The FSA's Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is a watershed in the development of the financial advice profession. It argues that advisers should reach and maintain true professional status.
In terms of qualifications, it is proposed that existing advisors will be required to obtain an Ofqual accredited level 4 qualification, such as the CII's Diploma in Financial Planning, by the end of 2012. New entrant advisers will be under the same requirement by 2010.
This following guidance is designed to help FPC, Certificate in Financial Planning or equivalent holders such as yourself to understand:
- what is involved in completing the Diploma
- what you personally need to do to complete
- which study route is most appropriate
Completing the Diploma in Financial Planning
The thought of recommencing study for a higher professional qualification may appear daunting.
Common queries include:
- where you stand at present
- how best to get started
- what sort of time commitment will be required
- how much it will cost
- what help is available in terms of study and revision materials?
Choose your study path
The Diploma is a modular qualification enabling you to build a personalised learning programme covering a broad range of key advisory areas, reflecting your sector specialism and career aspirations.
The following link details the completion routes typically followed by advisers, employed in a range of roles, in studying for the Diploma:
Financial Adviser: example study pathways
Recognition of prior learning
Under a scheme known as ‘Accreditation of Prior Learning’ you may be eligible to claim credits for relevant exams obtained through awarding bodies other than the CII, such as professional bodies, universities etc. These can then be used towards the Diploma. Click here for full details.
Credits are also awarded in respect of relevant CII exams that you may have passed. These will automatically be added to your CII Learning Account.
To apply for accreditation of prior learning click here and complete and return the form to Customer Service. On successful validation of your application, a fee of £3 PFS/CII members and £4 non-members per credit is payable.
Obtain your Learning Statement
To help you identify your completion requirements with a minimum of fuss, we have introduced an easy-to-use online Learning Statement request facility.
A CII Learning Statement provides a record of the exams you have passed with the CII or obtained through other bodies and informed us about, and resultant credits you hold, which can be used towards completing CII qualifications. Crucially, your Statement will also explain, in simple terms, exactly what you then need to do to complete the Diploma.
Click here to obtain your Diploma in Financial Planning Learning Statement.
Your next step
Having read through the above and decided how you want to proceed, it's time to finalise your entry.
Full details on the available subjects can be found in the ‘2009 Information for candidates’ brochures below, or by calling Customer Service.
