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CII AF5 Exam: Financial Planning Process

The CII’s AF5 exam is the final exam in the CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Candidates are sent a ‘fact find’ two weeks prior to their exam date. The candidate is then examined on key aspects of the financial planning process using the ‘fact find’. This exam has a nominal pass mark of 55% and the CII recommends that candidates study for around 150 hours.

The exam syllabus covers the relationship and responsibilities between adviser and client and the need for a planning brief; remuneration strategies; evaluation of client’s objectives; understanding of assumptions; understanding of a client’s financial status; understanding risk; options available to the client; how for form a suitable financial plan; ability to explain technical terms, product features and consequences of actions; importance of documenting changes; understanding client reviews.

Our learning resources

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Past Analyses from earlier exam sittings

Full detailed analysis of the fact-finds issued by the CII for earlier exams plus types of questions and examiner’s comments, exam technique, past paper analysis, generic areas, potential immediate and longer-term objectives, likely questions based on assumed objectives.

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Analysis for the April 2020 exam sitting

Full detailed analysis of the fact-find issued by the CII for the next exam sitting plus types of questions and examiner’s comments, exam technique, past paper analysis, generic areas, potential objectives, likely questions based on assumed objectives.

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Study Notes

Focus on the essential fact-find and recommendation processes for AF5 so that you can be sure of what is needed, and when – includes self-test questions.

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    John BisattJohn BisattAdviser, Palmer Lane, Cardiff
  • "At the age of 20 I became the youngest person to hold the CII Diploma. I achieved this through hard work and the use of resources including those provided by Brand Financial Training; in particular the mock exams, study notes and the extremely helpful Calculation Workbooks. I'm now moving forward with the Advanced Diploma and continue to use Brand Financial Training's resources to aid my progression to Chartered Status. I certainly recommend them."
    Josh ButtenJosh ButtenMDG MK, Milton Keynes
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    Brian HemmingsBrian HemmingsChartered Financial Planner, GMB Portfolio Services Ltd, Edinburgh
  • "As an IFA with the normal family commitments - my issue with exams is pure and simple - time. I don't have the time to spend hours reading bulky CII manuals. I don't have the time to look for 100% pass marks and I don't have the time to risk failing and having to re-sit. for me, this is where the Brand material brings enormous value: summary study notes,example calculations and practice questions all focussed on one thing that's important - getting a pass mark! ...The Brand material is the solution to any adviser in a similar postion to me. it is inexpensive, yet provides enormous value in terms of time saved and results obtained. I am more than happy to fully endorse it and say a big thank you to Catriona for her outstanding contribution to my personal achievement"
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