Advisers 'going in blind' to AF8 exam, professional trainer warns

Feedback not yet enough

Sophie King
clock • 2 min read

Advisers are “going in blind” when taking the Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII) AF8 exam, a freelance trainer has told PA.

John Trayner, who helps advisers with the AF1-AF7 and R01-R06 qualifications, said the CII should do more to help candidates understand what it is looking for. The exam trainer said he does not help with the AF8 exam because he cannot do it within "the ethical boundaries". Trayner said while the CII has produced an "exemplar paper" which included two papers with a pass mark and one with a fail, candidates still do not have a clear idea of what is expected. He said: "What we need is some sort of discussion with the examiners to see how they look at these [papers]. I think they [the CII...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Advice firms report that around four in ten clients are vulnerable - MorganAsh

Advice firms report that around four in ten clients are vulnerable - MorganAsh

Data from the MorganAsh Resilience System

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 May 2026 • 2 min read
Student loans present 'almost impossible' financial planning question

Student loans present 'almost impossible' financial planning question

To be a 'burden' for years to come, advisers say

Sophia Panayi
clock 28 May 2026 • 5 min read
Advice consolidation: Reputation, regulation and a transforming market

Advice consolidation: Reputation, regulation and a transforming market

Growth alone is no longer enough

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 May 2026 • 5 min read