Qualification Mentoring Scheme 2027

CPD Revision Person Studying

Are you looking for support and motivation to progress your qualifications? Or have you reached Advanced Diploma level and want to help others on their journey?

Information for potential mentees

Studying can seem a demanding experience. It may be daunting to study on top of a busy job and commitments outside of work. Some people find the array of subjects confusing and don’t know where to start; others have found the step up from Certificate to Diploma level bigger than they were expecting, and members can also struggle due to a lack of employer support.

This is where the Insurance Institute of London (IIL) Qualification Mentoring Scheme can help.

We connect you with a small group of peers at a similar stage of the qualification process, supported by a Buddy Mentor who has recently qualified and brings fresh, first-hand experience of the challenges you may face.

The scheme is open to those who are currently studying towards either the Certificate (Cert CII / Cert PFS) or the Diploma (Dip CII / Dip PFS) level.

What to expect:

  • Access to Buddy Mentors who are familiar with the stresses and strains
  • Connecting to peers at similar stages of the qualification journey who may be experiencing similar challenges to you
  • Support with learning and assessment challenges, for example, how best to group subjects to maximise the credits from your studies

What this scheme isn’t:

  • An ‘easy option’ with all the work done for you! The Buddy Mentors provide their time for free, and the onus is on you, the Mentee, to drive the relationship
  • A ‘one-to-one’ career/personal coaching programme. If you are looking for career coaching, please see www.cii.co.uk/connect
  • A mechanism for advice on specific assessments or technical learning issues
  • A magic solution if you don’t study or participate. You will still need to do the work, contribute, share, and give feedback

Apply as a Mentee


Information for potential mentors

We are looking for individuals who have reached the Advanced Diploma level within the last three years and are ready to ‘give back’ by providing guidance, motivation, and support to others on their qualification journeys.

This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful impact.

We are looking for volunteers who are:

  • Positive and encouraging
  • Interested in developing leadership and mentoring skills
  • Open-minded and approachable
  • Able to communicate effectively with people of all ages and at different career stages

While mentees are responsible for driving the relationship, Buddy Mentors are expected to:

  • Provide encouragement and guidance
  • Help maintain engagement and motivation within the group
  • Be proactive where needed

Apply as a Mentor


The scheme is expected to last one year, with the launch event scheduled for January/February 2027.

How it works

  • Apply using the online forms here
    [Mentee application form] | [Mentor application form]
  • Get matched with Buddy Mentors and your mentoring group
  • Attend the launch event in early 2027 to connect with your mentoring group in person
  • Agree how and when you will meet over the coming months– we recommend regular ‘check-ins’ in person to stay on track and keep the motivation up!

By the end of the programme, you will have built confidence, developed a structured approach to your studies, and expanded your professional network.