OBA format exam launch update

16 August 2023

We are pleased to confirm that we are on target to introduce objective based assessments (OBAs) for CB1 and CB2 in our April 2024 exam session.

We will undertake further system development and following the final exam system testing in October, we will formally confirm that we will be ready to deliver our April 2024 CB1 and CB2 exams in OBA format in November.

Candidate results and feedback from our OBA trial exams show that candidates’ study preparation for OBAs will need to be different to how they prepare for the current written exam papers.

Over 60% of our trial exam volunteers reported that completing the OBA exams was challenging without OBA specific study preparation.

To ensure candidates are as well prepared as possible for the new OBA format exams, we encourage candidates to develop a strong understanding of all syllabi learning objectives and that they are prepared by practising OBA questions.

We have published resources to support candidates as we transition to OBA format exams for CB1 and CB2.

You can find study tips to help you approach OBA style exams on our objective based assessment study tips page.

We will be publishing familiarisation exams for CB1 and CB2 OBAs on the IFoA website later in August.

We will be releasing further practice questions for our CB1 and CB2 exams in September.

You can find out more about OBAs in our exam developments FAQs: OBAs.