AF3 Examination

TH1878

I sat AF3 in October 2009 as well and I can only re-iterate the thoughts of the OP and helsbels17 - where was the stuff on final salary transfers?

I thought that there would be more on anti-forestalling measures as well, this being the first exam they could test it in (or is that too obvious?).

I reckon I'm aiming for a re-sit in April anyway

shaunrc

Hi Guys

I just thought that I would post my result. It was an X which is a narrow fail. I am very unhappy with what has taken place here as I had studied hard and am good at exams ( I have a degree in economics). I know it may sound like someone who has failed complaining but please look at my original post..... There are a lot of questions about this particular exam and one of the problems with the current system is who do you complain too?

The exam did not test what I had studied and I studied what the CII told me too.

I wish everyone else well in receiving their results today.

Patchthedog

Sorry to hear that Shaun

It's not a good time to find out - just before Christmas.

Better luck next time

xxx

Anna

shaunrc

Hi Anna

Thank you for the sympathy it was kind of you to take the time. How did you get on?

Actually I was concerned pretty much from when I opened the exam paper and read the questions! I want to get hold of helsbels and TH1878 if I can and anyone else who sat this exam. I know that helsbels17 said she had already complained to the CII. I intend to do so individually but I feel that it would be better to get a group together and do so.

This particular exam I feel is in danger of bringing the whole system into disrepute by the way it was structured. For a start it questions their policy of selling a casebook (for around £130) and it proving to have no relation to what they asked. I would never buy one again after this experience as I feel it misled me as not only did I pay for it but I wasted time studying it.

Patchthedog

Hi Shaun

I passed J05. Big relief as I found it hard and struggled with lack of time.

It seems unfair that the AF3 bore little relation to the workbook. I have always reasoned that if I know the workbook information I should be okay and relied heaving on the book and memory. When can you resit? Hope it is quite soon as it's probably best to keep the momentum up!

Best wishes

Anna

LOST

I've always been told that the people at CII that write the exam papers are not the same people that write the study texts to ensure that there are no conflicts, hence the reason why terminology may differ as well as style of asking questions etc... the only common denominator is that they have the syllabus to go on.

shaunrc

Congratulations Anna I am pleased for you. I was happy when I passed j04 and j05 and thought that I would strike while the irons hot with AF3.

As to a resit I am so cheesed off with it that I have started another venture and if it picks up as I hope I will only darken the CII's doors to formally complain about the exam paper. I suspect I will not be the only one.

After all a resit only gives them more money....

TH1878

Shaun, I actually passed the exam (I don't know how!?) but I do agree with you that the questions bore no relevance to the revision material. I revised mainly from the JO4 and JO5 manuals and hardly dipped into the AF3 booklet which could have worked in my favour.

Some of the questions were stupid though and considering you need the exam to be able to advise on Final Salary transfers, there was a complete lack of relevant questions in respect of this. I'd be happy to add my thoughts to any complaint you're going to raise with the CII.

As an aside, consider getting it remarked - speak to the CII and see exactly how close you were in marks. If it's 1-3 then definitely consider it. I've been told that the CII markers get about 10 minutes per paper first time round, but they get more time for re-marks. If they fail you the second time, they have to write a report on it so quite often, it's easier to find the marks.

shaunrc

Hi TH1878

I just wanted to say congratulations. I have received the CII's results sheet and will look it up.

mattgonewalkabout

Afternoon All,
I have just enrolled in AF5 but am a little concerned that they don't give a guide on the pass mark. I have previously sat and passed numerous exams both with the CII and elsewhere (such as the IMC) but i am not sure what standard they are expecting and hence whether i would be at, above or below this mark. Has anyone sat this paper and been told what the pass mark has been historically?
Any guidance would be greatfully appreciated.
Cheers,
Matt