Join 40000+ of your fellow professionals and use our resources to pass your CII exams
Winner, Best Training Resources for Paraplanners 2019 14 Day Money Back Guarantee
You are either satisfied or you get your money back!

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

Product-Past-Analysis-BinderThis image is for illustration purposes only. Resources are PDF downloads.

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.

Buy Now

Product-Analysis-BinderThis image is for illustration purposes only. Resources are PDF downloads.

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.

Buy Now

Product-Study-Notes-BinderThis image is for illustration purposes only. Resources are PDF downloads.

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.

Buy Now
  • "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"
    Andrew WattsAndrew WattsManaging Director, South West Financial Planning Ltd, Barnstaple
  • "I have used Brand Financial Training for many of my CF & R0 exams. Each module has done exactly what it days on the tin, and it helps you pass your exams. The material is very detailed, but not to the point it's overwhelming. It complements the CII coursework, but gives you a detailed understanding of the topics and puts your theory into practice. I have a 100% success rate so far, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the service to any of my colleagues or friends."
    Leanne TraceyLeanne TraceySenior Customer Consultant, Standard Life Direct
  • "I've used your resources for 3 exams so far and have always passed first time.  I find these questions help to highlight those areas in which I am weak and which may need further study.  I also find that questions in the exam are phrased in a way that I would not normally use, and that reading mock questions helps me to be aware of and alert to these.  Your mock papers were invaluable in helping me to prepare for my exams."
    John BisattJohn BisattAdviser, Palmer Lane, Cardiff
  • "I have just passed my exam first time, once again, relying mainly on your study notes. The calculation workbook was very useful, helping me to understand and work through the calculations, as were the mock exams giving me practice for the exam itself. Thank you!"
    Paul JacksonPaul JacksonPartner, Professional Practice Services, Worcestershire
  • "I'm now Chartered... I have sat six exams in a year - all supported by Brand and passed them all. Thank you!"
    Scott MiddletonScott MiddletonJ M Taylor, Aberdeen
  • “After a long lay off due to illness I decided to complete my Diploma. Brand Financial Training supported my studies. Their study material is excellent, so easy to read and presented in a logical format. The analysis for R06 was received promptly along with study tips and was invaluable. Test papers for R01 again were just the job. I really appreciated the personal attention received from Catriona, with suggestions for a variety of learning resources. All reasonably priced. Many thanks. I will be doing Level 6 with Brand Financial Training.”
    Philip DoddPhilip DoddChester