Lucy Courtenay, qualifications director of the Institute of Financial Planning, said: “It is worth finding out what your learning style is so that you choose a method of preparation that will work for you.”
1) Study text
Pro: According to the Chartered Insurance Institute, the study text is the most popular method of studying for its candidates.
The text provides candidates with the examination syllabus and key information on each area as well as useful websites and study questions.
Con: Although they are a good core learning material, they may not be that easy to transport on the go.
2) Face-to-face training
Pro: The CII offers revision days and workshops at its face to face centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Glasgow.
The revision days are taught by experienced trainers who will cover all the study areas highlighted in the exam syllabus and answer questions candidates may have on the exam.
Research by the CII also showed that those who attended the training were 50 per cent more likely to pass exams.
Con: As of August 2011, the CII was only able to provide face to face training in six locations so far.
However, the CII also offers virtual classrooms if candidates prefer to undertake face-to-face learning. This allows the tutor and candidate to interact with one another through online training technology.
3) CII’s Revision Mate
Pro: Revision Mate is an online learning portal developed by the CII. It provides candidates with a different learning format than the usual study text with all the revision information available online.
Revision Mate also offers candidates study questions, a study planner and tips, access to discussion forums and an online version of the study text for quick reference. According to Steve Jenkins, director of financial services markets at the CII, this option is helpful to candidates as information can be clearly saved and retrieved online.
Con: Internet access is needed, which means it isn’t entirely mobile.
4) Virtual Classrooms
Pro: The CII has launched virtual classrooms for those studying for the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
This study option offers candidates face to face learning by using online training technology, allowing candidates to log on and work remotely.
Candidates can interact, ask tutors questions and take part in interactive games. This option reduces the time and money candidates may have lost through travelling away from the office and clients.
Con: As of August 2011, virtual classrooms were only available for the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
5) Distance learning
Pro: Distance learning will suit you if you are motivated and can work on your own. Lucy Courtenay, qualifications director of the Institute of Financial Planning, said if you have a daily commute, then chapters from text books can make ideal reading on the train.
If you travel by car, Ms Courtenay said a commercial or home-made tape or podcast may work but it may be difficult to concentrate on your driving, particularly through those tricky parts
Con: The disadvantages of course books are they do go out of date and can be difficult to update. Ms Courtenay said: “I still remember glueing in updates and corrections.”
6) E-learning
Pro: E-learning can be kept up to date much more easily than a course book.
Courses can also be interactive so you can have graphics – not to everyone’s taste - and lots of different activities to break up the content and measure your progress.
They are also designed not to be linear so you can dip in and out and take your own route through the content. The Institute of Financial Planning’s Ms Courtenay said admittedly you can do this with a book too but it takes more effort.
Con: You need to have a reliable internet connection and if you spend all day working at a computer screen, do you want to do the same in the evenings?
7) Courses at college
Pro: Intensive courses may suit you if you want to economise on your preparation time.
Con: This type of learning will not suit everybody though and you will get the best from such courses if you have done some preparation first, according to the Institute of Financial Planning’s Ms Courtenay.
Obviously you will need to put aside the time to attend the course, which will often be just before the exam.
8) Other study materials
Pro: The CII also offers revision materials such as audio CDs and examination guides to help candidates get the most out of their learning.
These provide candidates with the guidance they need on what subjects will be covered, what questions they can expected to ask as well as well as the format of questions.
A key facts booklet is also available that provides candidates with key, bite-sized information that can be revised and comes in a small booklet so candidates can easily carry this around with them.
Con: It is important to note that not all study materials will be available for each study unit. For a list of study materials available for each exam module, candidates should check the CII website.
