Simply Academy Blog

17/05/11

Questions to ask your potential CeMAP training provider

Anyone who has considered taking mortgage adviser training with a view to becoming CeMAP qualified will know that there are a lot of companies out there offering courses. Here, Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) suggests asking any potential CeMAP training provider these important questions to ensure you choose the company most likely to help you pass first time.

How long will it take me to pass the CeMAP exam?
This will be one of the first considerations for any potential CeMAP student. While it stands to reason that the answer will depend on the individual student, your training provider should be able to give you clear guidance on approximate timeframes for the different CeMAP course types (online, classroom-based or fast-track, for instance). Be reticent if a company is too vague about overall timeframes.

What study options are open to me?
A CeMAP training company of worth will be able to offer flexible study options for you to choose from. Online e-courses allow home study at the student’s own pace, while fast-track classroom-based courses are ideal for students who can commit to an intensive course and who want to qualify as quickly as possible. Can the training company offer all of these options?

What learning resources and support are available?
The support, guidance, learning resources and methods a training company offers are key to your success, so don’t hesitate in asking for specific details on how they plan to support you. What experience do the tutors have? Will there be the opportunity to take mock exams? What training materials are available?

What happens if I don’t pass first time?
You’ll be planning – and hoping – to pass your CeMAP training first time, but it’s worth asking what happens if you don’t. Simply Academy commits to continue training any students who don’t pass first time free of charge until they do pass. Is such support available from the company you’re considering?

How can the company increase my chances of passing first time?
Passing first time is the plan, of course, but what can a particular CeMAP training provider offer to increase your chances of doing that? For instance, Simply Academy has a unique and tested formula which encourages students to sit for their CeMAP exams within 7 days of their training, as this has been proven to achieve 90% success rates.

The quality of your CeMAP training is the key to your success as a newly qualified mortgage broker so don’t be afraid of asking these questions of any potential provider. Simply Academy welcomes this approach as it is committed to helping students feel as confident as possible as they enter into their CeMAP training. Find out more at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

26/04/11

Earn money while you train to become a financial advisor and kickstart your career

Quite apart from making sure they successfully complete their financial advisor or mortgage advisor courses, delegates typically have two concerns: how to afford a career change and how to secure a job at the end of the training as quickly as possible. Thanks to the unique partnership between financial training academy Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) and Simply Mortgage, you can earn money while you are still learning the ropes as an advisor and kickstart your new career.

The UK’s leading financial training academy Simply Academy has an exclusive agreement with Simply Mortgage who have developed one of the best financial industry network propositions available in the UK. In fact, Simply Academy is the only training provider in the UK to have such an agreement and which can offer its delegates the opportunity to generate revenue as soon as they have carried out their mortgage broker training and steer their career towards employment.

Simply Mortgage develops network propositions for newly CeMAP and CeFA qualified mortgage advisors through their Competent Advisor Status (CAS) programme which sees members develop from a Junior to a Senior Advisor. This is one of the few such programmes in the country which allows delegates of financial advisor training to earn money while they are still learning the practicalities of their new role and/or industry.

Simply Mortgage’s mission is to incentivise the development of your team, providing full support as your business grows. The partnership between Simply Mortgage and Simply Academy means that you can get the very best training available and see the financial rewards increase at each stage of the learning process. The Simply Mortgage network gives you a kickstart to your career which means you can benefit financially from this lucrative career change or advancement in the shortest possible time.

The affiliation between Simply Academy and the network proposition provider Simply Mortgage is just one of the many reasons that thousands of delegates choose to carry out their CeMAP and other financial training courses with this training academy each year. Find out more information on why Simply Academy is the UK’s leading financial training acadamy at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

15/04/11

CeMAP or DipFA study tips from Simply Academy

Following on from the learning tips from the ifs School of Finance, leading financial training academy Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) now looks at some further study tips to help you achieve your CeMAP or DipFA qualifications first time.

First, consider the various study options available and decide which is right for you. Simply Academy offers flexible options to meet the differing needs of delegates for mortgage broker training and financial adviser training. Classroom-based study is ideal for those looking to achieve their qualification in the fastest time possible and can study full-time, whereas an interactive online course takes longer but can be fitted around current commitments. Choosing the study option that fits in with your day-to-day life and your short-, medium- and long-term goals means that you are more likely to commit to the course and have a better chance of passing first time.

