Our full suite of examinations
View our full qualifications structure or use our qualifications navigator which provides a guide to professional job roles and appropriate CISI qualifications.
If you already know which exam you wish to take please select it below:
Pass Mark / Pass Rate
The current pass rate for this exam is and the pass mark is . The exam grades are as follows:
RQF Credits
credits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework are awarded upon successfully passing this exam
Regulated Awarding Organisation status
The CISI is recognised as an awarding organisation by the qualifications regulators in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA respectively).
Many of our qualifications are regulated in nature. The 'Level' within a qualification’s title identifies it as being regulated and also its specific position within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The RQF is for qualifications with formally regulated status offered in England and Northern Ireland (a closely similar system is in operation for Wales, with equivalent levels).
For further information regarding the RQF, including comparisons with qualification levels from other countries, refer to the UK government website here.
'Total Qualification Time' (TQT) is an estimate of the total time commitment that could reasonably be expected for a learner to complete the qualification - essentially, this consists of time spent in training and/or private study and any examinations or assignments.
European Qualifications Framework
Many of the CISI’s qualifications are regulated as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The RQF is for qualifications with formally regulated status offered in England and Northern Ireland (a closely similar system is in operation for Wales, with equivalent levels).
The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is a common European reference framework. It helps individuals, employers and other organisations compare qualifications across different European countries.
A simple comparison of RQF vs EQF levels is provided below.
| RQF Level |
E1 |
E2 |
E3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| EQF Level |
- |
- |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
For a description of the EQF levels, and to find out where the types of qualifications offered in different European countries sit within the EQF, please refer to the European Commission website
here.
Qualifications and the FCA/PRA
Investment firms regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and/or the Prudential Regulatory Authority are required to employ staff who are competent [FCA / PRA Handbooks SYSC 3.1.6 R]. For many job functions, staff are expected to hold a relevant qualification outlined in the FCA's Appropriate Qualifications Tables for staff dealing with retail clients.
How the CISI ensures its qualifications are fit for purpose
To ensure qualifications are fit for purpose, the CISI obtains input from employers, trade bodies, training providers, the sector skills council (the Financial & Legal Skills Partnership) and other stakeholders in all stages of the development and assessment of qualifications.
A panel of key stakeholders is appointed for each of the Institute’s exams. Each panel provides guidance on the development of each unit and meets at least biannually to review the syllabus and assessment content to ensure continued fitness for purpose.
Each panel reports to the Qualification Assessment Board (QAB) for the relevant qualification, which consists of senior representatives of each panel within the qualification. Each QAB subsequently reports to the Examinations Board (EB).
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What is MiFID II and how will it affect you or your firm?
Find information to help you or your firm fulfil the obligations set out under Articles 24 & 25 of MiFID II which come into effect in January 2018.
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