How do I prepare for my multiple choice question (MCQ) exam at a test centre?
You can find our helpful support page detailing how to prepare for your multiple choice question (MAQ) exam at a test centre. It will open in a new window.
How do I prepare for my on-screen written exam at a test centre?
You can find our helpful support page detailing how to prepare for your on-screen written exam at a test centre. It will open in a new window.
How do I prepare for my paper based written exam at a test centre?
You can find our helpful support page detailing how to prepare for your paper based written exam at a test centre. It will open in a new window.
Do I have to be a member to take CII exams?
No, but you could save money on our products and take advantage of additional benefits.
What are the CII examination dates?
Multiple choice question examinations are available year-round. Please follow the instructions on booking your exam to view availability.
View the examination schedule for written exams
How do I book an exam?
When you purchased your enrolment, or re-sit, you were issued with an exam voucher. To redeem your exam voucher please visit your MyCII Dashboard and follow the links to schedule your exam entry.
Important note: Until you have redeemed your exam voucher to schedule your exam, you have not secured your exam entry.
I need an adjustment or require additional support in taking my exam. Who should I contact?
Please follow the guidance in the Qualifications Accessibility and Special Circumstances Policy.
Will the exam include questions on topics not covered in the study text?
Yes, CII examinations test the published syllabus, not the contents of any particular tuition material.
While the study text will provide the vast majority of the information required for the examination, we recommend that candidates read as widely as possible to ensure that the whole syllabus has been covered and consult other reference materials to supplement their studies.
Apart from the reading lists attached to syllabuses, we would suggest that students make full use of the tuition options available, consult colleagues and use the internet in their studies.
What is the test specification for multiple choice exams?
For multiple-choice exams, the test specification details the areas of the syllabus that are tested by each question.
Do I have to pass each section of an exam or achieve the overall pass standard?
Candidates must achieve the overall pass standard, rather than pass each section of an examination. However, candidates are strongly advised to study all syllabus areas in preparation for their examinations. This is because those candidates able to display knowledge and understanding across all syllabus areas invariably increase their chances of exam success.
For paper-based exams, what is a candidate number?
This is a unique number allocated to each individual at each examination session.
What can't I take into a test centre with me?
Mobile phones and other means of electronic communication (including all forms of tablet) are not allowed in any exam. Candidates may not bring books, notes, papers, calculator case or lid, calculator instruction leaflets or rough paper to the exam room at the test centre.
Either rough paper or a whiteboard will be provided. Paper used for rough work should be handed in to the invigilator at the end of the exam. Candidates must not remove any paper from the exam room at any time.
Is the use of highlighter pens permitted?
For on-screen exams, specific parts of the question text can be highlighted during the examination.
For paper-based exams, some candidates find it useful to highlight certain information in the examination question paper which is relevant to the questions they are being asked. The use of highlighter pens is permitted for that purpose, but, candidates must continue to write their actual answers in either blue or black ink in the answer books provided.
Can I use a calculator in the exam?
For on-screen exams, the calculator is in a pop-up box on the right-hand side of the interface. You are allowed to use your own non-programmable calculator. It is important to show all steps in a calculation, even if you have used a calculator.
For paper-based exams, if you bring a calculator into the exam it must be a silent, battery or solar-powered non-programmable calculator. The use of mobile phones (including iPhones) and electronic equipment capable of being programmed to hold alphabetic or numerical data and/or formulae is prohibited. You may use a financial or scientific calculator, provided it meets these requirements. Calculators are not available from centre officials and cannot be borrowed from another candidate during the exam. It is important to show all steps in a calculation, even if you have used a calculator.
What do I do if I am unwell and not able to sit my exam?
Please contact CII Customer Service on +44 (0)20 8989 8464.
I completed my exam but was unwell. Who should I contact?
Please follow the guidance in the Qualifications Accessibility and Special Circumstances Policy
How do I get my exam results?
For information on how to view and understand your results, visit the results information page.
How do I apply for a prize?
Candidates do not need to apply for prizes. The winner of each prize is personally notified by us (usually in March) following an annual review of the exam statistics for the previous years examination sessions.
Why are distinction grades not available for AF7?
AF7 was not designed with a distinction indicator because it was developed as a 20 CII credit 2 hour exam unit that was part of the Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice, where all other units have no distinction. It isn’t part of the Advanced Diploma core units in the same way as other AF units as it is only 20 credits.
How should I read the feedback codes on the result notification?
For information on how to view and understand your results, visit the results information page.
Can I calculate my score by averaging the percentage feedback I received for my multiple choice exam?
No, you cannot calculate your score by averaging the percentages given in your feedback. Learning outcomes are weighted according to a test specification. Further information
Can I see my answers after the exam?
It is the policy of the CII that under no circumstances can examination answers be returned to candidates.
How do you approach marking exams?
Written exams
We adhere to a positive marking policy to ensure that candidates are treated fairly.
Full marks are given if a candidate has provided a complete answer according to the marking scheme. Full credit is also given for alternative answers that are equally valid but not given in the marking scheme. Marks are not withheld for bad spelling or untidy handwriting. If a candidate has attempted more than the required number of optional questions and has not indicated clearly which answers should be disregarded, all the answers are marked and the best marks are awarded.
For questions involving numerical calculations, the bulk of the marks are awarded for the correct method being used; only a minority of the marks being awarded for the final answer. Quality assurance processes are in place to ensure that marking is accurate and consistent and that exam standards are maintained over time.
Multiple choice exams
A standard format multiple choice question consists of a problem followed by four options (labelled A, B, C and D) from which the candidate must choose the correct or best response. Each question contains only one correct response. One mark is awarded for each correct response identified. No mark is awarded if the candidate chooses an incorrect response, chooses more than one response or fails to choose any response. No marks are deducted for an incorrect response.
A multiple response format question consists of a problem, followed by between four to six options. For each question more than one option is correct. Candidates must select all the correct options to gain the mark.
Online marking is automated with the pass mark pre-set. Quality assurance processes with inbuilt checks are in place to ensure that marking is accurate and that exam standards are maintained over time.
Is there a quota of passes to be awarded for CII exams?
No, a predefined quota of passes to be awarded does not exist. If all candidates achieve a score of at least the pass mark, then all candidates will be awarded a pass grade.
How are pass rates calculated?
For each unit, the number of candidates who achieved a pass grade or above during the year is divided by the number who sat during the year and this number is expressed as a percentage.
The pass rates include all sittings for a unit for the year and include (where applicable), UK sittings, international sittings, in-company sittings and passes by continuous assessment.
When are pass rates updated on the website?
Pass rates are updated on the web annually in March. They are displayed on each unit page.
In order to provide the most accurate picture of pass rates and avoid the skewing of data by single events or short term trends, pass rates are calculated at the end of each calendar year.
When is the exam closing date?
Please visit the Assessment Information section.
What is the last date to change or enter exams?
Please visit the Assessment Information section.
Where can I access my admission permit – paper-based written exams only?
You can access your admission permit through My Dashboard.
When are the exam results released?
For information on how to view and understand your results including release times, visit the results information page.
How will I receive confirmation of my exam entry?
Confirmation is sent by email and is visible on My Dashboard.
When will my results be available?
For information on how to view and understand your results including release times, visit the results information page.