The FAIQ provides the following benefits:

Internationally-recognized certificate to be jointly awarded on successful completion by the CII and IFPHK.

Provides a good starting point for anyone serious about financial services by providing an easy-going introduction to professional fundamentals of financial services products and professional conduct, even for those who are not from the same industry.

Provides sound international knowledge since it concentrates upon the core principles of financial services products and professional conduct accepted worldwide.

Relevant to local needs as the syllabus also covers Hong Kong market practices, products and legislation with 25% of the exam specifically testing on local knowledge.

A one-stop learning service that covers the coursebook, examination guide, sample questions and one sitting of the exam for a single fee.
The exam and coursebook are now conveniently available in both English and Chinese.

Each exam is conducted in the same manner, around the world, maintaining the certification standards internationally.

Open to everyone - from graduates to professionals--looking to gain an advantage in a highly competitive financial services industry.

Improves career prospects by demonstrating commitment to self-improvement.

Holders can apply to use the designation FAIQ (CII) providing a means of demonstrating educational achievement to the public and to peers (membership and Continuing Professional Development requirements apply).

It is available now. There will be two public exam sittings conducted annually in April and October. For year 2013, the specific exam dates are April 10 and October 9.

Application deadline for FAIQ Examination is usually 2.5 months before the examination date.  For year 2013, deadline for April exam is February 27 and for October exam, the deadline is August 28.

It has a one-off cost of HK$1,500.

The exam is now available in both English and Chinese. To apply for the appropriate one, you need to download and complete the appropriate application forms below:

For the English exam, please click here

For the Chinese exam, please click here

The language you choose to be examined will automatically determine the language of the coursebook to be given to you. E.g., if you use a Chinese application form to apply for the Chinese exam, then the coursebook provided to you will automatically be in Chinese.

• Part I: Professional advice and understanding of clients' needs; the    fact-finding process; and the elements of good practice.
• Part II: Knowledge and application of protection, savings and    investment, and retirement-related products.
• art III: Knowledge of Hong Kong financial services industry     regulatory framework and  taxation.

FAIQ is designed for self-study, allowing you to cover the entire syllabus at your own convenience. There are no mandatory classes to attend. As a guide, it is recommended that you allow a minimum of 80 hours' study to prepare for this exam  (this will vary according to your experience, ability and background).

All 8 chapters in the coursebook, which is conveniently available in both English and Chinese, conclude with a series of self-test questions which enable you to monitor your progress as you prepare for the exam itself. The language of the coursebook will be automatically determined by the language chosen for the exam.

The examination guide and sample questions highlight the syllabus areas covered, and includes useful tips on how to pass the exam.

The exam is a two and a half hour paper (pencil exam) comprising 100 multiple-choice questions. There are two public exam sittings in April and October. The nominal pass mark is 70%.

Success in passing the exam opens up several opportunities for immediate recognition by your peers, customers and the financial services industry as a whole.

Successful candidates will be awarded a Certificate.

They will be invited to apply for membership with the CII and IFPHK. FAIQ graduates who successfully apply for CII/IFPHK joint         membership will be able to indicate their designation FAIQ (CII) and IFPHK Associate Member on their professional identifications, including name cards.

You also automatically gain all the benefits of both institutions that are designed to enhance your career internationally and locally.

Benefits of IFPHK Associate Membership include:

Member's can indicate their membership status on their professional documents, including their name cards, gaining recognition from peers and customers, and becoming part of a prestigious group of financial services dedicated to providing excellent services with high standard of ethics.

Free subscription to Advisors Today, Hong Kong's leading financial planning publication, with news, analysis and comments on current issues.

Member newsletter

Special member rates to attend seminars, forums and conferences organised by IFPHK.

Invitation to attend social events organised by IFPHK.

Discounts for books in selected bookshops.

Benefits of CII Membership include:

Member's of the CII benefit by being one of 90,000 people who belong to the largest professional body dedicated to the insurance, savings and financial services sector in the world.

Being a member of the CII is not only a universal recognition of professionalism but also means that, when qualified, you are entitled to use designatory letters after your name (CII membership and Continuing Professional Development requirements apply).

Discounts for exams and learning materials, including the CII's online training system ed. LEARN^®

Free subscription to The Journal, the UK market's leading insurance publication to keep you up-to-date on the latest news and information.

Free access to CII Information Services - a comprehensive resource on insurance, risk and related financial services. You can also get discounts on books and other publications.

You can support your ongoing regulatory competence and compliance needs through a Continuing Professional Development (CPD)*     scheme and receive discounted access to ed.ASSESS^®  the CII's online competence system.

All FAIQ graduates are required to commit to an annual CPD programme to maintain relevancy and safeguard professionalism.