Exam focus: New to Financial Services exams? Here’s how to set yourself up for success

15 January 2025

If you’re new to financial services exams, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the process of preparing for your first exam. Today, for the Brand Financial Training exam Q&A, the team share their thoughts on how best to tackle your financial services exams.

Understand the Exam Structure

Before you begin studying, take the time to familiarise yourself with the exam structure. Financial services exams, particularly CII exams, can differ significantly in their format. It’s important to know the types of questions you’ll face, such as multiple-choice, multi-response, written, or case study-based questions. Be sure to understand the total number of marks available and the required mark to get a pass.

The best way to do this is by reviewing the exam guides, which outline the structure and typical questions. Training providers also offer full mock exams that replicate the actual exam in terms of the number and style of questions, giving you valuable practice.

For many of the CII exams we produce ‘How to pass’ guides. Resources such as this give you a high-level overview on strategies for tackling each exam.

Create a Study Plan

A well-organised study plan is crucial to exam preparation especially for those who are new to exams or have had a break from learning. It helps break down the material into manageable chunks and keeps you on track.

Tips for creating your study plan:

  • Set clear goals. Be specific about what you want to achieve in each session, such as “Complete chapters 1 and 2 of the study text.”
  • Allocate time wisely: Assess how much time you have until your exam and distribute it effectively across topics.
  • Prioritise difficult areas and areas of the syllabus that are more heavily tested.
  • Allow flexibility. Life happens, so include buffer time for unforeseen events and adjust your plan as necessary to maintain motivation.

Find Your Ideal Study Environment

The environment in which you study significantly impacts your ability to focus. If you’re new to exams, it’s important to create a study space that encourages concentration.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Choose a quiet, comfortable space: A distraction-free location is essential, whether it’s at home, in a library, or a café.
  • Limit distractions. Don’t have your phone around!!

Utilise Exam Resources

Take advantage of available study resources, through the CII and other external training providers, such as:

  • CII Study Guides: These are the go-to starting point for most candidates.
  • Mock Exams: Practicing mock questions will help familiarise you with the style of questions asked. Completing full mock exams under timed conditions will give you a realistic sense of the exam experience.
  • Study Groups/Buddies: It’s always good to have someone to talk things through.
  • Other Resources: Consider revision notes, calculation workbooks, E-learning, or 1-to-1 tutoring for extra support.

Take Care of Your Well-being

While effective studying is essential, don’t neglect your physical and mental well-being. A balanced approach will help you avoid burnout and stay focused.

Tips for maintaining well-being during exam prep:

  • Exercise regularly, even light physical activity like a short walk between study sessions can reduce stress and improve concentration.
  • Get enough sleep. Quality sleep ensures your brain is functioning at its best.
  • Eat healthily. Fuel your body with nutritious foods to maintain energy and focus throughout study sessions.
  • Relax and de-stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, or simple walks to keep your mind clear and fresh.

Stay Positive and Motivated

Maintaining a positive attitude can make a huge difference in your preparation. Exam anxiety is very common and staying confident and motivated can help you perform at your best.

  • Break tasks into smaller steps: Focus on the process rather than the final goal.
  • Visualise success: Imagine walking into the exam room feeling confident and prepared. Positive visualisation can reduce anxiety and boost self-belief.
  • Reward yourself: After completing a study session or reaching a milestone, treat yourself to something enjoyable—a break, a snack, or the next episode of your latest binge watch on Netflix

Be Prepared for exam day

When the exam day arrives, make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared:

  • Ensure you familiarise yourself with the CII system, how to log in, what the system looks like
  • Arrive/log in early: This will allow you to settle in and reduce pre-exam nerves.
  • Pace yourself: Keep an eye on the clock but avoid rushing.
  • Don’t panic: Some questions may throw you especially if you get a couple of tough ones early in the exam but don’t panic, move on! Tackle the easiest questions first to build confidence and ensure you don’t run out of time.

About Brand Financial Training

Brand Financial Training provides a variety of immediately accessible free and paid learning resources to help candidates pass their CII exams.  Their resource range ensures there is something that suits every style of learning including mock papers, calculation workbooks, videos, audio masterclasses, study notes and more.  Visit Brand Financial Training at https://brandft.co.uk

Main image: ravi-palwe-I3urDa6z2_4-unsplash

Professional Paraplanner