CISI professional Financial Planning Qualifications have been specifically developed to provide financial services professionals with specialist knowledge and expertise to foster strong careers in all areas of financial planning.
Follow a progressive study route consistent with career paths in the financial services industry. Practitioners working in, or looking for a career in, Paraplanning should complete the level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning. Practitioners looking to work towards obtaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification should complete the RDR-compliant Investment Advice Diploma with the Financial Planning & Advice unit included.
The CISI is able to offer candidates an FCA approved, RDR-compliant direct study pathway leading to the level 6 Diploma in Financial Planning and the globally recognised CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, the pinnacle designation for financial planning.
In the Foundation Level,
- The CISI Level 2 Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services is an important first step in developing the essential basic knowledge required for working in financial services. You will learn about the industry and commonly used financial products, such as shares, bonds and insurance and it will provide you with an understanding of financial terminology. It is ideally suited to new or junior employees working in financial services. It is also appropriate for school leavers who are considering a career in finance.
- The CISI Level 3 Award for Introduction to Investment is the foundation exam for many higher level CISI qualifications and offers a comprehensive introduction to the financial services industry, with a specific focus on investments. The qualification covers key financial principles and products in depth including assets and markets, equities, bonds, derivatives and investment funds. It explores the broader economic environment in which the financial services industry operates and looks at how economic activity is determined and managed in different economic and political systems. The qualification offers the first introduction to financial services regulation and ensures candidates are provided with an understanding of ethical behaviour and acting with integrity. It is suitable for new entrants to the industry and staff who are beginning their career in financial services. The broad topics covered to make the qualification suitable for all staff, not just those responsible for making investment decisions, including administration, finance and accounting, IT, customer services, sales and marketing and HR and training.
In the Qualifying Level,
- The CISI Level 4 Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) was specifically developed to comply with the examination standards of the RDR and it appears on the FCA’s Appropriate Qualification tables. It provides a sound grounding in UK financial services and consumer relationships, macroeconomic environment, settlement, safe custody and prime brokerage, exchange-traded futures and options and financial protection. The IAD is suitable for practitioners advising and/or dealing in Securities or Derivatives, or advising on Retail Investment Products and Friendly Society Tax-Exempt Policies and/or Managing Investments. Resources for self-study for Investment Advice Diploma
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- The CISI Level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning was developed in conjunction with Paraplanners, Financial Planners and trainers to test the application of skills and the technical knowledge needed by Paraplanners. If you are currently working as a Paraplanner, whether in-house or outsourced, the qualification will help you by building on your existing skills and enable you to become more efficient in your job. If you are thinking of becoming a Financial Planner in the future, then this is an ideal step towards CFPTM certification as it covers some of the core competencies tested as part of this globally recognised qualification. The Certificate in Paraplanning is the ideal qualification for individuals who are currently practising as a paraplanner in the UK. It’s a challenging and relevant qualification which is designed to further develop and test your financial planning skills and how well you can apply technical knowledge in financial planning situations. Success in the exam also provides powerful professional recognition that you have the appropriate combination of technical knowledge and planning skills required to fulfil the role of paraplanner.
>>In the Professional Level,
- The CISI Level 6 Diploma In Financial Planning, is the route to the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification in the UK. If you want the confidence of knowing you will change your clients’ lives for the better by the quality of the service you provide, this is the qualification that will help you create that difference. It’s your route to building long-term relationships with clients based on trust. Get that right and clients are not only willing to pay for such a service but also to refer you to their friends and colleagues. The CISI Diploma in Financial Planning represents a challenging test of your technical ability by examination but also assesses how well you can apply this knowledge in order to produce an effective financial plan – ie your planning skills.