Securities & Markets

CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC)

Master the administration, regulation, and pricing of collective investment schemes — from UCITS and OEICs to ACS and LTAF structures — for the CISI Investment Operations Certificate exam.

250 Practice Questions Detailed Study Notes Realistic mock exams
CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC)

Course syllabus information reviewed for 2026. Always check the awarding body’s latest official syllabus and candidate updates before booking or sitting your exam.

Exactly what is included

  • 5 mock exams · 250 questions across the mock suite · unlimited retakes
  • Smart Learn · exam traps, key numbers and summaries
  • Flashcards · fun, fast and effective recall
  • Exam cheat sheet · key facts, rules and numbers by chapter
  • Audio Learning · every chapter in audio
  • AI Analyzer & Mentor · pinpoints your weak areas
  • Study Mode Exams · learn while you train
  • AI Chat trained specifically for this exam
  • Community-polished data, improved every day
  • Up-to-date, accuracy-checked content
AI Audio Summaries New

Listen to course modules on the go. Perfect for studying while driving or commuting.

🎧 Audio

* This is a chapter sample. All audio is available in the full version.

Free CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC) Mock Exam & Sample Paper

Try 15 CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC) practice questions from Fund Reports and Accounts

Practice CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC) exam questions with answers and explanations. The full course includes 5 mock exams and complete syllabus coverage.

Fund Reports and Accounts

An authorised unit trust has reported taxable profits of £25 million for its accounting period. According to the accelerated instalment regime, when is its first quarterly corporation tax payment due?

1 / 15

CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (CISA) — IOC Exam Preparation

Collective Investment Schemes Administration is a specialist unit in the CISI Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) pathway. This complete exam simulation system helps fund-administration and operations candidates master the CISA syllabus from legal structures through taxation.

We've distilled the COLL sourcebook, Consumer Duty rules, and pricing mechanics into a dynamic learning environment that adapts to your needs. No more guesswork — just targeted, interactive practice that builds real exam confidence.

Exam Format & Details

Assessment 50 multiple-choice questions
Duration 70 Minutes
Standard Pass Mark 70%

Exams Academy vs. Traditional Training

Feature Exams Academy Traditional Providers
Access Period
Lifetime Access
30 - 90 Days
Practice Exams
Unlimited Retakes
1 - 2 Static Mocks
Study Support
Instant 24/7 AI Tutor
Email Support
Cost
$151 (One-Time)
$300+ (Recurring)

Preview & See What You Will Get

Preview of CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC)

Key Benefits

AI Audio Summaries New

Listen to course modules on the go. Practice anytime, anywhere - even while driving or commuting.

  • Studio-quality AI voice narration.
  • Perfect for auditory learners.
  • Maximize your study time during daily commutes.
Listen to a sample

Strategic Mock Exams

4 full exams replicating the 50-question, 70-minute CISA format.

  • Proportional chapter weighting across all 10 chapters.
  • Scenario-based MCQs matching CISI examiner style.
  • Instant feedback with detailed explanations.

200+ High-Yield Questions

Built from real workbook MCQs and authored scenario questions.

  • Covers UCITS limits, pricing, income, and tax rules.
  • Dual-pricing creation/cancellation and swing pricing.
  • FSMA 2000, Consumer Duty, and FCA authorisation rules.

AI Exam Mentor

Your private tutor trained on the CISA workbook and COLL sourcebook.

  • Explains UCITS 5/10/40% rules clearly.
  • Clarifies dilution levy vs swing pricing.
  • Available 24/7 for immediate support.

150 Rapid-Recall Flashcards

12 per chapter plus 30 Number Recall cards for key thresholds.

  • FOS £430,000, FSCS £85,000, SDRT 0.5%.
  • Report deadlines, distribution timelines.
  • Mobile-friendly for studying on the go.

High-Yield Cheat Sheets

105 exam traps and key rules condensed for final-hour review.

  • All UCITS, NURS, QIS, LTAF distinctions.
  • Trustee vs Depositary, AFM vs ACD roles.
  • Pricing mechanics: dual, single, swing, dilution.
New course feature

Learn first. Then prove you’re ready.

Use the same question bank in two different ways: build understanding with instant feedback, then switch to a realistic simulation when you are ready.

Study Mode

Instant feedback & explanations

Choose an answer, see immediately whether it is right or wrong, and read the explanation before moving on.

