Financial Crime & Conduct

CISI Operational Risk (UK)

Master the principles of operational risk management, Basel frameworks, cyber security, and regulatory compliance required for the Level 3 CISI Operational Risk qualification.

250 Practice Questions Detailed Study Notes Realistic mock exams
CISI Operational Risk

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

5 mock exams / unlimited practice
Self-Paced Learning
Certificate of Completion
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 Topic Quiz & Key Practice Questions

Try 15 questions from The Nature of Operational Risk

This preview shows one part of the course. Try this short topic quiz and unlock the full course for complete mock exams and full coverage.

The Nature of Operational Risk

An international bank is drafting its new operational risk policy to define risk appetite and establish boundaries between operational, market, and credit risk. The Chief Risk Officer proposes that the policy only be signed off by the heads of each division to ensure local buy-in. According to best practices in operational risk management, what is the primary flaw in this approach?

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Operational Risk with Smart Practice

This is a complete exam simulation system designed to help you master the CISI Operational Risk syllabus from Basel frameworks to cyber risk.

We've distilled the complex regulatory guidelines, risk modelling formulas, and internal governance frameworks into a dynamic learning environment that adapts to your needs.

Exam Format & Details

Assessment 50 multiple-choice questions
Duration 60 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
$189 (One-Time)
$300+ (Recurring)

Preview & See What You Will Get

Preview of CISI Operational Risk

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

5 full exams replicating the 50-question, 60-minute Operational Risk format.

  • Proportional chapter weighting across all 7 chapters.
  • Scenario-based MCQs matching CISI examiner style.
  • Instant feedback with detailed explanations.

250+ High-Yield Questions

Built from real workbook MCQs and authored scenario questions.

  • Covers Basel frameworks, Pillar 1, 2 & 3.
  • Cyber risk, AML, and regulatory capital calculation.
  • Senior Managers Regime and PRA/FCA dual regulation.

AI Exam Mentor

Your private tutor trained on the CISI Operational Risk workbook.

  • Explains BIA, TSA, and SMA clearly.
  • Clarifies the difference between Risk Appetite and Risk Tolerance.
  • Available 24/7 for immediate support.
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: Element 1: Risk Basics 3 marks out of 50

🎧 Audio

Core principles of risk and risk management.

  • Risk vs Uncertainty
  • The Risk Management Process
  • Risk Appetite, Capacity, and Tolerance

Module 2: Element 2: Other Major Risks 7 marks out of 50

Definitions of Credit, Market, Liquidity, and other risks.

  • Market risk, Credit risk, Liquidity risk.
  • Systemic risk and moral hazard.
  • Reputational and Strategic risk.

Module 3: Element 3: The Nature of Operational Risk 20 marks out of 50

Operational risk definitions, causes, and resilience.

  • Basel definition of Operational Risk
  • Internal fraud, external fraud, employment practices
  • Direct vs Indirect operational losses
  • Operational Resilience

Module 4: Element 4: The Causes and Impacts of Operational Risk 4 marks out of 50

Understanding why operational risk events occur.

  • Inadequate or failed internal processes
  • People risk (human error, fraud)
  • Systems failures and external events

Module 5: Element 5: Operational Risks Arising in the Trade Cycle 5 marks out of 50

Risks associated with execution, settlement, and corporate actions.

  • Pre-trade, Execution, and Settlement risks.
  • Corporate actions (mandatory vs voluntary).
  • Payment systems (CHAPS, BACS, SWIFT).

Module 6: Element 6: The Support and Control Functions 7 marks out of 50

The role of support functions in mitigating operational risk.

  • Human Resources and IT support
  • Compliance, Internal Audit, and Risk Management
  • The Three Lines of Defence model

Module 7: Element 7: Operational Risk in the Regulatory Environment 4 marks out of 50

Basel Accords and regulatory capital calculation approaches.

  • Basel Accords (I, II, III, IV/3.1)
  • Pillar 1, 2, and 3 frameworks
  • DORA, SFDR, Consumer Duty, SM&CR

Who Is This For?