Use the best learning materials out there as they will enhance your private study. Simply Academy only use ifs School of Finance learning materials which have been approved by a panel of academics and practitioner members. These learning materials have been proven to help CeMAP and DipFA delegates grasp key concepts within their respective courses quickly and thoroughly.

Choose your training academy carefully. Demand for financial adviser courses and mortgage adviser courses is high, which has unfortunately led to some less qualified training companies appearing in the marketplace. Who you choose to study with can not only make the difference between passing first time or indeed passing at all, but make the wrong choice and you could lose both time and money. Be wary of any company offering courses that last for less than 5 days and don’t be shy about asking for a company’s credentials and track record. Simply Academy is proud to be a fully VAT registered UK company which has led the market in financial training since its inception in 2006. Simply Academy hosts all London training dates at the prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters and more than 1,000 delegates chose to study with the company in 2010.

Finally, and arguably most importantly, Simply Academy recommends that students sit for their exams within 7 days of completing their CeMAP or DipFA training as this has time and again proven to be a winning formula when it comes to passing first time.

For further information on all of the course options available from Simply Academy, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

01/04/11

Simply Academy: the financial training academy of choice for corporate clients

Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) is the UK’s premier financial training academy, helping delegates all over the country to successfully complete mortgage broker training and financial adviser training. Not only does Simply Academy help individual students achieve their financial qualifications, but they are now also the first choice for corporate clients when it comes to internal financial training.

Financial training for CeMAP and DipFA qualifications is in high demand, not just from individuals looking to retrain for a new career in the lucrative world of financial services, but also from corporations wanting to train their employees and bring them in line with the latest CeMAP and DipFA qualifications as set out in the requirements from the ifs School of Finance.

Simply Academy helps companies keep their teams fully qualified by offering mortgage advisor courses and financial advisor courses which meet all the ifs requirements. They have become the first choice of corporate clients for a number of reasons. First, and arguably most importantly, is the impressive pass rates achieved when studying with Simply Academy. Using ifs School of Finance-approved study materials and methods along with highly experienced tutors, Simply Academy is in fact so assured of high levels of first time pass rates for both CeMAP and DipFA that they guarantee full support, free of charge, for every delegate that doesn’t pass first time, until they achieve that pass rate. This is particularly important to corporate clients who are investing in retraining their employees and for whom a second time pass rate means investing more valuable time in that employee.

Then there’s the flexibility of the Simply Academy approach to study. Corporate clients may wish to fast track their team members to quickly achieve the CeMAP or DipFA qualifications, or they may need to work the study around the employee’s current work load. Either way, Simply Academy has a flexible study option which helps companies from all over the UK retrain their employees in the way that suits them.

Finally, there are the fantastic training facilities available from Simply Academy at the prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters in the City of London. Nestled in the heart of the City of London, these training headquarters are fully equipped with everything a student of CeMAP and DipFA courses could possibly need to stand them in good stead for a first time pass rate. Companies from all over London and indeed the UK find these central and impressive headquarters a benefit when it comes to training their staff.

Whether you’re a corporate client looking into financial training options for your employees or an individual dreaming of a new career in the financial industry, find out how Simply Academy can help you at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

25/03/11

The key to success with DipFA coursework

The Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) is comprised of two compulsory units: Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (FSRE) and Advanced Financial Advice (AFA). To successfully achieve DipFA status, students must carry out an objective test, complete coursework and sit a final exam. Here, leading financial training academy Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) explains the key to success when completing the coursework element of DipFA.

DipFA training is practical in nature, allowing students to assimilate and contextualise knowledge before applying it to real-life challenges facing financial advisers in their day to day jobs. The coursework element of DipFA courses, which makes up 30% of the AFA unit weighting, displays this focus on practical and not just theoretical learning. Given that, there are some key things DipFA students can do to ensure successful completion of the coursework element of their course.

First, and fundamentally, keep this practical viewpoint in mind when approaching the task of coursework completion. This is not a time for mere regurgitation of facts; the assessor will be looking for a real grasp on the topics covered and an ability to apply the learning in the real world. DipFA is after all a vocational qualification and, as such, emphasis is on practical application and the relativity of what is learned.

