The Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment CISI Introduction to Securities and Investment is a stand-alone qualification as well as the introductory unit of the Investment Operations Certificate IOC programme, this exam provides an overview of all areas of investment to new entrants to the financial services industry.
*If you have taken and passed the Introduction to Securities & Investment exam before syllabus version 17 (workbook edition 33), which is examinable from 1 August 2017, the attached highlighted workbook text (*ESMA Compliant Update) needs to be read in order for you to be fully compliant with current ESMA guidelines.
CISI Introduction to Investment is the first step in the CISI’s qualification pathways for capital markets, operations, compliance and risk, and wealth management.
The Level 3 Award CISI Introduction to Investment offers a comprehensive introduction to the financial services sector, with a specific focus on investments. It is the foundation exam for many higher level CISI qualifications.
The Level 3 Award CISI Introduction to Investment 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 sector 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.
Is the Level 3 Award CISI Introduction to Investment right for me?
It is suitable for new entrants to the professional sector and staff who are beginning their career in financial services. The broad covered topics make the Level 3 Award CISI Introduction to Securities and Investment 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.
The Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) and the Investment Association recommend that the Introduction to Investment is part of an induction programme taken by all new employees, irrespective of job title.
Key features:
- A broad entry-level qualification – provides an overview of investment and professional terminology
- The first step in the CISI’s qualification pathway – can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as part of the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC)
- Ideal for induction purposes – can be integrated into induction programmes to ensure a benchmark level of understanding amongst all employees
- Free CISI Student membership – become associated with a Chartered professional body and take advantage of an extensive range of benefits
The Level 3 Award CISI Introduction to Investment qualification is achieved by successfully passing a multiple-choice question exam, details for this exam are shown below.
The Introduction to Investment qualification is accredited by Ofqual as the level 3 Award for Introduction to Investment and recognised by Ofqual as a level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Success in this qualification carries with it 8 RQF credits, and on the European Qualifications Framework, this equates to a level 4 qualification.
Exam Details
This level 3 computer-based test (CBT) consists of 50 questions and lasts 1 hour. We recommend a minimum of 80 hours study and upon successful completion, you will be awarded 4 CPD hours. Your exam may contain 10% additional trial questions.
Pass Mark / Pass Rate
The current pass rate for this exam is 67% and the pass mark is 70%. The exam grades are as follows:
- Pass with merit (46 – 50 marks)
- Pass (35 – 45 marks)
- Marginal Fail (30 – 34 marks)
- Fail (0 – 29 marks)
Read more:
- Qualification factsheet >>
- Check all Investment advisor jobs >>
Some training companies providing programs for the CISI Introduction to Securities and Investment
Fitch Learning has a program for Introduction to Securities and Investment (UK) both with classroom courses (2-day intensive instructor-led classroom lectures, held at their London training centre) and an online learning course.
Whichever you choose, you will have to study independently to pass. Their training includes access to our online portal as part of the package. You will work with course slide pack with summary notes and instructor annotations uploaded onto the portal for post-class review.
Daily email questions help you be exam-ready, as well as an online helpdesk where you can post questions to our expert instructors. You will have access to chapter question and mock exam book as well as an extensive question bank online with diagnostic tools to analyse your performance and improve your performance.
If you attend Fitch Learning’s CISI Introduction to Securities and Investment classroom course and you are unsuccessful for whatever reason, you can attend another classroom course for free. If you are distance learning, you will have access to your online portal until you pass. Read more here.
BPP organizes CISI-accredited training for the CISI Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) which include the following units: Introduction to Securities and Investment – a core unit
UK Financial Regulation – a core unit and, with plenty of opportunities to discuss subjects with like-minded delegates.
Online Classroom Live classes will consist of 4 half-day sessions that utilise a web-based platform. You can learn from the comfort of your own home, or office, and interact with your tutor and other delegates during a live online session. These sessions will also be recorded, so if you are unable to attend an online session live you can catch up with these class recordings.
Check the dates and prices. They offer start dates throughout the year. For more information email financialservices@bpp.com
Kaplan Financial organizes the CISI Investment Operations Certificate (IOC), too. Their Distance Learning Course’s price is from £247 including VAT and postage.
To achieve the IOC, delegates must pass two compulsory papers (Introduction to Securities & Investment and UK Financial Regulation) and one specialised technical paper from a choice of 13.
The exams are based on published syllabi, which are reviewed at least annually to reflect changes in the industry and the regulatory environment. The current syllabi can be viewed on the CISI website. The Kaplan Distance Learning material includes the CISI official workbook and satisfies the CISI compulsory workbook purchase policy. All exams are delivered by computer-based testing (CBT). A worldwide network of test centres is used to ensure flexible scheduling, instant results and ease of completing the exam on screen. The CISI has test centres in over 70 countries. Test centre locations can also be found on the CISI website. You can enrol on course here.