Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning

Intro

This new qualification has been created to meet the new FSA exam standards (Qualifications and Credit Framework Level 4) in full. It fully reflects feedback and discussion with the market with regards to the format, availability and exam methodology.

The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is suitable both for new entrants and experienced advisers seeking to upgrade to Level 4. It is the new benchmark qualification for advisers.

Click here for guidance on whether this qualification route is appropriate for you.

The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning covers the six required subject areas identified by the FSA/FSSC:

• Financial services, regulation and ethics.
• Investment principles and risk.
• Personal taxation.
• Pensions and retirement planning.
• Financial protection.
• Financial planning practice.

To complete the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning you need to pass all six units. Holders of the first unit, Financial services, regulation and ethics, are authorised to advise under supervision while they work towards completion of the full Diploma.

The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is modular in structure, with 5 of the 6 units being multiple-choice tested and therefore examined year-round. The sixth, the planning unit R06, is examined 6 times a year (from 2011). This enables candidates to build a study programme around known commitments and busy periods. Provisional results for the multiple-choice examinations are released immediately on completion, with results released in four weeks for the written exam.

Upon completion candidates will be awarded the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. PFS members are entitled to use the designation DipPFS® (Continuing Professional Development requirements apply).

Credits obtained in completing the Diploma can also be used towards the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, leading Chartered Financial Planner status.

Key Benefits

The Diploma delivers may benefits, these include:

• Year-round entry - plan study around business commitments.
• Modular Learning - learn at your own place.
• Pay-as-you-learn - fees are payable as you take each unit.
• Multiple-choice testing - providing immediate notification of results.
• 60 exam centres with year-round testing - take exams at a convenient time & location.
• Unrivalled study support - widest range of learning & revision materials.

Your next step

Now that you have read about the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, gained an understanding of what it offers and established it is the appropriate qualification route for you, it is time to finalise your entry.

The links at the top of this page contain all the information you require to study for and complete the Diploma. As you read through this information, you will learn about the units on offer, the available learning materials, course and exam entry dates and deadlines, terms and conditions relating to entry, and the different ways you can enter.

Please take time to read this, as it will help you choose the study programme that best fits your needs.

Further useful information:

• Learning statement - For details of credits you hold and confirmation of your personalised completion requirements for the Diploma. .
• CII RDR Solutions - For full details of CII RDR compliance solutions, including both Diplomas and qualification gap-fill.
• FAQs - Our frequently asked questions relating to studying towards CII qualifications and examinations.

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