IFS School of Finance Diploma for Financial Advisers

Institute of Financial Services

The Diploma is accredited at Level 4 in the National Qualifications Framework and will be accredited within the Qualifications and Credits Framework once the final syllabus requirements have been determined by the FSSC later this year.

  • It is listed in the qualifications which are acceptable under the “no regrets” policy.
  • The study hours recommended to complete the qualification are as follows:

Unit 1 Financial Planning Principles (FPP) – 60 Guided Learning Hours
Unit 2 Advanced Financial Advice (AFA) – 250 Guided Learning Hours

In addition to the activities which comprise the guided learning hours a student will be expected to undertake independent study and we estimate the overall learning hours for the two units to be 370 hours

Upon completion of the Financial Planning Principles unit,  a student will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of financial institutions and be able to identify the different types of service that they provide
  • identify and explain the functions and importance of the main components of the monetary and financial system
  • demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for regulation of the financial services industry and the key principles of that regulation, including both statutory and self regulation
  • recognise and appreciate the influences on the financial institutions and markets including financial intermediation and disintermediation
  • demonstrate an understanding of the concept and nature of risk and evaluate factors to the advice process for financial advice

Upon completion of the Advanced Financial Advice unit, a student will be able to:

  • evaluate and analyse complex information regarding clients' financial circumstances, needs and relevant considerations
  • understand how to design, monitor and critically assess a bespoke portfolio with reference to market indices and empirical evidence
  • understand how to evaluate the various tax considerations that need to be taken into account when making a recommendation for a client
  • research and critically evaluate options
  • formulate recommendations
  • develop plans for the implementation of solutions
  • present and explain your findings in a logical, clear, concise and coherent manner
  • A comprehensive set of learning materials is included in the cost of registration. These include:
    • Study Guides
    • FPP and AFA core texts online and in hard copy
    • Additional reading lists for life insurance, pensions and tax via the ifs online library

Student Support – All students are provided with the following support the cost of which is included in the cost of registration

  • A web tutor – to provide dedicated online support in response to your queries
  • The ifs online learning environment, where a student can access learning exercises, post queries, and benefit from communicating with other students
  • The ifs e-library , ifs Knowledgebank
  • Study activities led by the web tutor

The three assessments in the qualification are:

  • FPP – two hour 75 question multiple choice electronic test
  • AFA – coursework assignment of 2,500 words plus a bibliography and a three hour written exam, The exam will be a written report and recommendations based on a Factfind. The students receive the Factfind two weeks prior to the examination date.

A student has to pass all three assessments to obtain the Diploma. In the event that they fail an assessment they need only resit the failed assessment.

  • The cost of the qualification is £595 to include all materials, web tutor support and assessments.

IFS School of Finance Diploma for Financial Advisers, DipFA - Hints and Tips
Information Sheet

For more information, please visit our website or call 01227 818609 or email customerservices@ifslearning.co.uk