AF7 Toolkit

AF7 Pension Transfers

The AF7 Pension transfers unit is a level 6 exam and is one of the optional units on the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.

It’s an exam that focusses on specialist knowledge of the advice process for pension transfers, which is a fairly complex areas of advice. It is a 2-hour exam comprising of 3-4 written short answer questions worth a total of 32 marks and 2 case study based questions worth a total of 68 marks. With a 2022 pass rate of 61% it is a tricky exam requiring a critical appraisal of the financial planning options available.

Passing AF7 needs a very focused approach when it comes to your study plan. This is a challenging exam with a narrow syllabus, which means candidate knowledge levels and their ability to apply this knowledge to short answer questions and case studies needs to be good. Last minute cramming will generally not result in an exam pass – a ‘little and often’ approach is recommended, as always with any advanced exam.

The BTS approach to passing AF7

BTS STEP Approach to Learning

The BTS resources provide a structured study path through the AF7 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. Whether you use the e-Learning module and / or a workshop is a personal preference. 

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Working through our study guide is the essential first step in your AF7 Pension Transfers study plan.

The BTS AF7 study guide is a complete replacement for the examining body textbook.

How is the BTS AF7 study guide different?

The BTS AF7 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. It guides candidates through exam-style questions and has loads of hints and tips to make passing this unit more achievable.

The case studies are contained within the separate Appendix, together with the AF7 tax tables. This makes it easy to have the fact finds open at the right section whilst practising questions.

Available in a choice of printed or digital format.

Mind not made up? Order a free sample to try before you buy.

Study

The key to exam success is not just reading and learning technical information parrot fashion. 

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.

As you work through each chapter, you will gradually cover the full AF7 Pension Transfers syllabus and practise the required exam techniques through the use of:

  • example questions with explained answers
  • short answer and case study questions to practise on
  • activities that test and embed learning
  • end of chapter summaries highlighting key learning points
  • a full specimen exam with explained answers

 

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 AF7 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the AF7 unit.

BTS study plans show you how to:

  • break your unit of study down into manageable chunks, week by week
  • consider how much time to put into each chapter
  • think about what additional resources you might need to support your learning

To view the full BTS study plan for AF7, 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.

Workshops are scheduled in the weeks leading up to each AF7 exam sitting to enable you to focus your preparation on what the examiner is looking for. 

What is the BTS AF7 workshop like?

The workshop concentrates on the key technical knowledge and exam techniques that are essential for an AF7 exam pass.

Day one of the workshop refreshes some of the key technical areas examined on the paper, with a focus on COBS rules.

Day two focuses on specimen exam questions based on a set of three case studies, with model answers so you can understand what the CII examiner is looking for. You will have the opportunity to ask and discuss questions in a group forum as well, to prepare for the AF7 exam sitting as much as possible.

AF7 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.

Train

The workshop is ideal preparation in the lead up to your AF7 exam sitting.

What makes the AF7 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!).

After the workshop you will have 120-days access to a set of digital materials including three mock case studies, specimen questions and answer feedback. Plus, a selection of technical crib sheets to organise your learning.

You’ll also be able to continue your conversations with your fellow AF7 candidates in our student-led forums. Login to your BTS account and head over to the Careers Zone to access our forums.

Our AF7 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the AF7 unit.

BTS study plans show you how to:

  • break your unit of study down into manageable chunks, week by week
  • consider how much time to put into each chapter
  • think about what additional resources you might need to support your learning

To view the full BTS study plan for AF7, 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.

You set your own pace. The e-Learning allows you to focus on the things you find challenging.

What is the BTS AF7 e-Learning like?

The BTS AF7 Pension transfers e-Learning module is an online learning experience. It consists of five unique case studies, each with a full set of specimen exam questions and model answers. We include hints and tips after each question debrief, plus include relevant crib sheets on possible technical areas that could be examined.

BTS AF7 designers sit the exam every year to keep their knowledge of the question styles as up to date and relevant as possible.

Key features of BTS e-Learning include:

  • Self-paced learning in your own time
  • Available 24/7 during subscription period
  • Revisit areas as many times as you need
  • Use it on your PC or mobile, so you can learn ‘on the go’
e-Learn

Some candidates choose to use our e-Learning as an alternative to attending a workshop, some will utilise both a workshop and e-Learning.

The module is designed to be worked through as a series of mock papers, attempting your own answer before self-marking using our marking grid.

As you work through the course you will find:

  • five exam style case studies
  • exam-standard questions to check your key exam knowledge
  • clear rationale for each answer so you can learn as you go

Our AF7 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the AF7 unit.

BTS study plans show you how to:

  • break your unit of study down into manageable chunks, week by week
  • consider how much time to put into each chapter
  • think about what additional resources you might need to support your learning

To view the full BTS study plan for AF7, 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.

AF7 Study Plans

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BTS AF7 Learner Journeys

Click on the profiles below to find out how recent BTS candidates achieved their AF7 success:
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