I work on life and pensions. however, friends advise me against takeing these exams. are they really that bad?
What reasons do they offer not to do these? At the end of the day, it's you that has to sit and pass these exams. What you sit is often driven by where you work and, if you are sponsored by an employer, what they feel you should take. Yes practical experience can help but is far from essential particularly at st level. You need to think what interests you, - if you are disinterested in a subject it makes it harder, and also which specialism you want to do and where you want to work post qualification. Doing life and pensions doesn't get you CERA qualified and lots of people are attracted by having CERA. But by all means talk to friends but it's your career. Pass rates don't vary that much - all are tough - so make your choice and go for it! (One final note, look at the mapping onto new regime in case you don't qualify before then!)
