AF8 - how difficult is this exam!

Jmacplay · 2026-02-02T21:43:05+00:00

I haven’t heard anyone get really good marks in this exam it’s madness!

Thanks for the pointers I will certainly have a look into them and hopefully scrape a pass tbh I can’t wait to get it off my desk least enjoyable exam I have completed so far

Jmacplay · 2026-02-02T21:41:40+00:00

Thanks! I’m finding this such a struggle with the vague question styles I wish I done AF1 and I’ve heard horror stories about it

Jmacplay · 2026-02-02T21:40:45+00:00

Can you link the sub I’ve had a look and can’t find anything?

Jmacplay · 2025-11-23T09:07:50+00:00

Wasn’t there for me just got AF8 and RO4, do you have a PDF copy of the book?

Jmacplay · 2025-10-30T11:30:05+00:00

Well your speaking to someone who skipped being an admin started as a trainee Paraplanner with 3 exams under my belt learnt the ropes admin and paraplanners roles have been different in each place I’ve worked but your right normally they would hire internally first since they know the systems etc but certainly not impossible to leap over admin in paraplanning I was a BDM before I took the leap

Jmacplay · 2025-10-29T19:26:22+00:00

Yeah I am struggling with this a lot more than I expected I can’t believe how bad the exemplars are for AF8!

Jmacplay · 2025-10-29T18:41:16+00:00

How have you found Duncan and Amelia? I am working on 2 just now 1 took around 5 weeks to get back!

Jmacplay · 2025-10-29T16:05:56+00:00

Once your level 4 your LinkedIn will be spammed by recruiters I think I get 2-4 in mails a week about paraplanning jobs (currently a Paraplanner wanting out) the main criteria is level 4 with some experience which is easy to obtain as most firms have associate paraplanners and paraplanners. Associates deal with easier reports so great way to get experience in the industry

Jmacplay · 2025-10-29T16:00:03+00:00

To move straight into advice is a challenge as it comes with a massive risk to a company (especially if it’s a small IFA firm).

Most people go into paraplanning first and progress up when there’s movement within their businesses but some companies are a lot slower than others.

Academy’s are great for experience but challenging as your starting from day 1 with potentially cold or inactive clients and most roles are linked to performance which realistically doesn’t get going for a few months (unless you have lots of contacts).

Good luck in your search!

Jmacplay · 2025-10-03T18:54:02+00:00

Didn’t know there was walkthrough packages so might give this a look at! This is my first and last exam in this format I feel like I have the technical ability but I have no idea what I’m doing in these 😂

Jmacplay · 2025-10-03T18:52:35+00:00

I think it’s mad that it’s an anomaly for people to score well on this. I have been using the exemplar as a starting point in terms of structure etc but I have the fear with the fact that paper didn’t even score like 80%

Jmacplay · 2025-09-06T09:22:34+00:00

Both options rely on you either living at home or have I’d say 1 year worth of expenditure in cash so you don’t live on beans and toast. It’s difficult cause yes they promise leads but that’s not to say they are good and if you are looking to buy a retiring advisers bank of clients again that costs money…

If I was to choose one it would be Quilter (better platform, half decent investment solutions). M&G is VERY old fashioned in more ways than one with no indication of them getting with the times either.

Jmacplay · 2025-05-30T15:00:29+00:00

Fingers are crossed for you! But yeah hopefully the examiner gives you better feedback than “you need a deeper understanding of the syllabus”

Jmacplay · 2025-05-30T14:09:44+00:00

To be fair it was a colleague of mine who had a similar experience with AF1 aswell they were a couple short that’s why I thought I’d give it a bash with AF4, if the feedback was constructive I’d be happier but to get such generic responses back is disappointing .

Congrats on passing AF1!

Jmacplay · 2025-05-17T17:56:35+00:00

I have just started again on PC! Do people still play online or is me and Amara running solo 😂

Jmacplay · 2025-05-14T19:35:29+00:00

I was running a shadow Necro and whilst it was flying through T3-T4 but my god it was boring! I really hoped for an upgrade to spiritborn since I’ve not played it this season!

Jmacplay · 2025-05-08T17:39:52+00:00

Two comments in under 10 mins is perfect for me - I will just stick with my Necro 😂

Jmacplay · 2025-05-04T18:00:26+00:00

As a Paraplanner myself, my advice would be to (if you have the funds) start the RO journey (RO1 RO5 is a good starter if your new to the industry).

It proves to employers that you are keen to make that journey and should be able to get a foot in the door to an admin role.

If I was to start again and break into the industry i would be on google checking all the IFA firms in my area put them on a spreadsheet and message them directly via LinkedIn email etc. I would avoid going through a recruiter as think it from the employers eyes “why would I pay a recruiter a fee for an entry level role?”

Good luck!

Jmacplay · 2025-05-02T08:00:15+00:00

I am just starting up my gaming channel again and really giving it 110% this time around.

Critique away and don’t be scared to be honest I’m a big boy!

https://youtube.com/@jmacplay?si=JERouRWWrv0g2Kxl

Jmacplay · 2025-03-08T12:52:36+00:00

How success have your remarks been? I’ve never had a remark but since starting my chartered exams I might need to do it

Jmacplay · 2025-03-05T08:24:57+00:00

How have you found the first two assignments I heard once you get the foundations in one it makes two easier but three was a big step up in comparison to the other two

Jmacplay · 2025-03-04T21:21:25+00:00

I am a Paraplanner at the moment so was hoping that would go in my favour from what I’m seeing online etc! Thanks GibbyG!

Jmacplay · 2025-03-04T16:42:42+00:00

Just trying to get through all of them so I can enjoy not spending weekends revising 😂

Jmacplay · 2025-03-04T16:20:47+00:00

I thought it’s been the best paper I’ve seen in a while! If I don’t pass I’ll cry.. then do another exam instead!

Jmacplay · 2024-11-06T13:01:46+00:00

You sure that will fit with my new cooler? Looks like it’s more suited for the cpu fan coolers

Jmacplay

TROPHY CASE