This is such a common question from first time candidates. Some mistakenly think they can book an exam sitting with a training provider like BTS.
The standard way to book a CII exam is via the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) itself. Bookings can be made online or by phoning the CII. Unless there are special circumstances the easiest and quickest way to book an exam sitting is online.
Before you can book your exam, you need to purchase an exam voucher for the unit from the CII shop. When purchasing a unit, candidates are presented with a variety of options in terms of the enrolment and assessment packages available, which can cause some confusion. The default cost option includes the exam entry plus a variety of additional study materials. You don’t have to purchase this full package if you wish to use alternative study materials.
To help candidates make an informed choice, we have outlined the options here:
Enrolment plus
This is the first option on offer in the list on the exam booking page. Be aware that this package contains not just an exam entry but also the CII study text and revision aids such as the RevisionMate banks of questions and answers. Remember – you don’t have to purchase this full package if you wish to use alternative study materials.
Enrolment only
This option is next in the list order. This option includes exam entry plus the CII study text. Again, you do not have to purchase this package if you wish to use study materials from another provider.
Assessment only
This is exactly as it sounds, your exam entry with no additional materials. This option can be used by candidates wishing to use other study materials rather than those on offer from the examining body, or candidates unfortunately having to resit an exam. If you are using BTS study materials, you won’t need any of the CII materials, so the ‘Assessment Only’ option is the one to choose.
Many candidates don’t realise that it is not mandatory to purchase the examining body study materials. Studying for and sitting the CII exams is a significant financial undertaking and it is important to choose your study materials carefully before investing in them. Examining body materials are not for all candidates. The study texts are more akin to technical manuals than learner guides and can be hard going if you don’t have a base knowledge in key concepts.
The CII website has several short videos to help candidates navigate the process of booking their exam.
The videos are well explained and guide candidates through the processes in an easy-to-follow fashion.