  • Feedback after every choice
  • The correct answer shown clearly
  • A concise explanation while it matters
Exam Mode

Realistic exam simulation

Work against the official-style timer without revealing answers, then review your score and every explanation after submission.

  • Timer mirrors the exam duration
  • Answers stay hidden during the attempt
  • Score and explanations after submission

Syllabus

Module 1: Collective Investment Schemes (CISs) 2 marks out of 50

🎧 Audio

Legal structures (AUT, OEIC, ACS), regulatory categories (UCITS, NURS, QIS, LTAF), and key characteristics of authorised funds.

  • AUT vs OEIC vs ACS legal structures.
  • UCITS, NURS, QIS, and LTAF categories.
  • Guaranteed vs protected funds.
  • Physical vs synthetic fund structures.
  • Umbrella funds and share classes.

Module 2: The Regulatory Framework 9 marks out of 50

FSMA 2000, FCA objectives, Consumer Duty, and key legislation governing CIS administration.

  • FSMA 2000 and FCA regulatory powers.
  • Consumer Duty (July 2023) obligations.
  • FOS £430,000 award limit and FSCS £85,000 compensation.
  • AML (POCA 2002 / MLR 2017) and Bribery Act.
  • GDPR / DPA 2018 data protection obligations.

Module 3: Roles and Responsibilities 4 marks out of 50

AFM, ACD, trustee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar, and auditor duties under COLL.

  • AFM (AUT) vs ACD (OEIC) distinctions.
  • Trustee (AUT) vs Depositary (OEIC) strict liability.
  • Transfer agent and registrar functions.
  • 0.5% pricing error reporting trigger.
  • Auditor 4-month deadline and rotation rules.

Module 4: Diversification and Investment Limits 5 marks out of 50

UCITS 5/10/20/25/35/40% rules, NURS wider powers, and QIS/LTAF flexibilities.

  • UCITS 5/10/40% transferable securities limits.
  • GAPS regime allowing 35% in government securities.
  • NURS: 35% in other schemes, 15% single property, 80% property funds.
  • Stock lending (no limit) vs borrowing (max 100% NAV).
  • Money Market Fund types: CNAV, LVNAV, VNAV.

Module 5: Valuations and Pricing 5 marks out of 50

Forward pricing, single vs dual pricing, swing pricing, dilution levy, and SDRT.

  • Forward pricing and valuation points (minimum twice monthly).
  • Dual pricing: issue price vs cancellation price.
  • Single pricing and the dilution levy (0.5% de minimis).
  • Swing pricing: full swing and partial swing.
  • SDRT 0.5% and 4-significant-figure rounding rule.

Module 6: Unit/Share Transactions and the Register 8 marks out of 50

Dealing procedures, settlement (4 business days), ISA wrappers, and cancellation rights.

  • Issue and cancellation of units/shares.
  • Settlement within 4 business days of valuation point.
  • 14-day cancellation right under COBS 15.
  • ISA and JISA rules for CIS investments.
  • Contract note content and 1 business day issuance.

Module 7: Launching a New Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) 5 marks out of 50

FCA authorisation process, scheme documentation, KIID/NURS-KII, and financial promotions.

  • FCA authorisation: 2 months (UCITS); 6 months (NURS, QIS, LTAF).
  • Prospectus content and disclosure requirements.
  • KIID and NURS-KII Document obligations.
  • PRIIPs KID for non-UCITS retail funds.
  • FCA financial promotion rules under COBS.

Module 8: Upholding the Rights of Unit/Shareholders 4 marks out of 50

AGMs, EGMs, extraordinary resolutions (75%), and investor rights under COLL.

  • Annual General Meetings and extraordinary resolutions (75% threshold).
  • Annual report within 4 months; half-yearly within 2 months.
  • Assessment of Value (AoV) obligations.
  • AFM removal by 75% unitholder vote.
  • FSCS and FOS complaint procedures.

Module 9: Income 4 marks out of 50

Income allocation, distribution types, equalisation, and unclaimed distribution rules.

  • Dividend, interest, and property income distributions.
  • Distribution payment deadline: 4 months after accounting reference date.
  • Equalisation: Group 1 vs Group 2 unit holders.
  • PAIF streaming and TEF regime.
  • Unclaimed distributions after 6 years.

