More than 74,000 Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) exams were taken in financial services subjects in 2011, the CII has said in its Annual Review for 2011.
The institute said this was: "Strong evidence of the value of our exam framework and clearly shows the CII has supported the majority of the adviser population to become qualified to the required level."
It also reported that those companies approaching RDR-readiness in terms of qualification progress have now switched their attention to the broader aspects of professional standards.
This is focused on membership of the CII or Personal Finance Society (PFS) and, in particular, the provision of accredited body services.
The CII said: "We have already successfully secured commitments from a number of the major advisory firms, including IFAs and retail banks, to provide these services to their staff.
"Equally, there are numerous firms introducing study programmes to encourage advisers to go beyond the regulatory requirements by becoming chartered financial planners."
Overall, the CII now has more than 2,792 Chartered financial planners and more than 362 Chartered firms.
A recent CII survey among Chartered firms found that 82% believe their Chartered status has enhanced perceptions of the firm among existing staff and potential new staff, while 76% believe their status has enhanced perceptions of the firm among prospective customers and 45% believe their Chartered status has helped them win new business.
