What is DipFA?

‘DipFA’ is short for The Diploma for Financial Advisers. It is an FCA approved level 4 qualification and, once you pass, you are legally and confidently able to offer professional advice on retail investment.

It is amongst the most highly regarded financial adviser qualifications.

Who should study DipFA?

Quite simply, if it is your ambition to become a financial adviser, you should study DipFA.

This qualification is specifically designed for students with no prior knowledge of the industry. Whether you are already working in the financial world and want to broaden your service offering or are looking for a brand new career, DipFA is the perfect choice.

This comprehensive level 4 diploma for financial advisers covers everything you need to begin work in an exciting, rewarding sector. Alongside essential knowledge, you will learn all-important skills to effectively, successfully help your clients.

DipFA graduates are competent, confident and respected professionals in the competitive world of financial services. Compared to other financial adviser qualifications, this course offers an unparalleled start to your new career.

The DipFA course

The DipFA course is accessible but thorough, ensuring you have the perfect foundations on which to build your new career.

Study itself is split into two logical units:

Unit 1 – Financial Services Regulation Ethics (FSRE)

This unit is a fantastic introduction to the industry and covers:

• The environment of the financial services industry.
• Key components and interrelationships of the financial system.
• Principles of the regulatory framework and the implications for the financial advice process.
• The importance of the concept of risks relate to institutions and individuals’ legal concepts and interplay between regulation and legislation.
• The FCA’s approach to ethical and unethical behaviours and the Code of Ethics.

Assessment for Unit 1 is a 2-hour multiple choice exam.

Unit 2 – Advanced Financial Advice (AFA)

The second unit builds upon the foundations of Unit 1 and teaches you how to apply your knowledge in the real world of financial advice. It covers:

• Products services and legislation that inform the financial planning and advice process.
• Principles, theories and interrelationships of investment retirement planning and protection.
• The importance of consumer-oriented communication and ethical behaviours.

Assessment for this unit is through a combination of coursework and a three hour written exam based on a pre-released fact find.

Once you successfully complete the course you may add the designation ‘DipFA’ after your name, enhancing your CV. More importantly, once you hold your certificate you may legally begin working as a professional financial adviser.

What do I need to study DipFA?

The DipFA is highly regarded amongst financial adviser qualifications and the perfect entry point for newcomers to the industry.

You do not need any experience or specific qualifications to begin study. Although many students choose to broaden their existing industry skills with this qualification, it is also perfect for those looking for a new start or complete career change.

What doors will this qualification open?

With your new status as a qualified financial adviser you have exciting career options. Some advisers choose employment with an established company while others opt for self-employment.

If you have ambitions of becoming an independent adviser, DipFA makes the ideal IFA qualification. You could even use the skills and confidence learnt on your course to start your own business.

Financial advice offers flexibility and the career path you choose will depend on the work lifestyle you want.

Further study

Once you hold a DipFA you have everything you need to work as a professional financial adviser.

If you later decide that you would like to broaden your skills and enhance your service offering you can always study further. You will have prepared yourself with the perfect knowledge-base to gain additional certification.

The CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) is a fantastic option allowing you to give mortgage advice. It is easy to see how this course complements the DipFA which focusses on retail investment.

Another option for further study is the CeRER (Certificate in Regulated Equity Release). This qualification allows you to advise on equity release products and is another option to keep in mind to enhance your service offering.

Either of these courses would make the perfect partner for your level 4 diploma for financial advisers.

Ready to enrol?

If you have decided that DipFA is the perfect course for you, enrolment is easy. We offer a choice of training centres in convenient city-centre locations. Every class is taught by approachable, knowledgeable professionals, always ready to answer questions and offer support.

You could be qualified within just nine months of part time study.

Find out more

Hopefully you feel you now understand a little more about DipFA and what this qualification could mean for your future.

If you would like more information about the course, get in touch. Our friendly team are on hand to answer all of your questions.