How to pass the CISI Private Client Investment Advice and Management (PCIAM) exam
With a pass rate of 45% at the Level 6 PCIAM Winter 2022 exam sitting, you may be wondering how you can make sure you are successful in this three hour exam. With an average of 1.8 minutes per mark, you need to apply your knowledge and exam technique effectively. It’s perfectly achievable if you study the syllabus and develop your exam technique to maximise marks.
Here’s our advice to increase your success in each of the three PCIAM exam sections:
Exam Section A
This first section consists of ten questions, each with four marks from across the syllabus. This may include calculation, descriptive, or analytical questions. It’s important to apply your knowledge and answer the question asked correctly. Most people who are unsuccessful haven’t answered the question fully enough. You should aim to pick up as many marks as you can in this section.
Exam Section B
This section is a twenty mark essay and you can select an essay to write from three alternatives. In recent years there has been an emphasis on regulation so in-depth knowledge in this area is required to do well in this section. Ensuring you have a good knowledge of a range of regulatory topics will enable you to write a good answer. With regulatory questions, there is more of a focus on knowledge than discussion. Other topics may be more discursive.
Exam Section C
In the final section you will be given a case study with questions to answer with a total of forty marks. The topics vary so you will need a good understanding of the syllabus so that you can demonstrate to the examiner that you can analyse something in depth.
It will test your process in dealing with a private client and analysing their position in relation to their objectives. The marks allocated to each question vary so consider where to spend your time wisely. Twenty mark questions require a well structured, in depth answer written in 35-40 minutes.
How to prepare for the CISI Level 6 PCIAM exam
How to prepare for the CISI Level 6 PCIAM exam
The correct preparation for each topic is essential to pass this exam. You need to:
- Read the textbook to build up your knowledge
- Practise answering past questions as you work through the syllabus
- Write structured answers in a timed situation so that you’re ready for the exam
- Then move onto the next topic.
Choose a PCIAM training course with Glascow
At Glascow Consulting, we know what the PCIAM high scoring answers look like. A core focus of our PCIAM course is coaching our delegates to write structured answers, even for short answer questions.
Our Zoom workshops are interactive so you can easily ask questions and join in with discussions about case studies and past questions. You’ll study in small groups of up to twelve. By limiting delegate numbers we get to know you as an individual and can coach you for the exam. This approach guarantees a high quality learning experience that we feel is vital to succeed at this qualification level.
Next Steps
Our recommended route to exam success is our comprehensive Level 6 PCIAM training course. This includes four, two-day workshops, online materials, email tutor support, 1:1 support as needed and a marked paper.
We pride ourselves in offering the highest level of support in the UK. Sign up here or for further information about the upcoming Level 6 PCIAM certificate, click on the link or call us on 0203 292 9229.
CISI PCIAM Revision Course
We also offer a two-day Level 6 PCIAM revision course for those who prefer to study alone and would like a refresher of the main areas of the syllabus and some help with exam technique. Get in touch today.
Early booking is recommended to secure a place on the upcoming CISI PCIAM course.
Only 12 delegates per course!