CII Exam Windows 2026: When to Sit R01–R05

How CII R-Series Exams Work

Unlike some professional qualifications that offer monthly sitting dates, CII R-series assessments (R01–R05) are offered in quarterly assessment windows throughout the year. Understanding when these windows fall — and how to plan your study schedule around them — is an important part of passing the Diploma efficiently.

The CII runs computer-based assessments at Pearson VUE test centres across the UK. Booking is done through the CII's online portal, and you can typically book your chosen centre and date up to several weeks in advance, subject to availability.

The 2026 Assessment Windows

The CII runs four main assessment windows per year. While exact dates are published directly on the CII website and are subject to change, the typical 2026 windows fall approximately as follows:

Always verify exact opening and closing dates on the CII website (cii.co.uk) before booking. Booking windows typically open 8–12 weeks before the assessment period.

When to Target Each Unit

January–March Window (Currently Open)

The January–March window is the most popular sitting period for CII R-series candidates — particularly for those who started a new study programme in October or November and are ready to sit their first unit after 10–14 weeks of preparation.

If you started studying R01 in November or December 2025, targeting a January or February 2026 sitting is realistic. Similarly, candidates who sat R01 in the October–December 2025 window and immediately moved on to R02 or R03 study are well-placed to sit in February or March.

Start your R01 practice now if you are targeting the remaining January–March window sittings.

April–June Window

This window suits candidates who started study in January and are ready for a first or second unit by April. A common pattern:

• January–February: Study R01, sit in March
• March–April: Study R02 or R05, sit in May
• May–July: Study next unit, sit in September

The spring window is typically less pressured than January–March, with better test centre availability. If you have flexibility, targeting April or May for your first unit rather than late January gives you 10–12 extra weeks of preparation time without missing a window.

July–September Window

The summer window is underused by many candidates, which means test centre availability is generally good. For full-time workers who find it difficult to study intensively during the busy January–March period, planning summer sittings can be a more manageable approach.

Candidates completing their penultimate or final unit often target the September sitting — it keeps momentum going before the autumn work season picks up.

October–December Window

A good window for candidates who started study in late summer or who are completing the Diploma after sitting earlier units throughout the year. The December sittings in particular are popular with candidates who want to clear their final unit before the year-end.

How to Book Your CII Exam

1. Log in to your CII account at cii.co.uk
2. Navigate to "My Exams" and select the unit you wish to book
3. Choose your preferred assessment window and Pearson VUE test centre
4. Pay the sitting fee (check the current CII fee schedule — fees are subject to annual review)
5. You will receive a booking confirmation and pre-exam instructions from Pearson VUE

Book as early as you can. Popular test centres in major cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham) fill quickly, especially in the January–March window. If you need a specific date or location, leave yourself at least 6–8 weeks of lead time.

Planning Your Diploma Timeline

A sensible planning approach for the full R01–R05 Diploma in 2026:

This pace — roughly one unit every 10–12 weeks — is achievable for someone studying 10–15 hours per week alongside full-time work. R04 is deliberately scheduled last and given the most time, given its reputation as the hardest unit.

Adjust this timeline based on how much time you can commit per week, how much prior knowledge you bring, and how quickly your initial practice sessions reveal gaps.

The Most Important Rule: Book Before You Are Ready

The best time to book your exam is before you feel fully prepared. Having a fixed date on the calendar focuses your revision and prevents indefinite postponement. Most candidates who pass first time booked their exam 6–8 weeks before their intended sitting date, while still mid-way through revision.

Start practising today — even if your sitting date is months away, practice questions from day one will tell you how much work each unit requires.