Operational Risk Analysts and Managers
Compliance officers
Internal Auditors
Anyone needing to pass the CISI Operational Risk 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 Operational Risk exam is a Computer-Based Test of 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. The pass mark is 70% (35 out of 50). Exams are available year-round at Prometric centres worldwide.

It is primarily taken by professionals in risk management, compliance, and internal audit looking to solidify their understanding of operational risk and the Basel frameworks.

Yes — all content reflects the latest CISI syllabus, including recent updates to cyber security resilience and the shift toward the Standardised Measurement Approach (SMA) under Basel III.

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

Yes! Test your knowledge and see our AI tutor explanations with the free CISI Operational Risk Topic Quiz below. It contains 15 questions from one named topic and is not a full mock exam or overall readiness assessment.

No. For UK regulated activities, the firm must map the role to the FCA Training and Competence sourcebook and its appropriate-qualification tables. A CISI course title alone does not establish authorisation for every activity. Confirm the requirement with the employer and regulator before booking.

Use the official CISI booking flow to check remote-invigilation or test-centre availability for CISI Operational Risk. Confirm the current workbook edition and read Candidate Updates before booking.

Exams Academy checkout is displayed in US dollars and the card provider converts it to GBP. The official CISI exam and required workbook are booked and paid for separately at the current CISI price.

Student Reviews

4.8
★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews
5 stars
78%
4 stars
22%
3 stars
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Real Reviews, Real Results

From finance professionals who prepared and passed their CISI exams.

Recent Reviews

Z
Zara S.
VERIFIED · Aug 4, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Google

Very realistic questions

The questions are very similar to the real test. I was worried about the time limit, but practicing with these mocks helped me manage my pace. Highly recommended!

L
Layla H.
VERIFIED · Aug 1, 2026
4.0 out of 5
Google

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.

E
Emily P.
VERIFIED · Jul 23, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Clutch

Best Op Risk prep available

I struggled with the official workbook. This platform categorizes everything so neatly. The chapter summaries on cyber risk and business continuity were fantastic.

M
Marcus D.
VERIFIED · Jul 16, 2026
4.0 out of 5
Google

Excellent scenario questions

The mock exams test your application of KRI and KCI frameworks, not just rote memorization. This is exactly what the CISI Op Risk exam demands.

C
Chloe V.
VERIFIED · Jul 5, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Trustpilot

Basel frameworks finally make sense

Operational risk is such a dry subject, but the AI tutor broke down the Basel III capital requirements in a way I could actually understand. Great platform.

M
Michael T.
VERIFIED · Jun 20, 2026
5.0 out of 5
Trustpilot

Completely changed how I study

I have been preparing for the Operational Risk exam and this platform changed how I study. The Basel frameworks always confused me but the scenario questions here really break things down. I appreciate the detailed explanations for every wrong answer because it forced me to understand the regulations instead of just memorizing. The AI tutor was also helpful when I got stuck on calculations.

🇬🇧 Local market guide

CISI Operational Risk in the United Kingdom: pathway, booking and careers

Review how CISI Operational Risk connects to regulation, qualification pathways, booking, currency and careers in the United Kingdom before paying the official exam fee.

Regulator and qualification pathway

For UK regulated activities, the firm must map the role to the FCA Training and Competence sourcebook and its appropriate-qualification tables. A CISI course title alone does not establish authorisation for every activity.

Financial Conduct Authority

Booking and official examination

Use the official CISI booking flow to check remote-invigilation or test-centre availability for CISI Operational Risk. Confirm the current workbook edition and read Candidate Updates before booking.

Find a CISI test centre

Career and employer context

ICWIM knowledge is relevant to international private banking, client services, wealth operations and entry-level investment-support roles. Regulated UK advice roles may require a different or higher-level qualification.

Price and currency

Exams Academy checkout is displayed in US dollars and the card provider converts it to GBP. The official CISI exam and required workbook are booked and paid for separately at the current CISI price.

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CISI Operational Risk
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