Schools in Session: Chatting All Things Exams with SJP and Financial Planner Life podcaster Sam Oakes

With schools back in session, it’s not just students hitting the books. For many aspiring financial planners, the exam season never really ends – especially when preparing for the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) R0 exams.

We’ve been proud to support the SJP Academy as a training provider for a number of years now. We were also invited to join Financial Planner Life (FPL) by SJP, further strengthening our collaboration. Recently, as part of this partnership, Financial Planner Life podcaster Sam Oakes sat down with our very own technical expert, John Smith, to share his experiences and some valuable insights for anyone starting their journey into financial planning.

John knows first-hand the challenge of the R0 exams – a crucial stepping stone to becoming a qualified financial adviser. From mastering technical detail to managing study time effectively, success isn’t just about hard work, but about working smart.

Top takeaways for exam success:

• Know your syllabus – The R0 exams are broad and technical. Understanding the structure of each paper will help you focus on the areas that matter most.

• Practice under pressure – Don’t just read the material. Practice exam-style questions to build confidence and spot your weak points early.

• Avoid the pitfalls – Many learners underestimate the level of detail required or leave revision too late. Consistency is key.

• Use your support network – Whether through study groups or the Academy, learning is easier when you’re not doing it alone.

Here is what John had to say about his experience "It was a privilege to work closely with one of our clients here to share useful hints and tips on how we support our academies through their R0 exams.  Having observed the work Sam had done recently with Gee and the team, we were super excited to get involved and do everything in our power to provide guidance to individuals already on their diploma journey or thinking about embarking on this journey as a career change.  Having Rebecca and Gary on the podcast really was the icing on the cake, as they were able to share first hand experiences of how we support their academies through term 1.  We really hope the podcast will reach a huge audience and spark activity in this area, and hope to have the opportunity to work with Sam and Gee again in the near future"

While the exams are demanding, they’re also a gateway to an exciting and rewarding career in financial planning. With the right preparation, anyone with the ambition and drive can succeed.

Listen to the full podcast here.‍

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It’s been a pleasure supporting the SJP Academy. At Redmill Advance, we’re here to guide you through every step – from your first R0 paper to becoming fully qualified. If you’re considering a career in financial advice, there’s never been a better time to take that first step.

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