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CII J05 Exam: Pension Income Options

The CII’s J05 exam forms part of the Diploma in Financial Planning. It is a 2-hour short answer question paper consisting of 15 questions, with a nominal pass mark of 55%.

The exam syllabus covers rules applying to retirement benefits when they are crystallised; the features, tax treatment and risks of the secured pension option, of the unsecured pension option, of phased retirement and of the alternatively secured pension; critical yield and how it relates to income withdrawal; benefits available due to ill health; state retirement benefits; regulatory & legal issues designed to protect clients drawing pension benefits and issues relating to pension advice.

Our learning resources

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Mock Exam Papers

3 full sets of 15 questions and answers including cross references to the relevant CII study text.  All questions and answers are written by Brand Financial Training and kept up-to-date to reflect changes to the exam syllabus and tax year.

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Calculation Workbook

Focussing on the calculations within the exam syllabus, the calculation workbook provides calculation questions with full step-by-step answers, detailed explanations and cross-references to the relevant CII study text.

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Revision Notes

Designed for use when you are further along with your exam studies, our revision notes are a streamlined version of the learning outcomes and exam syllabus combined with self-test questions.

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    Giovanni ManigliaGiovanni ManigliaWealth Management Adviser, Lloyds TSB, Bristol
  • "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."
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  • “The hard work needed to get through exams is paying off. Many more advisers have been inspired to learn and work hard. My old boss told me once – we don’t sell widgets – we sell knowledge, trust and confidence. Knowledge is a key component - the trust equation is a whole different subject, but many more advisers have been on a learning journey that is sure to continue - and the stats prove it. Well done to everyone at Brand for supporting them on that journey."
    John ReynoldsJohn ReynoldsExpert Pensions, Edinburgh
  • "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
  • "I have always used Brand Financial Training for the papers and practice for the exams, and I would also say that probably due to Brand Financial I have passed every exam first time and also managed to achieve the Fellowship in good time (about 30 months from starting the diploma to finishing).  I have recommended you to all who wish to sit the exams in the future."
    Brian HemmingsBrian HemmingsChartered Financial Planner, GMB Portfolio Services Ltd, Edinburgh