In her first blog for The Journal, Anna Barnes explains why not rushing your studies is key to CII qualification success.
Hello CII members! I would like to introduce myself as your new CII blogger. My name is Anna Barnes and I currently work in compliance and technical services at NMU. During the next 12 months, I hope to provide you with some insight into how studying for qualifications, taking exams and balancing studies while having a full-time job has worked for me -- and will hopefully work for you too. I hope my studying tips will be useful. However, in my first blog, I wanted to start from the beginning, as preparation is a key element to the successful completion of your desired CII qualification.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
First and foremost: look at the CII insurance qualifications brochure as this contains all the necessary information you need, such as the different courses available to you. This information is also available on the CII website. Once you've looked at the brochure, it would be a good idea to make a plan to create realistic targets and deadlines. If you are taking your Cert CII exams, I would recommend that you create a study plan through RevisionMate. This calculates the average hours you need to spend on each chapter.
When creating your plan, remember that you are given a specific amount of time to complete each course depending on what unit you choose to do and what study option you take. Within my plan, my target is to complete ACII within three years but I've learnt to also take my time with the process and to not overwork myself. My main priority is to pass each exam at the first sitting, to avoid the resit process. It's definitely not a good feeling to know that you have failed an exam when you have spent so much time studying, so don't rush. If you are not ready, give yourself some extra time -- but try and stick to your plan as much as possible and don't give up!
If you haven't done so already, you should check whether any qualifications you hold can be used towards the completion of your desired insurance qualification, as this will affect your plan. You may be awarded non-specific credits or be exempt from certain exams. So check! Your credits will be awarded through the recognition of prior learning.
That's it from me. I hope my advice has helped you. In my next blog, I'll discuss about the things you need to avoid while studying. Stay tuned.
Anna Barnes is compliance & technical services assistant at NMU
THREE THINGS TO TAKE AWAY
- Plan -- Start by making a plan to create realistic targets and deadlines
- Don't Rush -- Take your time, to avoid the resit process
- Recognised learning -- Check to see if you have any specific recognised learning that the CII will accept