AF3 Pension planning

This online feature has been designed so that you can revise key syllabus topics and get practice preparing for the written format of this exam by taking two online papers.

CONTENTS

One self marked online exam style paper where you mark your typed in answers against a model answer
One online exam style paper marked where you type in your answers online and is marked by one of our experienced markers (you may only take this paper once).
3 case studies with 20 related multiple-choice questions including explanations of answers.

Case study 1
Deals with various unsecured pensions aspects including income levels, planning, critical yield and death benefits.

Case study 2
Deals with defined benefit schemes focusing on aspects of the lifetime allowance, annual allowance, benefit crystallisation, income options, primary protection and enhanced protection.

Case study 3
Deals with defined benefit funding aspects, MNTs, contracting out, PPF and key legislation areas.

Note
We aim to mark all assessor marked papers within 7 days. However we do request that you try to complete the assessor marked paper at least two weeks before the exam to provide you with time to review your paper and to ease the workload on our assessors.

Extract from Financial Adviser

Firm offers Wizard idea for AF3 exam practice

Advisers aiming for chartered status can now get practical experience at taking the AF3 advanced pensions exam thanks to an online product from Wizard Learning.
The learning solutions provider has launched a service whereby candidates take a written mock online exam, which is then marked by a chartered financial plannercomplete with comments and answer suggestions and re-accessed by the candidate.
Mike Goldsmith, managing director of Wizard Learning and a chartered financial planner, said: “The CII recommends the advanced diploma candidates dedicate 120 hours of study in preparation for the AF exams, but where do you get that experience from?

Study guides are not issued for the advanced diploma exams because the exam is designed to build on knowledge already gained at diploma level.”
Mr Goldsmith, who expects more than 100 candidates to use the AF3 mock exam system by April, said: “Getting practice at taking the exams is what people are finding difficult. But that is what gives us a competitive edge.”
While past exam papers can be purchased from the CII, Mr Goldsmith says that these may not be up-to-date with recent legislation and obviously does not provide bespoke recommendations for each incorrectly answered question as the Wizard Learning online product does.

Why buy Wizard Learning Practice Exam Packages?
Like all of our products, Wizard Learning’s Practice Exam Package has been designed with you, the customer as the primary consideration.

In our view and following extensive research, effective online learning and development programmes for financial services topics and professional exams should:

Include innovative learning material accounting for different learning styles
Be technically accurate
Be easy to use
Be helpful in identifying the learner’s strengths and weaknesses and
Be cost effective.

Our Practice Exam Package ticks ALL these boxes:

A choice of self-marked and assessor marked papers are included in the package. If you want some tips from a qualified industry professional, the assessor marked paper can provide useful feedback on both technique and technical know how prior to the exam. The self-marked paper gives you a chance to identify progress in your own time and at your own pace. Completing these papers online at any time, maximises flexibility for you
All our Practice Exam Packages are prepared, checked and assessed by individuals with relevant industry qualifications. We strive to remain accurate and up to date in this fast changing environment
The Practice Exam Package is really easy to use. Customers simply log in to the site anywhere in the world at any time and start using the services they have purchased
Both our self marked and assessor marked papers provide you with model solutions to identify your strengths and areas for development both in terms of exam technique and technical knowledge. With the assessor marked paper, you benefit from individual feedback as well
We feel that the cost of the Practice Exam Package represents exceptional value once you account for the variety of features and benefits that it offers and many of our customers are finding it to be an essential supplementary tool to their learning and revision
Don’t forget that with multiple purchase of products, costs come right down – for individual as much as 30%. The discount can become even bigger for firms looking for bulk purchases.

We hope you enjoy using our most recent additions to the Practice Exam Package range. We will be continually adding to our products and service over the next months in line with your requests.