Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam board administers the Securities & Investment Institute Diploma examinations and can you book me on my exam?

The Securities & Investment Institute administers the examinations. Enrolling on one of our CISI Diploma courses does not also mean you are registered for your exam. To register for your exam, you need to contact the Securities& Investment Institute direct on telephone +44 (0)20 7645 0680 or email customerops@sii.org.uk

Is the exam cost included in your course prices?

No. The exams are an additional cost. For details of the latest costs for each Diploma examination, contact the Securities & Investment Institute direct on telephone +44 (0)20 7645 0680 or email customerops@sii.org.uk

What is the deadline for booking on the exams?

Please refer to our Exam Info & Registration section for examination details.

How often do the exams take place and how long is each exam?

Visit the Exam Info & Registration section of our website for the dates and duration of all the Securities;& Investment Institute Diploma examinations.

When and how do I get my exam results?

Your results are available approximately 9 weeks after your exam. They are published in the Financial Times as well as sent to you in the post.

Where can I get a copy of the syllabus?

The syllabli for the Securities & Investment Institute Diploma papers are available on the Securities & Investment Institute website.

Am I exempt from any part of the CISI Diploma exams?

You need to check with the Securities & Investment Institute on +44 (0)20 7645 0680 or your Compliance Officer for details on exemptions you may be entitled to.

What are the pass marks for the CISI Diploma exams?

The official pass marks for each of the CISI Diploma papers are available on the Securities & Investment Institute website.

What prior qualifications do I need to have before taking these exams?

No entry criteria have been set by the Securities & Investment Institute for the Diploma examinations. Although not essential, we recommend that you obtain relevant industry experience prior to commencing the Diploma.

Many of the Diploma papers require a strong understanding of accounting and financial mathematics. For those not confident of their understanding or who need to refresh their knowledge of these subject areas, we provide pre-study accounting and financial mathematics courses through our range of Professional Development Courses.

What comparable alternatives are there to this qualification?

The CFA® examination program is an alternative, more globally recognised professional level qualification for the financial services industry. We provide tailor-made study solutions for all three levels of the CFA Program.

Will this designation help my employment prospects?

Although not an essential requirement, it may look favourable to prospective employers if you have gained the Securities & Investment Institute Diploma qualification. It demonstrates high standards of performance, considerable breadth of understanding and clear career commitment.

How long will this program take to complete?

You are advised to sit only one paper at each sitting, held every six months. With 3 papers to sit and pass to achieve the Diploma, completion of the full Diploma typically takes between 18 months and 2 years.

How often can I take the exam?

You can sit your exam as many times as you need to.

What are the benefits of your three phase approach?

Examiners always criticise the practice of cramming information in the final weeks before the examination. Our three phase approach avoids this danger by ensuring you acquire, consolidate and test your knowledge earlier and more progressively throughout your study programme.

What are the major requirements to achieve the CISI Diploma designation?

Student or Affiliate members passing one paper of the Diploma and demonstrating 3 years of continuing learning can apply for Full membership of the Securities Institute (MSI). Obtaining a pass in two further Diploma papers and demonstrating a further 3 years of continuing learning leads to fellowship of the Institute (FSI). The definition of continuing learning includes further relevant examinations and/or evidence of attendance on courses and seminars, participation in professional activities sponsored by the Institute or other relevant organisations.

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