CII Basic Insurance exam-day guide
CII Basic Insurance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm your test format and venue with the provider
CII exams can be taken at a test centre or, for many units, by remote invigilation. Confirm which route you are booked on, the exact address or the remote-setup requirements, and your appointment time. If anything in your booking confirmation looks wrong, contact the provider before the day rather than on the morning.
Photo ID that matches your booking name
Bring the original ID document named in your booking (typically a passport or photocard driving licence). The name must match the name on your booking. Check the provider's accepted-ID list in advance; a photocopy or an expired document is usually refused. Confirm with the provider which documents they accept.
Booking confirmation and candidate number
Have your booking reference and candidate number available, either printed or on your phone. At a test centre you may be asked for these at reception; for remote exams you may need them to log in. Save a screenshot in case signal is poor.
Know the unit syllabus and exam structure
Re-read the learning outcomes for your specific unit and confirm the number of questions, the time allowed, and the pass mark from the current CII qualification information. These details differ between units and change over time, so verify them rather than relying on memory or forum posts.
Bring your own materials only if the unit permits them
Most CII multiple-choice units are closed-book, but some units and formats allow specified texts or a calculator. Check the rules for your unit with the provider. If a calculator is allowed, bring a basic non-programmable one; do not assume the centre supplies it.
Plan your journey and arrival buffer
Aim to arrive with time to spare, typically around 15 to 30 minutes before your slot so that ID checks and settling in do not eat into exam time. Check travel disruption the night before. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time after which you may be refused entry.
For remote exams, test your equipment the day before
Check your camera, microphone, internet connection and the invigilation software in advance, and run any system test the provider offers. Find a quiet, well-lit room with a clear desk. Confirm with the provider what is and is not permitted in the room.
Prepare for the on-screen or paper format
Practise with the provider's familiarisation or demo material if one is available so that navigation, flagging questions and reviewing answers feel routine. If your exam is on paper, make sure you have pens and know how to record answers on the answer sheet.
Sort out personal logistics the day before
Confirm childcare, work cover, medication and transport. Eat a normal meal and get a full night's sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming of new topics; review summaries and your own notes instead.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
If you are ill, your transport fails, or your remote connection drops, contact the provider as soon as possible and follow their procedure. Keep any evidence. Do not simply fail to attend, as this may forfeit your fee. Confirm the provider's policy on deferrals and special circumstances.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new material to consolidating. Rework your summary notes and flashcards for the unit's learning outcomes, focusing on the areas where practice questions exposed weaknesses. Do timed practice under exam conditions if the provider offers sample questions, then review every wrong answer to understand why it was wrong. Confirm your booking details, venue or remote setup, and ID. Stop heavy study by the evening before.
Do a light review of key definitions, numbers and regulatory principles for your unit, then stop. Lay out your ID, booking confirmation, calculator if permitted, and travel plan. Check the venue location or run the remote-equipment check. Set two alarms. Eat well, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at a normal time rather than cramming late.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Glance at a one-page summary only; do not start new topics. Leave with a generous travel buffer, or for remote exams log in early and clear your desk. Keep your ID in your hand, not your bag. Arrive calm and use any waiting time to settle your breathing rather than to panic-revise.
Read the instructions and note the time allowed and number of questions. Work at a steady pace, roughly dividing the time by the number of questions to set a per-question budget. Answer the questions you know first, flag uncertain ones and return to them. Read each question fully, watching for words like 'except' or 'most likely'. Eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing. Leave time at the end to check that no question is unanswered, since there is usually no penalty for a best guess. If a technical problem occurs, stop and alert the invigilator or support line immediately.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID named in your booking; the name must match. Expired or copied documents are normally refused, so confirm the provider's accepted-ID list beforehand.
Arrive or log in by the time stated in your booking. Late arrival may mean refused entry and a lost fee; confirm the provider's cut-off and what happens if you are delayed.
Follow all invigilation instructions. In a test centre this includes where to leave bags and phones; for remote exams it includes staying in camera view and not leaving the room. Phones should be switched off and stored as directed.
Bring only permitted items to your desk. Unless your unit allows specified texts or a calculator, keep notes, smart devices and study material out of reach. Confirm your unit's permitted-materials list with the provider.
Breaks are usually not permitted during the exam, and leaving the room may end your session. If you have a medical or access need, arrange approved adjustments with the provider well in advance rather than on the day.
Scoring is based on the number of correct answers against the pass mark set for your unit. There is typically no penalty for a wrong answer, so attempt every question. Confirm the pass mark and result timeline with the provider.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the invigilator during the exam, and do not share or discuss question content afterwards. Suspected misconduct can lead to invalidation of your result.
If illness, a technical failure or another emergency affects your exam, report it to the provider immediately and follow their procedure. Keep evidence; do not wait until after results to raise it.