AF Exams: What Every Financial Planner Should Know

For many financial planners, becoming Chartered isn’t just a goal—it’s a professional milestone that marks years of hard work and growth. But before you can pop the champagne, there’s one more hurdle to clear: the AF exams.

If you’ve ever heard someone call them the “final boss” of the CII pathway, they weren’t exaggerating. These exams are tough, technical, and demanding—but they’re also achievable, especially with the right mindset and a few smart strategies.

In our recent webinar session, we sat down with Head of Training Jon Dunckley, who shared some gold-dust tips that can help you navigate the AF landscape more efficiently. Here’s what every planner should know before diving in.

Understanding the AF Landscape

To get your CII Advanced Diploma and ultimately achieve Chartered status, you’ll need 290 credits, with at least 120 of those at Advanced Diploma (Level 6) level. The only mandatory AF exam is AF5, the case study-based paper. The rest? It’s up to you. You can choose from a mix of AF modules like AF1 (Taxation & Trusts), AF4 (Investments), and AF8 (Retirement Planning), and top up your credits with Level 4 and specialist modules that fit your interests.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Jon’s motto is simple but effective: “study less, pass more.” No, it’s not about shortcuts—it’s about being strategic.

The AF exams are less about memorising facts and more about showing that you can apply your knowledge to real-life client scenarios, especially the kind that involve complex, high-net-worth planning. It’s not enough to quote a tax allowance; you need to show how that figure changes a client’s outcome.

There’s also a lot of overlap between certain modules. For instance, if you’re tackling AF1, it’s smart to pair it with JO2 (Trusts), as the knowledge complements each other. The same goes for AF4 and J10 (Discretionary Investment Management). It’s a savvy way to earn more credits without doubling your study load—and you’ll walk away with specialist certificates that carry real value in practice.

Some planners are tempted by quick wins like LP1–3, but Jon’s view is that modules like CF6 (Mortgages), ER1 (Equity Release), and CF8 (Long Term Care) offer more tangible benefits. They not only boost your credits but genuinely enhance your client advice capabilities.

Time Commitment and Realistic Planning

Let’s be honest: AF exams aren’t easy. Pass rates for the more technical papers sit around the 50% mark. But with a sensible plan, you don’t need to burn the midnight oil every night.

The CII recommends 150 hours per module, but you can make steady progress with short, regular bursts of study. Jon suggests even 30 minutes a day can build serious momentum over time. It's about quality and consistency, not just quantity.

And if life gets in the way or you don’t pass on your first go? That’s okay. Resilience is part of the journey. Success delayed is still success.

Support, Resources & Community

One of the biggest advantages you have today is community. Whether it’s through study groups, structured sessions, or support from trainers like Jon Dunckley, there’s real power in learning together.

Final Thoughts

The AF exams may feel like a mountain, but they’re absolutely climbable with the right plan. It’s not about being the cleverest in the room—it’s about being prepared, strategic, and persistent.

Lean into your community, trust your process, and remember why you started in the first place. These qualifications don’t just help you tick a box—they deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and allow you to offer even greater value to your clients.

Good luck, and keep going—you’re closer than you think.