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Read this important information
What is different about this Diploma in Investment Planning?
What level is the Diploma?
Can I sign up today?
Is this the best qualification available?
I've started a different qualification - can I swap or gain exemptions?
How will you help advisers to achieve the qualification?
What is the cost of the Diploma?
What is the format of the exam and where can I take it?
Who can I speak to for more information?
Can I take this by written exam (hand rather than computer based)?
What designation does this qualification give me?
The enrolment period is 12 months. If an adviser takes longer than 12 months to get ready to sit exam do they have to pay again?
Do you still have plans for a purely vocational route?
What is the difference between the 'old' and 'new' qualifications?
What is different about this Diploma in Investment Planning?
This qualification provides those advisers who are seeking to achieve the higher standards required from the RDR with case-study based assessments that accurately reflect the daily work of an adviser. The case studies form the basis of the one, three hour fifteen minute examination and there is no requirement for gap filling.
What level is the Diploma?
The RDR requirements are for an approved qualification at level 4 of the QCF. Because the Diploma in Investment Planning is offered by CIOBS which is a Scottish body, their awards fall under the Scottish equivalent to the QCF, the SCQF.
The award will be at SCQF level 9 which is broadly equivalent to QCF level 5, and thus is in excess of the minimum RDR requirements stipulated by the FSA.
Can I sign up today?
Yes - the earlier you sign up the more time you leave yourself to meet the 2012 deadline.
AIFA members apply now: Diploma in Investment Planning (AIFA members)
AIFA members who belong to the Sesame network can apply here: Diploma in Investment Planning (AIFA members - Sesame)
Non AIFA members: Contact BPP Learning Media.
Is this the best qualification available?
Not necessarily. It is important to remember that there are a number of providers in this area, and different routes may be more appropriate for different individuals, based on style of learning, previous experience, intentions for future learning or for corporate reasons.
I've started a different qualification - can I swap or gain exemptions?
Because the Diploma in Investment Planning is a one examination route, there are no exemptions available.
However, advisers are of course welcome to consider this course rather than any existing route of study.
It should be noted that this style of qualification may not suit everyone so if you are comfortable with your current study approach you may prefer to continue with that.
How will you help advisers to achieve the qualification?
Study materials are provided as part of the fee as well as a virtual learning environment and a student helpline. The materials include:
- Four background reading study texts covering the following topics:
What is the cost of the Diploma?
The Diploma and support package is available to AIFA members for £655. The cost to non-AIFA members is £695.
What is the format of the exam and where can I take it?
The qualification consists of one, computer based exam, lasting 3 hours and 15 minutes and comprises five compulsory case studies.
Exam centres are all over the country and the exam can be booked with a certain amount of notice. Read the full list of exam centres available.
You can resit within 12 months for £100, should you not pass the first time.
Who can I speak to for more information?
Speak with BPP by emailing dipip@bpp.com or call 0208 740 2396.
Can I take this by written exam (hand rather than computer-based)?
This is not something that is offered as standard, however CIOBS manage the exam process and they take individual circumstances into consideration.
What designation does this qualification give me?
The designation you can use on completion is PFA (Professional Financial Adviser). To use this designation you would have to become a member of CIOBS (currently £95 per annum).
However, you should note that whilst there are no specific regulatory requirements for individuals offering advice to be a member of a professional body, their adherence to the Code of Ethics and to maintaining professional competence must be annually verified and certified (via CPD).
The enrolment period is 12 months.
If an adviser takes longer than 12 months to get ready to sit exam do they have to pay again?
Advisers are enrolled for a 12 month period and are expected to book their examination within this period. Exceptional circumstances will be taken into consideration.
Statements of Professional Standing
The FSA are introducing a new requirement for all advisers to prove they have met the professional standards requirements. Advisers must apply to an Accredited Body for a Statement of Professional Standing. As an Accredited body CIOBS will be able to offer these, for more information download the PFA leaflet.
AIFA and Qualifications
Do you still have plans for a purely vocational route?
We believe this Diploma will be a valuable option for experienced advisers working in the industry. An examination based on case studies may be more appropriate and relevant route for existing advisers who do not wish to pursue a more traditional theory based approach.
We are pursuing the possibility of a purely vocational route that does not involve examinations. If we can encourage a suitable, accredited qualifications body to offer this option for advisers then we will do so.
What is the difference between the 'old' and 'new' qualifications?
As part of the RDR, the FSSC, FSA and industry have been consulting on what the new benchmark level 4 syllabus should contain.
Qualifications used to fall under FSA's 'no regrets' policy, which means that study will count but that advisers may need to do extra CPD to back-fill any areas of weakness.
This could mean substantial amounts of CPD for some advisers who have little exposure to certain areas through existing awards.
With the new Diploma in Investment Planning advisers will gain a qualification exceeding the minimum level 4 requirements stipulated within the RDR, and will not be required to undertake gap-filling CPD.
What is different about this Diploma in Investment Planning?
What level is the Diploma?
Can I sign up today?
Is this the best qualification available?
I've started a different qualification - can I swap or gain exemptions?
How will you help advisers to achieve the qualification?
What is the cost of the Diploma?
What is the format of the exam and where can I take it?
Who can I speak to for more information?