Module 10: Taxation 4 marks out of 50

UK income tax on distributions, CGT, SDRT, offshore fund reporting, and PAIF/TEF tax treatment.

  • Dividend tax: 8.75% (basic), 33.75% (higher), 39.35% (additional); £500 allowance.
  • CGT rates: 18% (basic) / 24% (higher) on shares.
  • SDRT 0.5% on UK equity purchases.
  • Offshore funds: reporting vs non-reporting fund status.
  • PAIF and TEF tax-transparent structures.

Who Is This For?

Fund administrators and operations professionals
Back-office and middle-office analysts
Transfer agents and registrar staff
Compliance officers in asset management
Anyone needing to pass the CISI CISA exam efficiently

Preparation centre

Use these connected guides for the syllabus, exam format, booking and revision strategy.

View all insights

Frequently Asked Questions

The CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC) exam is a Computer-Based Test of 50 multiple-choice questions in 70 minutes. The pass mark is 70% (35 out of 50). Exams are available year-round at Prometric centres worldwide.

CISA is primarily taken by fund administrators, transfer agents, compliance professionals, and operations staff working in asset management and fund administration. It is part of the CISI Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

CISA covers the full lifecycle of CIS administration: legal structures (AUT/OEIC/ACS), FCA regulatory framework, AFM/trustee/depositary roles, UCITS investment limits, pricing mechanics (dual/single/swing), income and distributions, ISA rules, financial promotions, and UK taxation of fund income.

Yes — all content reflects the latest CISI syllabus, including Consumer Duty (July 2023), the revised dividend allowance (£500 for 2024–25), updated CGT rates (18%/24%), and FCA COLL sourcebook requirements.

All content is created directly from the official CISI CISA workbook (IOC). Every fact, threshold, and deadline is verified against the workbook text to ensure accuracy and alignment with the exam.

We do not guarantee a pass — the CISA exam requires genuine understanding of FCA regulation and fund administration rules. Our mock exams replicate the question style and chapter weighting to help you identify weak areas before the real exam.

You get lifetime access from the moment of purchase. Study at your own pace with no time limits or recurring fees.

Yes — the entire platform is mobile-responsive. Pricing mechanics flashcards, UCITS limit summaries, and the AI tutor all work seamlessly on any device.

Yes! Test your knowledge and review detailed explanations with the free CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC) Mock Exam Preview below. It contains 15 exam-style questions from one named topic; the full course provides complete mock exams and syllabus coverage.

Student Reviews

4.8
★★★★★
Based on 18 reviews
5 stars
78%
4 stars
22%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 stars
0%
Real Reviews, Real Results

From finance professionals who prepared and passed their CISI exams.

Recent Reviews

N
Noura M.
VERIFIED · Jul 31, 2026
4.0 out of 5
Trustpilot

Passed with confidence

Helped a lot to clear my doubts and gain more confidence before the actual exam day. The progress tracker kept me accountable.

F
Fatima S.
VERIFIED · Jul 29, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Trustpilot

Great value and clear explanations

Great practice tool. The AI mentor helped me spot my weak areas instantly, which saved me so much time during my final revision week.

J
Jelani R.
VERIFIED · Jul 29, 2026
4.0 out of 5
Trustpilot

Exactly what I needed

I was struggling with some of the more confusing concepts, but the mock exams and flashcards here broke it down perfectly. The explanations really clarify why an answer is wrong.

A
Alice C.
VERIFIED · Jul 23, 2026
4.0 out of 5
Clutch

Fund taxation simplified

The chapter on taxation of distributions is excellent. It turns a very dry subject into an easy-to-memorize format. Highly recommended for fund ops staff.

J
Jason W.
VERIFIED · Jul 20, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Google

Equalisation and NAV calcs

The AI tutor explained the mechanics of fund equalisation and swing pricing so well. The flashcards for UCITS borrowing limits are a must-use.

E
Emma R.
VERIFIED · Jul 12, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Trustpilot

Passed CISA easily

Collective Investment Schemes Administration is notoriously dense. This platform separated OEICs, AUTs, and investment trusts beautifully. Passed first time.

Ready to Pass Your Exam?

Join hundreds of finance professionals who passed their CISI exams and earned their CISI qualifications with our smart practice platform and AI CISI tutors.

CISI Collective Investment Schemes Administration (IOC)
4.8 (18)
$151 $440 -66%