Eligibility

Q. Which qualifications can attract recognition of prior learning? 
Q. Will the CII award recognition of prior learning for seminars, lectures, presentations or training courses without formal examinations? 
Q. What are the requirements to have my prior learning recognised by the CII? 
Q. Where can I find CII unit syllabus information to gauge if I should consider applying? 
Q. Does the CII recognise non-UK qualifications? 
Q. I have an A level - will I be eligible for an award?
Q. I have part-completed a professional qualification from a different awarding body (i.e. not the CII). Can I apply for credits based on the units passed so far? 
Q. I have completed two qualifications which, when combined, provide a match to all the learning outcomes of one CII unit. Why can't I receive this unit through RPL? 

Q. Which qualifications can attract recognition of prior learning?

A. The CII recognises academic and professional qualifications awarded by recognised professional and educational bodies in line with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Click here for further details of the RQF. Educational awarding bodies may be located in any part of the world; however to qualify they must be 'regulated' qualifications.

The qualification must be 'certified learning', meaning that it is assessed by formal examination where the awarding body has been recognised by a national examinations regulator.

Q. Will the CII award recognition of prior learning for seminars, lectures, presentations or training courses without formal examinations?

A. No. Recognition of prior learning is available solely on the basis of recognised academic and/or professional qualifications that fully meet the essential criteria. However, you may be able to register this learning as Continuing Professional Development. Please consult our CPD scheme for further information.

Q. What are the requirements to have my prior learning recognised by the CII?

A. To be considered for recognition of prior learning the qualification must fulfil all the following criteria:

Recognition of prior learning for qualifications awarded by professional bodies and CII-affiliated and associated institutes

1. The qualification must match the learning outcomes of the CII qualification unit.
2. The assessment method must be of a similar standard, scope and rigour to the CII qualification unit.
3. The qualification must be at the appropriate level in a UK national framework, for example, RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) QCF, NQF, SCQF, CQFW or FHEQ or the awarding body must be recognised by UK ENIC if located outside the UK. Alternatively, the awarding body must be recognised for its qualifications by the market regulator if outside the UK.
4. Applications are accepted for fully-completed and awarded qualifications. It is only where qualifications are based on common sets of standards, for example, the UK financial services regulatory exam standards, where part-completed qualifications may be accepted.
5. The awarding body must operate to similar standards of integrity and governance to the CII.

Recognition of prior learning for academic and other qualifications

1. The qualification must have been completed within the last 10 years.
2. The qualification must match the learning outcomes of a current CII qualification unit.
3. The assessment method must be of a similar standard, scope and rigour to the CII qualification unit.
4. Your qualification must be at the appropriate level in a UK national framework, for example, RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) QCF, NQF, SCQF, CQFW or FHEQ or the awarding body must be recognised by UK ENIC if located outside the UK. Alternatively, the awarding body must be recognised for its qualifications by the market regulator if outside the UK.
5. Applications are only accepted for fully completed and awarded qualifications.
6. The awarding body must operate to similar standards of integrity and governance to the CII.

Important note: The award will be determined in accordance with the criteria in place at the time of the application. The applicant is responsible for submitting all necessary documents in a timely manner.

Q. Where can I find CII unit syllabus information to gauge if I should consider applying?

A. Syllabus information for all CII units can be found on the CII website under the appropriate CII unit. This will enable you to identify the match to learning outcomes and assessment . You can compare assessments by viewing specimen papers or exam guides from the CII website.

 Q. Does the CII recognise non-UK qualifications?

A. Yes. The CII will recognise prior learning completed with academic and professional qualifications that have achieved the appropriate level in the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) as per UK ENIC's (www.enic.org.uk) advice. The award is dependent on review against the same standards for governance and integrity of the awarding body and learning outcomes and assessment.

 Q. I have an A level - will I be eligible for an award?

A. No. 'A levels' are positioned at UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 whilst all CII units with similar learning content (i.e. Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Mathematics, etc.) are at Diploma or Advanced Diploma levels, which are at the equivalent of RQF levels 4 and 6 respectively.

Q. I have part-completed a professional qualification from a different awarding body (i.e. not the CII). Can I apply for credits based on the units passed so far?

A. We may award credits on a unit-by-unit basis for financial services regulatory qualifications. For other qualifications you are required to complete the full qualification. Applications based on academic qualifications must be for fully completed qualifications only.

Q. I have completed two qualifications which, when combined, provide a match to all the learning outcomes of one CII unit. Why can't I receive this unit through RPL?

A. We can only make awards of CII units based on a single qualification. Where you have completed more than one unit for the same qualification we can recognise units individually. We can recognise relevant, equivalent technical learning through discretionary awards of 'non unit specific credits'.