Household Insurance Products (IF6) is a unit offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for those who work in insurance or want to build their knowledge of UK household insurance products. It is one of several units that contribute towards other important insurance credentials in the UK insurance sector.
This guide covers IF6 basics, the exam structure, study options, and what the unit counts towards.
The IF6 is a unit that covers household insurance products in the UK. Its scope consists of:
The unit looks at the different household insurance products, how they work, what property is covered, the types of losses that are protected against, and common extensions and exclusions.
Common extensions to cover are also considered, such as personal possessions, frozen foods, and pedal cycles, as well as the assistance services and helplines available to support policyholders. Other products covered include caravan, travel, pet, and livestock insurance.
The unit also covers policies tailored to more specialist needs. This includes policyholders who work from home, own holiday homes, high-net-worth customers, and landlords who own and let out blocks of flats or individual houses.
The unit covers legal liabilities, key legal considerations, regulatory requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and rules contained in the Insurance: Conduct of Business Sourcebook (ICOBS). Beyond these, the IF6 learning outcomes cover risk assessment, rating, underwriting, and claims procedures of household insurance products.
The purpose of IF6 is to give insurance professionals a working knowledge of UK household insurance. It covers the products, practices, and procedures of household insurance and associated personal lines insurances. This includes how policies work, risk assessment, claims procedures, and the legal and regulatory framework that governs them.
Household Insurance Products (IF6) is an optional unit within the CII qualifications framework. It carries 15 credits at Level 3 and counts toward three distinct CII credentials, which are:
The CII Certificate in Insurance is an RQF Level 3 qualification that develops core knowledge of insurance principles. This includes:
Upon completion, CII members can use the designation Cert CII. To pass, candidates must achieve 40 credits, including one compulsory unit.
The certificate suits those in technical claims handling or underwriting roles. It also suits staff in support functions such as human resources, marketing, IT, and finance who want to build industry knowledge. It is also relevant to professionals with consumer protection obligations.
This is a technical and supervisory qualification for insurance staff across all sectors of the industry. It is the next step after the IF6 certificate. It is also relevant to professionals handling insurance household appliances, specialist landlord cover, and broader personal lines.
The diploma requires two compulsory units and option units from the CII qualifications framework. Candidates need a minimum of 120 CII credits to complete it, with at least 90 credits at diploma level or above.
Household Insurance Products (IF6) may also count towards the Advanced Diploma in Insurance. Candidates who already hold the diploma and its 120 credits can progress to this level.
The advanced diploma comprises three core units and option units, providing a total of 290 CII credits on successful completion. Candidates can then apply for chartered status, subject to five years of experience. This is the highest professional standing a UK insurance professional can achieve through the CII.
After the advanced diploma, professionals can also study for fellowship of the CII. This is held by less than 6,000 working insurance practitioners and is globally recognised as an indicator of expertise.
Household Insurance Products (IF6) is not the only insurance certification that can help learners work towards these advanced qualifications. Check out our guide to other insurance certifications you can obtain to advance your insurance career in the UK.
Anyone in the UK can take the IF6. This unit is intended for those who work in insurance or aspire to build a career in the industry. There are no mandatory academic entry and minimum age requirements, and legal prerequisites. The CII's suite of qualifications caters to all levels of knowledge and experience, from new entrants to seasoned professionals.
While most anyone can take this unit, some types of finance or insurance professionals can potentially benefit more from it. These include:
At this point, those with the IF6 and specialising in home insurance products may find good business opportunities. In a recent report, it's been discovered that many properties in the UK were underinsured as of 2025.
No, this is optional. However, candidates who are studying for their first CII qualification typically sign up for Ordinary CII membership. Those who wish to enjoy the benefits of membership without committing to formal study may also sign up for this.
Fees start from just over £7 per month for this level of membership. Non-members can still purchase and sit the IF6, although member rates offer a cost advantage.
Earning this unit can be done by following a straightforward step-by-step process:
The first step is to create a CII account. Registration is simple and free. This gives a candidate a unique CII identification number, which is needed before purchasing any unit or study materials.
To take the IF6 examination, candidates need to purchase an Enrolment or Enrolment Plus plan through the IF6 unit page. There are two options:
Candidates who prefer a physical copy can also choose the digital and print option, which includes the 2026 printed study text. Postage and packaging charges apply.
After purchasing, access instructions are sent to the candidate's registered email address, typically within two working days. This may take longer if payment is made via bank transfer. The standard digital enrolment gives access to the following on RevisionMate for 12 months:
If a new edition of the study material becomes available, candidates automatically receive access to the updated digital copy and are notified through email.
Examinations are based on the published syllabus, available free of charge on the CII website or on request. Candidates are examined based on law and practise in England unless otherwise stated.
The current 2026 edition applies to exams sat from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. Candidates must keep up to date with any legislative and industry changes that occur. If there are any changes, the general rule is that these will not be included in the exam earlier than three months after they come into effect.
Once the purchase is complete, candidates can book their exam via MyCII. The Household Insurance Products (IF6) exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and five case studies, each comprising five multiple choice questions. Two hours are allowed for the examination. The exam voucher is valid for 18 months from the date of purchase.
The Household Insurance Products (IF6) unit is tested by a timed, computer‑based multiple‑choice exam.
In practical terms, candidates can expect:
For CII multiple‑choice units such as IF6:
Upon passing the IF6 exam, candidates earn 15 credits at Level 3. These credits count toward the Certificate in Insurance and may also count toward the Diploma in Insurance and the Advanced Diploma in Insurance.
By completing and passing the Household Insurance Products (IF6) exam, candidates can pursue higher credentials, and check out the online job boards for employment opportunities.
No, only the CII can award the IF6 unit. Any third-party providers can supply study revisions and exam preparation support only. These are popular third-party providers learners can use to supplement their studies:
Empower Development is one of the most recognised third-party IF6 revision providers in the UK. Its course covers all learning outcomes detailed in the Household Insurance Products (IF6) unit on the CII group website.
Its course uses slides, audio, and animations with real-life scenarios to help candidates recall the material during the exam. There are two access options: a 12-month full revision course and a one-week crammers' course for those closer to their exam date.
The course is also listed on Reed.co.uk, one of the UK's largest course directories, which adds to its visibility and reach.
The CII also runs a network of local institutes across the UK that offer tutor-assisted learning for CII units, including the IF6. These are affiliated with the CII but operate locally. Study options include self-study with a study text and tutor-assisted learning where candidates submit assignments to expert tutors and receive individual feedback on progress.
Once you've earned the Household Insurance Products (IF6), you can try applying at some of the best UK insurance brokerages in our Special Reports section.