Once you have the right mindset, start planning. After 16 weeks of study you will need to submit your coursework and the 2,500 word count is not the opportunity to free associate! Throughout those 16 weeks of DipFA training you should have been working to a clear plan, organising your thoughts within a coherent framework. Remember that the case study element will need to be part of your coursework plan.

Finally, use the tools at your disposal. Simply Academy's DipFA courses offer full student support, with comprehensive ifs School of Finance learning materials at the students' disposal, direct tuition to help with any issues arising from completing the coursework, and even copies of AFA texts available for review. Follow all of these tips, make the most out of the helpful and experienced Simply Academy tutors and successful completion of your DipFA coursework is ensured. Find out more at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

08/03/11

Can the ifs School of Finance learning tips help you pass your CeMAP or DipFA?

As the leading financial training academy in the UK, Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) gives students the tools they need to pass mortgage adviser courses (CeMAP) and financial adviser courses (DipFA). Simply Academy works with the ifs School of Finance in accordance with its code of conduct and utilising its training materials and guidelines. Here, Simply Academy shares the ifs School of Finance learning tips which could help you achieve that all-important pass grade.

The ifs School of Finance has devised learning tips especially for the FSA approved level four financial adviser qualification (DipFA), but the tips could just as easily be applied to studying for CeMAP or indeed any adult learning or general memory improvement. The idea behind the learning tips is that attempting to memorise information without putting it into practical or relevant context is ineffective. The best way to learn something is to relate the information to existing knowledge. Applying this approach is particularly helpful for those undertaking financial adviser training, as once qualified they will be interpreting information and applying it in the most practical and relevant way possible to their clients. Here are the learning tips which will help any financial student relate new information to existing knowledge in order to form patterns in their mind which will assist in recalling that information:

Learn actively
Instead of trying to learn impassively or by rote, work with the material by asking yourself how it relates to your own experience, whether you agree with the information or concepts presented, and highlighting what you believe the key points of the material are and how they build on what you have learned up until that point. Once you have finished going over a certain section of information, summarise that material, compile your own glossary and underline or highlight the key areas.

Use information to study in this active way
There are ways to study which are similarly active and which will help you recall the information you have learned actively more easily. Write down key points in the material on index cards and keep them with you during the day. You can re-read them quickly in non-study moments; when you’re on public transport for instance, or when queuing in shops. Use memory joggers such as pictures or mnemonics and write them on post-it notes where you’ll see them all the time, on the fridge or the mirror, for instance.

Develop your memory
Effective study is based on the ability to develop quick recall of knowledge and skills that have been newly learned. To do this, use the information regularly, by re-reading it, writing it out, using active learning study methods, etc. Repeated recall creates strong patterns in the mind. Also, link the new material to other information you have already learned as it has been proven that these links make recall easier.

Following the ifs School of Finance learning tips could make studying for your DipFA or CeMAP qualification that bit easier, helping propel you towards a rewarding new career all the sooner. Find out further information at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

24/02/11

Simply Academy CeMAP study options explained

Market-leading financial training academy Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) offers two types of study when it comes to attaining the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, or CeMAP, which is awarded by the ifs School of Finance. These study options provide delegates with choice and flexibility, enabling a greater number of people to enter into the lucrative and rewarding arena of mortgage advice.

Simply Academy offers full classroom-based ‘Fast Track’ CeMAP courses which take place over a four week period throughout the year at a large number of venues across the UK in London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle. Delegates in and around the London area will be able to take advantage of Simply Academy’s training facilities located within the prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters in the City of London. This CeMAP training is designed for those with no prior knowledge or experience and there are no entry requirements. Delegates of this four week ‘Fast Track’ study option benefit from highly experienced tutors who use teaching methods which have proven to provide outstanding first-time pass rates. Additional support comes in the form of access to the award-winning Simply Academy e-course which comes free of charge with the ‘Fast Track’ study option. This option is ideal for delegates who can commit to full-time study for four weeks and who wish to gain their CeMAP certification in the shortest time possible.

