Investment principles and risk is one of the six core units that make up the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. It accounts for 20 of the 100 credits that are needed. That makes it one of the ‘meatiest’ units in the diploma suite.
The CII describe R02 as a subject that “develops your knowledge and understanding of investment products and the application of the investment advice process.” This recognises the fact that a robust knowledge of the various investment products available in the marketplace is key when advising clients.
The investment principles covered in R02, spill over into R03, 4, 5 and 6, so can be considered part of the base knowledge needed in order for the subjects covered in the other R0s to make sense.
Many candidates find the R02 a tough exam to crack because it covers a wide range of investment topics that they might never have studied before.
The R02 exam is two hours long and there are 100 questions to answer; 72 standard multiple-choice questions and 28 multi-response questions.
The BTS resources provide a structured study path through the R02 syllabus, covering both the technical knowledge and exam technique required to achieve a pass.
We follow a simple model based on our proven STEP approach to planning your study: Study | Train | e-Learn | Practise
Below you will find an overview of the BTS approach with details of how the BTS materials can be used to support your learning. You don’t need to use every element of the STEP approach, but we recommend starting by working through the BTS study guide. Then, whether you use the e-Learning module and / or a workshop is a personal preference. The R0 Study Buddy app is designed to be used to practise exam-standard questions, little and often from the mid-way point in your study plan.
Working through our study guide is the essential first step in your R02 study plan.
The BTS R02 study guide is a complete replacement for the examining body textbook.
How is the BTS R02 study guide different?
Our study guides have been designed with learners in mind. We bring the subject matter to life by building up the key knowledge areas with you, using charts and visuals to paint pictures, making the syllabus as interesting as possible. It’s packed full of exam-relevant content, activities, exam style end of chapter questions plus a whole specimen exam.
The R02 syllabus is wide, and the BTS R02 study guide doesn’t cut any corners. The guide is written in an easier to understand format and to keep you going there’s a thread of BTS humour weaved throughout.
The key to exam success is not just reading and learning technical information parrot fashion.
Think of your BTS study guide as the first step on your very own revision track. You’ll be able to check your progress throughout, using activities, practice questions and end of chapter tests.
As you work through each chapter, you will gradually cover the full R02 syllabus and practise the required exam techniques through the use of:
You don’t need to purchase the examining body version of the text book – you can opt to sit the exam stand-alone by selecting ‘assessment only’ on the CII website and then order a BTS Study Guide instead.
Our R02 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the R02 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for R02, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
What is the BTS R02 workshop like?
Our workshop consists of two fun-packed days led by a BTS trainer, plus the company of other candidates in the same position as you.
The workshop concentrates on honing your understanding and application of the heaviest-weighted learning outcomes in the R02 syllabus including asset classes, investment products, the investment advice process, and the principles of investment planning.
You will also spend time developing your question answering techniques and exam strategy. The CII are renowned for their ‘interesting’ use of language, so part of the road to an exam pass is getting used to this.
R02 workshop dates are added to the events calendar throughout the year. If you can’t see a date that works for you, get in touch to ask about more options.
The workshop is ideal either for some last minute exam revision, or if you are at the start of your studies and struggling with all those formulae!
What makes the R02 workshop so useful?
A workshop is a live event where you can benefit not just from the BTS trainer but also from working alongside others studying for the same exam. Discussions within the group can help to reassure you and improve your understanding of key exam areas. You’ll get out of your day as much as you put in (and more!).
After the workshop you will have 120-days access to a set of digital revision materials which include slides from the workshop, practice tests, technical revision sheets and a specimen exam with explained answers, so you continue your learning after the event.
You’ll also be able to continue your conversations with your fellow R02 candidates in our student-led forums. Login to your BTS account and head over to the Careers Zone to access our forums.
Our R02 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the R02 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for R02, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
You set your own pace. The e-Learning allows you to focus on the things you find challenging.
What is the BTS R02 e-Learning like?
The BTS e-Learning is an amazing tool. It’s interactive, engaging and packed full of activities. It covers the heaviest-weighted learning outcomes on the syllabus, making it an ideal revision tool.
Each learning outcome we cover will deepen your understanding of key exam concepts, and as a result can really help to get you that all important exam pass.
Key features of BTS e-Learning include:
Want to try it first? Order a free sample to try before you buy.
Some candidates choose to use our e-Learning as an alternative to attending a workshop, some will utilise both a workshop and e-Learning.
It can be used to supplement your study as you work through your BTS guide, or as a revision experience at the end of your self-study, covering the most tested learning outcomes on the exam.
As you work through the course you will find:
Our R02 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the R02 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for R02, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
The BTS Study Buddy provides a digital way of practising for the CII R02 exam. Accessible via the web on your desktop or via the app on your mobile device (available from the Apple and Google stores).
A common comment we hear from candidates (not ours!) is their actual exam questions were harder than the ones they had practiced on. BTS Study Buddy questions are likely to be much closer to your actual exam ones. Why?
BTS designers sit the R02 exam every year to make sure the Study Buddy questions are as close to the real thing as possible. This means including grids and tables, extracts of calendars and some right dodgy wording, just like the real exam!
Every question includes an explanation of the correct answer, so you can learn even when you get the answer wrong.
There are two volumes of R02 questions available for purchase – each giving you 400 questions to practice on. There is no difference in difficulty between the two volumes, just twice as many questions to practise on!
Each volume purchased is accessible for a 120-day subscription.
Once you have the base R02 knowledge in your grey cells the BTS mantra is ‘practise, practise, practise’, in the run up to your exam sitting.
How can BTS Study Buddy help you pass your R02 exam?
The exam-style questions are designed to supplement our study guides and to help you to identify any knowledge gaps.
Good use of BTS Study Buddy and the feedback, will help you to target your final revision, giving the best chance of exam success.
Our R02 study plan has been designed to encourage and support your planning as you work through the R02 unit.
BTS study plans show you how to:
To view the full BTS study plan for R02, you will need to create a free account on the BTS website. When you login you will have access to our Careers Zone, packed full of information and guidance to support your studies including study plans for every exam we support and online student-led forums so you can chat to others on the same journey.
Below, you will find a range of recent articles providing insights, help and advice for this unit, we hope you find these useful. Remember if you have any questions on your journey feel free to get in touch with the BTS support team.