchase the examining body version of the text book – you can opt to sit the exam stand-alone by selecting ‘assessment only’ on the CII website and then order a BTS Study Guide instead.
Our AF5 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the AF5 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for AF5, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
First one of the Chartered exams passed (AF5). Big thanks to Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd for all of the help.
Another one under my belt (AF5). Thanks Luiza Todd FPFS CFP and Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd.
There’s isn’t a better way to start a bank holiday than this! AF5, part of the chartered exams, passed and I couldn’t be more pleased!! Thank you to Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd for, yet again, helping me to achieve this. Onto the next one!
Workshops are scheduled in the weeks leading up to each AF5 exam sitting to enable you to focus your preparation on the released fact-find.
What is the BTS AF5 workshop like?
The workshop concentrates on the key technical knowledge and exam techniques that are essential for an AF5 exam pass.
The workshop is scheduled for the week following the release of the AF5 exam fact find. BTS will have analysed the AF5 fact find prior to the workshop, and the workshop day will involve working through model questions and answers to practice key AF5 exam techniques and technical knowledge. You will have the opportunity to ask and discuss questions in a group forum as well, to prepare for the AF5 exam sitting as much as possible.
AF5 workshop dates are available for each sitting of the exam. If you can’t see a date that works for you, get in touch to ask about more options.
The workshop is ideal preparation in the lead up to your AF5 exam sitting.
What makes the AF5 workshop so useful?
A workshop is a live online event where you can benefit not just from the BTS trainer but also from working alongside others studying for the same exam. Discussions within the group can help to reassure you and improve your understanding of key exam areas. You’ll get out of your day as much as you put in (and more!).
Included in the fee is access to the AF5 fact-find analysis module, so you do not need to purchase this separately. Access to the AF5 fact-find analysis for the previous exam sitting (for past paper practise) will be provided when your booking has been confirmed. The BTS analysis for your sitting will then be automatically added to your account within four days of the release of the fact-find.
You’ll also be able to continue your conversations with your fellow AF5 candidates in our student-led forums. Login to your BTS account and head over to the Careers Zone to access our forums.
Our AF5 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the AF5 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for AF5, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
First one of the Chartered exams passed (AF5). Big thanks to Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd for all of the help.
Another one under my belt (AF5). Thanks Luiza Todd FPFS CFP and Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd.
There’s isn’t a better way to start a bank holiday than this! AF5, part of the chartered exams, passed and I couldn’t be more pleased!! Thank you to Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd for, yet again, helping me to achieve this. Onto the next one!
The module allows you to work through your AF5 preparation systematically, with potential exam questions fully explored.
What is the BTS AF5 e-Learning like?
More than just an analysis, the module guides you through the materials step by step.
The e-Learning module includes guidance on how to approach your preparation for the exam, together with information on the actual fact-find for your sitting and potential examination questions. The e-Learning module is packed full of as many possible AF5 exam questions that the BTS technical team can think of!
Also included are a series of graphical crib sheets covering the key technical areas relevant to the fact-find.
Key features of BTS e-Learning include:
Some candidates choose to use our e-Learning as an alternative to attending a workshop, some will utilise both a workshop and e-Learning. BTS AF5 workshop attendees receive access to the Fact-Find Analysis e-Learning module as part of their workshop booking fee. If you can’t attend a workshop you can purchase the e-Learning separately.
The analysis e-Learning module includes access to the full BTS fact-find analysis for the previous exam sitting to use as past paper practise whilst waiting for the release of the analysis for the next sitting. The BTS analysis for your sitting is automatically added to the course within four days of the release of the fact-find.
Every question includes a suggested answer with fully explained rationale and discussion points. Technical crib sheets are included, so you can revise key technical knowledge as you work through the module.
Our AF5 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the AF5 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for AF5, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
First one of the Chartered exams passed (AF5). Big thanks to Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd for all of the help.
Another one under my belt (AF5). Thanks Luiza Todd FPFS CFP and Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd.
There’s isn’t a better way to start a bank holiday than this! AF5, part of the chartered exams, passed and I couldn’t be more pleased!! Thank you to Bespoke Training Solutions Ltd for, yet again, helping me to achieve this. Onto the next one!
Below, you will find a range of recent articles providing insights, help and advice for this unit, we hope you find these useful. Remember if you have any questions on your journey feel free to get in touch with the BTS support team.
