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Examinations

Exams for the PAQ are held in June and December each year and for the DPA in January and July. You need to register for the exams with CIPFA, which you can do by clicking here.

You can sit exams at a range of locations depending on where is most convenient for you. CIPFA will write to you shortly before the examinations confirming the examination location and related information.

You will be briefed on the style and structure of the examination papers by CETC and receive ample practice and introduction to exam standard questions during the course.

To see the key dates for exams and assessments click here to go to the relevant page on CIPFA’s website.

Remember – it’s your responsibility to register for the exams with CIPFA.


Looking for some tips on how to prepare for your exams? Here’s some good general advice for preparing for exams:

  1. Be disciplined and structure your learning over a number of weeks. Last minute cramming will only cause panic, stress and sleepless nights. Pace yourself and keep to a timetable.

  2. Make the theory meaningful by comparing it with what you are doing at work and your organisation’s processes and procedures.

  3. For the PAQ the Open Learning Material (OLM) & associated pages of text books are there to help you – read, re-read and summarise by making notes in a way that is meaningful to you. For the DPA the same is true of the materials that will be provided to you from CETC. For either set of exams complement the reading with research of your own – the Internet is a great source of information.

  4. Consolidate your knowledge – attempt the learning activities and self-assessment questions contained in the associated materials.

  5. Practise makes perfect. Attempt as many practice exam questions as you can, ideally under exam conditions.

  6. Make sure you attend a revision course, the tutors are on hand to help you

  7. Talk to colleagues at work – a different perspective may help you.

  8. Familiarise yourself with past exam papers and ask yourself what are they testing, what is the examiner looking for?

  9. Keep up to date with issues and developments in the sector by reading Public Finance, other financial journals, and a quality daily newspaper.

  10. Once in the exam, ensure you read each question properly. Look at the number of marks allocated to the question and give yourself enough time for each question.

Don’t forget to look at the information contained on the Modules page where you’ll find tips and advice for passing each module from the CETC Module Leaders.