Training solutions for the Financial Services profession

Simple and effective learning for people and businesses

R0 Study Material

Level 4 Diploma exams for financial advisers covering R01-6 of the CII Diploma in regulated financial planning

AF Study Material

Audio and written exam support for the CII Advanced Diploma in financial planning subjects AF1, AF4 and AF7

Supervisor Training

Develop supervisory skills to meet FCA T&C requirements and build effective people management skills

Senior Management

Meet regulatory senior management responsibilities by providing effective oversight and improving effectiveness

T&C Services

Meet the Training and Competence requirements of both your business and the FCA in an effective way

Adviser skills

Improve the performance of financial advisers by helping them to build better relationships and create more value

"It's been fantastic, you make everything very clear with examples and by testing my knowledge by asking questions. I went on a training course..... and I understood things a lot more using your audio ... Also very affordable and can listen at any time..... All in all, they have allowed me to pass 4 R0 exams in a short period of time when I have still been having to work in a demanding role. Thanks for all of your help!"

Jack Mason-Brown, Trainee Adviser

“It made light work of the calculations explaining them in a way which was easy to absorb. The book and calculations guide has definitely helped me with my study and made me so much more confident when entering the exam."

Richard Carter – Bestinvest Group

"You will be pleased to hear that I have passed my AF exam. I could not have done this without your training, of that I am in no doubt. I want to thank you personally for your assistance here. The course was superb, by far the best that I have attended, and your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject is commendable."

Sam Gibson, Chartered Financial Planner

"Thank you for your help and assistance which enabled me to pass my exams. Having failed on two previous occasions I was determined to make it third time lucky. With the assistance of the audio course I was able to study in a time to suit me (i.e. while driving to and from work). It was set out in easy to listen to /bite size chunks which made covering what is a horrible syllabus much easier. I really feel that the audio course was the difference in me passing."

Phil O’Connor, Director Whitewell Financial Planning Limited

“I sat and passed AF1 in April 2015 after only studying the AF1 guide and past papers. They are much clearer and more succinct than other study texts I have used in the past. I would recommend them to anyone completing CII studies as they are well worth the cost."

Kate Nolan, Lloyds Banking Group

"I purchased your study guide for AF1 and managed to pass with distinction. This was mainly due to the information in your study guide."

Kenny Barlow, Partner of St James’s Place Wealth Management

"I found out this morning that I passed AF1 on first attempt and wanted to say thank you as your audio materials have been an essential part of my revision and helped tremendously. I will be sitting AF4 in April and will be definitely purchasing your audio materials. Once again, thank you!"

Once again, thank you!

"..all of us found the day interesting, informative and effective. The facilitation of the day was refreshingly straight and detailed feedback was excellent."

Richard Mahon, T&C Officer Compliance, Aon Consulting Limited

“ A great course, good fun, good content and really worthwhile”.

Russ Haworth, Adviser, Proposito FP Ltd

“Excellent delivery which supports the practical application of effective T&C and best business practices which add value.”

John Dibble, Compliance Director, Gale and Phillipson IFA

“Ian has delivered a refreshing update to my supervisory skills with a well balanced approach to the core skills required to undertake my supervisor role.”

Jon Hellier, Director, Loughtons IFA

About Us

CII Diploma exams

Over 33,000 people have used our audio MP3 exam study material over the last 21 years. These cover the CII R0 exams such as R01 and R04. They also cover the CII AF exams such as AF1 and AF7. Thousands more have attended our popular training courses.

A training firm run by trainers

Founded over 23 years ago, The Patterson Group use subject matter experts dedicated to providing quality skills, senior management and exam support to the financial services profession. They include the authors of six current CII study texts.

About Ian Patterson

Ian Patterson is widely known for his industry experience and expertise. As a qualified trainer, he has trained 1000's; as an author of 8 study texts (including the current CII CF8, AF6 and J07 texts), many more people have read his work. As an ex IFA and examiner he knows both the exams and the profession inside out.