On average only about half of candidates across the industry pass the CII’s Diploma (J0) exams: for J01, the pass rate for the 2008 sittings was 53 per cent, almost identical to the 2007 figure of 52 per cent - overall just 45 per cent of candidates pass the CII Diploma exams.
Sesame’s pilot programme is aiming to help advisers build their technical knowledge and refine their exam technique, through a combination of e-learning and face-to-face workshops run by CII-accredited training providers. Study workshops in early July are followed by a revision workshop in the run up to the October exams.
The J01 (personal tax) exam was chosen for the pilot after Sesame research found that this is currently the most popular CII exam with advisers. Furthermore, the FSA has recently indicated that tax will be one of the core elements of the new benchmark qualification for financial advisers, due to be launched next year.
Nick Kelly, Sesame’s Managing Director for Network & Direct, said: “Advisers often underestimate the amount of studying required for these exams, whilst also struggling with exam technique. Sesame’s programme is seeking to address the practical issues advisers face when preparing for exams, by helping them to focus their studies more effectively.
“For this pilot programme, Sesame has commissioned two specialist external training providers who are supplying us with top quality trainers with experience as CII/IFS examiners. Advisers have busy schedules, but by offering expert support on both technical knowledge and exam technique over a sustained period, Sesame believes it is possible to give advisers a much higher chance of passing first time.”
If the pilot is successful Sesame will be expanding the scope of the programme to cover other CII J0 exams in the future.
