Learning solutions for the Financial Services profession

Effective learning from the CII exam experts

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

Exam Technique and Study Hub

Most people who are unsuccessful in an R0 or AF exam will be within 5% of the pass mark. Our Hub has tips on how you can study more effectively and on how to tackle specific exams.

"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!

“Delighted to have passed the AF4 exam. A big thanks to the Patterson Group for their audio material, which is essential for AF exams and quite an easy listen as well! I’m a big fan of your audio material. I get at least 2 hours a day in the car and sometimes the gym where I make sure that I listen to the material. It’s so hard with a two year old and working full time to actually sit down with a book."

Matthew Lynch, IFA, Parato Financial Planning

About Us

CII Diploma exams

Over 39,000 people have used our audio MP3 exam study material over the last 22 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 24 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.

Learning solutions for the Financial Services profession

R0 Study Material

AF Study Material

Exam Technique and Study Hub

Jack Mason-Brown, Trainee Adviser

Richard Carter – Bestinvest Group

Sam Gibson, Chartered Financial Planner

Phil O’Connor, Director Whitewell Financial Planning Limited

Kate Nolan, Lloyds Banking Group

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

Once again, thank you!

Matthew Lynch, IFA, Parato Financial Planning

Our Clients

CII Diploma exams

A training firm run by trainers

About Ian Patterson

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CII AF1 exam: what’s historically been tested?

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AF5 March 2021

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