AF1 (Personal Tax and Trust Planning)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal tax and trusts.

 

AF3 (Pension Planning)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal and corporate pensions.

 

AF4 (Investment Planning)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to investments and the management of investment portfolios.

 

AF5 (Financial Planning Process)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop an understanding of the financial planning process when giving advice to clients.

 

J01 (Personal Tax)

At the end of this unit, candidates demonstrate an understanding of: the basic structure of the tax system and self-assessment; the main taxes on income and capital that may be charged on individuals, the self-assessment system and how tax liabilities are computed; impact of residence and domicile on an individual’s liability to UK tax.

 

J02 (Trusts)

At the end of this unit, candidates demonstrate an understanding of the: legal principles associated with the creation and management of a trust; main types of trusts that are common in the UK; taxation considerations relevant to trusts.

 

J04 (Pension Funding Options)

At the end of this unit, candidates demonstrate an understanding of the: main tax and legal frameworks that govern the accumulation phase of building up retirement benefits under registered pension schemes; features of defined contribution and defined benefit pensions; choices faced by early leavers and use of transfer value analysis; State retirement benefits available, including the risks and suitability of contracting out of the State Second Pension.

 

J05 (Pension Income Options)

At the end of this unit, candidates demonstrate an understanding of the: process of decumulating pension funds and the main issues for clients and advisers; main choices facing members of pensions schemes during decumulation; features, risks and tax treatment of the secured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of the unsecured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of phased retirement; features, risks and tax treatment of the alternatively secured pension option.

 

J06 (Investment Principles, Markets and Environment)

At the end of this unit, candidates demonstrate an understanding of: how the economic environment and individual company performance affects investment performance and investment decision-making; how risk is measured and managed; the main principles governing how to construct an investment portfolio; the range of investment management services, how their performance is evaluated and their regulatory environment.

 

R01 (Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry, including regulation, legislation and the Code of Ethics.

 

R08 (Pension Update)

This qualification focuses on pension reforms and how they affect advice, including the new legislative, compliance and reporting requirements.

 

CF8 (Certificate in Financial Planning and Long-Term Care Insurance)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, long-term care insurance products and the giving of long-term care insurance advice.

 

ER1 (Equity Release)

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the different types of equity release products, risks to the consumer associated with equity release and application of suitable equity release solutions according to the circumstances of different customers.

 

R05 (Financial Protection)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of and ability to analyse financial protection planning issues.

 

FP1 (Financial Services and their Regulation)

Assesses an understanding of the financial services industry, including regulation and legislation.

 

FP2 (Protection, Savings and Investment)

Assesses an understanding of protection, savings and investment products.

 

FP3 (Identifying and Satisfying Client Needs)

Assesses an understanding of conducting a fact-find, assessing the client’s needs, and recommending specific (appropriate) financial products to meet those needs.

 

Financial Planning Certificate

A recognition offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute in the United Kingdom. Individuals who hold this qualification have satisfied coursework and testing requirements set by the organisation.

 

Fellowship

Fellowship of the CII is universally regarded as the premier qualification for those working in the insurance industry. This shows a commitment to continuous professional development.

 

Diploma in Financial Planning

This level 4 diploma meets the FCA’s qualification requirements for retail investment advisers, demonstrating core technical knowledge and financial planning capabilities across six core areas.

 

Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning

This qualification enables professional advisers to develop specialist planning capabilities, covers topics such as: personal tax and trust, business financial, pension and investment planning.

 

Award in Pensions Update

This single unit qualification develops and tests knowledge of pension reforms and how they impact at-retirement advice.

 

Award in Long–Term Care Insurance

This level 3 award develops the knowledge and understanding of long-term care cover, including legal, taxation and regulatory issues and the responsibilities of local authorities.

 

Certificate in Financial Planning (Life & Pensions route)

The life and pensions route builds knowledge and understanding of the sector’s role and its activities. It considers important customer needs, solutions and products, and how individuals and organisations work within the regulatory and legislative environment.