Simply Academy’s second CeMAP study option is an interactive online course which allows course delegates to set their own pace of study, ideal for those who need to fit the course around their current work, study of personal schedule. This award-winning e-course allows delegates to revisit the course material as many times as they wish until they feel entirely confident in sitting the examinations, resulting in excellent pass rates first time. Although this is a far more flexible option than the ‘Fast Track’ course, successful completion of the course and passing the examination awards a full certificate in Mortgage advice 1, 2 & 3.

Find out about CeMAP course dates and costs, including discount offers, at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

15/02/11

Could you be eligible for funding for your financial training course?

As the premier financial training academy in the UK, Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) helps individuals and company teams meet their mortgage broker training and financial adviser training goals. If you are considering training in these lucrative and rewarding fields, or would like some of your employees to undertake the training, but fear you or your company may not be able to make the full financial commitment, then make sure you find out whether you or your company is eligible for funding.

Many individuals seek to undertake financial adviser training or mortgage broker training in a bid to re-train into a new and challenging career. Without the backing of a company putting them through this training, some individuals may fear that they need to find 100% of the course costs themselves. In some cases, however, there could be funding available which could help you with at least part of the cost of retraining. Seek advice from your local council, local Business Link branch, Careers Advice Service and Regional Development Agency, all of which will be able to help advise you as to what funding is available for your particular case. Even unemployed individuals wishing to take CeMAP, CeFA or DipFA courses can obtain financial assistance in some cases – consult the local Job Centre for details on your personal situation.

If you are a UK registered company and you have an employee or team of employees which you wish to enter into CeMAP or DipFA training, then your company may be eligible for funding of this professional training. UK government and EU funding is available for a wide number of professional qualifications, including financial training in some instances and dependant on certain criteria. Team leaders or HR representatives of UK registered companies should consult their local Business Link branch for details on their firm's availability.

Further information on funding for financial adviser and mortgage advisor courses can be found at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

01/02/11

Simply Academy and the ifs School of Finance

Simply Academy is the UK's leading CeMAP training academy and provider of financial adviser and mortgage broker training. The Simply Academy website (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) has full details of all the courses on offer which are the gateway to a successful career in the financial industry for delegates from all over the country. Simply Academy is proud to host all of the London training dates at the prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters.

The ifs School of Finance is the premier financial education institution for professional qualifications in the United Kingdom, offering professional education as well as undergraduate degree and master degree level qualifications. It has garnered a sterling reputation for serving the financial industry with a stream of fully qualified professionals ready to embark on a rewarding career in the financial services sector. The ifs School of Finance is widely regarded as the UK's preferred academic institution for those interested in financial adviser training and mortgage broker training and as such, Simply Academy is proud to work closely with the ifs, signing its code of conduct and utilising its training materials and guidelines.

Although Simply Academy offers CeMAP courses and DipFA courses all over the country, it is particularly pleased to be able to offer London delegates the opportunity to carry out their training at the highly prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters in the City of London. As Simply Academy's Business Development Manager Mark Fenwick points out: "Our new hi tech training facility allows the option of sitting examinations at the same venue on the final day of each course. Coupled with our unique training methods and highly experienced tutors we continue to stand at the forefront of the financial training industry."

The ifs School of Finance headquarters is close to Monument in the heart of London's financial district, close to all the major transport hubs linking London to the rest of the UK. Simply Academy delegates are able to train in impressive, spacious conference facilities with technologically advanced audio and visual equipment within one of the world's leading financial academic institutions. Coupled with the assistance of the experienced training team at Simply Academy, CeMAP and DipFA qualifications are achieved on the first sitting in most instances and a new financial career beckons.

For full course details for 2011, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

19/01/11

Government calls for increased mortgage lending

Prime Minister David Cameron has called for banks and building societies in the UK to increase mortgage lending to ‘good risk’ home buyers. In a bid to revive the country’s ailing housing market, Cameron is appealing to lenders to once again return to ‘responsible and respectable’ lending. Increased (responsible) lending will not only aid the housing market but could also help to create jobs in the mortgage industry, reports the UK’s leading CeMAP training academy Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/).

