How to pass CII R0 exams with Luiza Todd ( Bespoke Training Solutions)
www.bespoketrainingsolutions....
1. Is there an easy way to get a level 4 qualification?
Let's get this question 'put to bed'. There is no easy way to get a level 4 qualification - it takes hard graft and commitment. You can give yourself the best chance of getting a first-time pass by being organised, with a study plan, and using the best materials for your learning style. Candidates need to be realistic about the amount of work needed - there is no 'fast track'. Minimum study hours are suggested by examining bodies and these are not small! Different level 4 routes have different study hour requirements - the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is a slower and more expensive route as there are 6 papers to complete. Self-study can't be avoided, you have to put the work in before accessing coaching/training e.g. if an examining body suggests 60 hours study and a two-day training course accounts for 14 hours, that's another 46 hours needed as a minimum!
2. Are the examining body packages always the right way to go?
Different materials suit different learners. Some swear by examining body materials as they are of the opinion that the best materials originate from the body that sets the exams they are sitting.
Examining body packages are likely to be cheaper, so that may be a consideration for self-funding candidates. Cheaper is not always the best option however when it comes to a first-time exam pass.
They are notoriously text-heavy and more of a technical than a learner's guide. However, some candidates would use nothing else (don't really understand that tbh!)
3. What other study options are out there for candidates to access?
There are many different study options and providers in the R0 support market, so plenty of choices.
This is a great thing as it means there is competition out there in this arena - and that can only bode well for candidates. Greater competition drives improvements, the need for firms to innovate to improve their offering. Alternative study options include study guides, eLearning, workbooks, audios, questions banks, remote workshops, and the BTS App!
Look for resources that support knowledge AND exam strategy. Exam technique is a skill that can be practised with access to exam-standard mock papers that explain the correct answers.
 
4. Is there a minimum or maximum timescale for candidates to get to level 4?
There are in theory no minimum timescales - some candidates if studying full time can get to level 4 within 3 months, most are juggling a full-time job as well so timescales could be anything from 6 months to a couple of years. In relation to maximum timescales the Financial Conduct Authority has rules relating to a 48-month overall timescale. This means that candidates have 48 months to complete their level 4 qualification that starts from when they engage in a relevant activity (such as seeing clients whilst under supervision.) So, this is an additional factor to take into account. Other areas to consider that can affect your timescales include the fact that the CII have a different exam year to the tax year. CII exams run from 1st September one year to 31st August the following year. You will therefore be examined on an old tax year for the last five months of your CII exam year. Whatever your timescales BTS would encourage you to set incremental goals so you don't drift e.g. get an exam booking scheduled so that you have something to aim for.
5. What's your biggest 'top tip'?
Luiza's top tip -'shop around for your R0 support'. Don't just blindly buy a package from the examining body unless you have looked at what else is on offer and have decided this option suits you the most. There is lots of choice out there so do some due diligence before you spend a penny of your hard-earned cash. Look on social media - what firms and options get a regular 'shout out' from happy candidates who are using what they have to offer and smashing the R0 exams.
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