Can I take this by written exam (hand rather than computer based)?
What designation does this qualification give me?
The enrolment period is 12 months. If an adviser takes longer than 12 months to get ready to sit exam do they have to pay again?
Do you still have plans for a purely vocational route?
What is the difference between the 'old' and 'new' qualifications?
What is different about this Diploma in Investment Planning?
This qualification provides those advisers who are seeking to achieve the higher standards required from the RDR with case-study based assessments that accurately reflect the daily work of an adviser. The case studies form the basis of the one, three hour fifteen minute examination and there is no requirement for gap filling.
What level is the Diploma?
The RDR requirements are for an approved qualification at level 4 of the QCF. Because the Diploma in Investment Planning is offered by CIOBS which is a Scottish body, their awards fall under the Scottish equivalent to the QCF, the SCQF.
The award will be at SCQF level 9 which is broadly equivalent to QCF level 5, and thus is in excess of the minimum RDR requirements stipulated by the FSA.
Can I sign up today?
Yes - the earlier you sign up the more time you leave yourself to meet the 2012 deadline.
AIFA members apply now: Diploma in Investment Planning (AIFA members)
AIFA members who belong to the Sesame network can apply here: Diploma in Investment Planning (AIFA members - Sesame)
Non AIFA members: Contact BPP Learning Media.
Is this the best qualification available?
Not necessarily. It is important to remember that there are a number of providers in this area, and different routes may be more appropriate for different individuals, based on style of learning, previous experience, intentions for future learning or for corporate reasons.
I've started a different qualification - can I swap or gain exemptions?
Because the Diploma in Investment Planning is a one examination route, there are no exemptions available.
However, advisers are of course welcome to consider this course rather than any existing route of study.
It should be noted that this style of qualification may not suit everyone so if you are comfortable with your current study approach you may prefer to continue with that.
How will you help advisers to achieve the qualification?
Study materials are provided as part of the fee as well as a virtual learning environment and a student helpline. The materials include:
- Four background reading study texts covering the following topics:
- UK Financial Services, Regulations and Ethics
- Investment and Risk
- Personal Taxation
- Retirement Planning and Financial Protection and a book of practice case studies.
- A gap-analysis self-test - an initial diagnosis of areas of weakness
- An extensive range of Personal Development Programmes which offer structured, individual focused, online training programmes designed to provide Advisers with the learning required to bridge their knowledge gaps
- A bespoke library of case studies that cover all areas of the syllabus
- Case study practice - mock case study assessments with self-marking guidelines
- Self-tests and timed mock exams giving Advisers the flexibility to test their understanding as they study
- An integral search engine facility to support their research
- Online study books, covering the key competencies set out by the FSA
- A specimen exam paper
What is the cost of the Diploma?
The Diploma and support package is available to AIFA members for £655. The cost to non-AIFA members is £695.
What is the format of the exam and where can I take it?
The qualification consists of one, computer based exam, lasting 3 hours and 15 minutes and comprises five compulsory case studies.
Exam centres are all over the country and the exam can be booked with a certain amount of notice. Read the full list of exam centres available.
You can resit within 12 months for £100, should you not pass the first time.
Who can I speak to for more information?
Speak with BPP by emailing dipip@bpp.com or call 0208 740 2396.
Can I take this by written exam (hand rather than computer-based)?
This is not something that is offered as standard, however CIOBS manage the exam process and they take individual circumstances into consideration.
What designation does this qualification give me?
The designation you can use on completion is PFA (Professional Financial Adviser). To use this designation you would have to become a member of CIOBS (currently £95 per annum).
However, you should note that whilst there are no specific regulatory requirements for individuals offering advice to be a member of a professional body, their adherence to the Code of Ethics and to maintaining professional competence must be annually verified and certified (via CPD).
The enrolment period is 12 months.
If an adviser takes longer than 12 months to get ready to sit exam do they have to pay again?
Advisers are enrolled for a 12 month period and are expected to book their examination within this period. Exceptional circumstances will be taken into consideration.
Statements of Professional Standing
The FSA are introducing a new requirement for all advisers to prove they have met the professional standards requirements. Advisers must apply to an Accredited Body for a Statement of Professional Standing. As an Accredited body CIOBS will be able to offer these, for more information download the PFA leaflet.
AIFA and Qualifications
Do you still have plans for a purely vocational route?
We believe this Diploma will be a valuable option for experienced advisers working in the industry. An examination based on case studies may be more appropriate and relevant route for existing advisers who do not wish to pursue a more traditional theory based approach.
We are pursuing the possibility of a purely vocational route that does not involve examinations. If we can encourage a suitable, accredited qualifications body to offer this option for advisers then we will do so.
What is the difference between the 'old' and 'new' qualifications?
As part of the RDR, the FSSC, FSA and industry have been consulting on what the new benchmark level 4 syllabus should contain.
Qualifications used to fall under FSA's 'no regrets' policy, which means that study will count but that advisers may need to do extra CPD to back-fill any areas of weakness.
This could mean substantial amounts of CPD for some advisers who have little exposure to certain areas through existing awards.
With the new Diploma in Investment Planning advisers will gain a qualification exceeding the minimum level 4 requirements stipulated within the RDR, and will not be required to undertake gap-filling CPD.