Without external support from Neil Young, we would not have completed our accreditation on schedule as the process is more intensive than anticipated. Having external assistance preparing our accreditation provided the ideal challenge ahead of the audit, and as a sense check interpreting the standards. We would have no hesitation in using Neil's services again. 
Steve Orton - FSA Manager, Learning & Community Affairs
Other Qualification Routes
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI)
The Investment Advice Diploma (CISI Level4 Diploma in Investment Advice)
The Investment Advice Diploma has been developed to provide employees advising and/or dealing in Securities or Derivatives and employees advising on Packaged Products with the knowledge and skills required for their job roles.
It has been approved by the FSA as an Appropriate Exam for the activity of Managing Investments and candidates undertaking the qualification for this purpose should take the Securities unit.
Qualification structure
The RDR-compliant Investment Advice Diploma consists of three units:
- FSA Regulation & Professional Integrity
- Investment, Risk & Taxation
and a technical unit from the following:
- Derivatives
- Securities
- Private Client Advice
Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS)
Diploma in Investment Planning (DipIP)
CIOBS have been working with the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA) on a new Diploma in Investment Planning to help its members meet the new RDR requirements.
The Diploma in Investment Planning is aimed at existing advisers looking to upgrade their qualification in light of the new FSA Level 4 appropriate qualification requirements. It is therefore only open to candidates who already hold an appropriate qualification at Level 3 or equivalent.
The DipIP will enable investment advisers to develop a range of investment advice skills, techniques and practices at a professional level which meet the new appropriate qualification requirements of the Financial Services Authority, published in June 2010.
The DipIP is SCQF Level 9, which is broadly equivalent to QCF level 5 which exceeds the minimum Level 4 requirement and eliminates the potential for CPD gap filling.
DipIP should be achievable for most IFAs within three to nine months.
Candidates are required to sit and pass one examination which will assess knowledge of the syllabus and the ability to use this in presenting suitable recommendations. The exam can be taken online at centres throughout the UK and consists of a 3 hours 15 minutes typed examination comprising of 5 compulsory case studies, and has a pass mark of 50%.