Those undertaking CeMAP training will no doubt have been partly encouraged to train in this sector by the increasing number of jobs being created in the mortgage market in recent years. The demand for fully CeMAP qualified mortgage lenders currently outstrips supply, not a common occurrence in the current job market in the UK. The increasing job opportunities in the mortgage market has led to a rise in mortgage broker training, as witnessed by the UK’s premier financial training academy Simply Academy. This latest indication by David Cameron that the government is looking for a loosening of the tighthold on mortgage lending which has been seen in the last couple of years could well lead to yet more employment opportunities for mortgage brokers.

Speaking about his aims to get the UK housing market moving once more, the Prime Minister stated: “In a way the pendulum has now swung too far the other way. If you are a single person, you are earning a decent salary, you go to the bank or building society, you are actually quite a good risk, they won’t give you 80 per cent of the value, they won’t give you four times your salary. So we are working with them to try and say, look of course we don’t want to see the unsustainable boom of the past, but we’ve got to get proper lending, respectable lending going again.”

As the UK’s leading centre for mortgage adviser courses, Simply Academy has been helping people all over the UK become CeMAP qualified in order to help meet the demand for trained mortgage brokers. The government’s encouragement of increased mortgage lending will no doubt lead to yet more demand for fully qualified brokers. For information on CeMAP courses, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

06/01/11

What you need to become a mortgage broker

Mortgage brokerage is one of the most popular professions within the UK's financial industry. That's because it's a reliable and lucrative line of work and, with the right mortgage broker training, it is relatively easy to get into compared to some careers in the banking and financial sector. There is high demand for fully trained mortgage brokers and Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) helps to meet this demand by matching those looking for the rich rewards of this career with the right training courses to ensure they quickly secure a job in the mortgage broker industry. If you're considering retraining to become a mortgage broker, this is what you will need.

First, and most importantly, you will need to carry out your CeMAP training. CeMAP stands for the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, the nationally recognised mortgage broker qualification awarded by the ifs School of Finance. Any reputable mortgage firm will look for CeMAP qualifications (and the CeMAP letters after the candidate's name) before considering hiring any new brokers. Brokerage and financial advisory firms will look for this mortgage adviser training, which covers aspects such as technical mortgage knowledge, compliance, insurance research and knowledge.

There are elements covered on the CeMAP courses which candidates may already have experience in from other professions, such as selling and closing skills. Mortgages are financial products after all, and while it is the mortgage broker's job to advise on the best product for its client, it is also it's job to sell the client the product that is right for them, and to close the sale. Negotiation skills are also helpful, for instance when it comes the agreement of a broker's fee. Even if you don't have natural sales and negotiation ability or experience from your previous profession, these important skills are covered in mortgage adviser courses as well as the more technical aspects.

Over and above the technical and professional components of the CeMAP training, and the necessary sales and negotiation skills, you will need tenacity, commitment and drive to become a mortgage broker. After all, this is as near to a recession-proof financial career as it is possible to find because even in times of recession, mortgage brokers can find themselves busy broking remortgage deals. The training may be tough, but the rewards are worth it. Choose a trusted financial training academy which commits to supporting you until you pass your CeMAP training and you've completed the first and the most important step. Find out more at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

20/12/10

New Year and a new, more rewarding career

When a brand new year rolls around, it can be inspiring: a time to look at our lives and assess where we are, what we’re doing and how near we are to reaching our goals. This is also true when it comes to our careers. Throughout the year, we’re often too engrossed in our daily lives to step back and ask ourselves if we are happy in our work. This year, why not make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to make the first step towards a new, more rewarding career? That’s what hundreds of delegates do each year with the UK’s premier financial training academy, Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/), choosing courses varying from financial adviser training to CeMAP and more.

Two of the biggest causes of job dissatisfaction are insufficient pay and an uncertain career path, especially in difficult economic times such as these. Being renumerated fairly and adequately and having a reliable job with a clear career trajectory allows us to plan for the future. Careers in the UK’s financial industry offer high rates of pay, reliable and steady work and a clear path of promotion. Little wonder, then, that so many people looking to retrain into a more rewarding career choose to take financial adviser courses or embark on mortgage broker training.

Every year, Simply Academy helps to fill the growing demand for qualified mortgage and financial advisers (those currently qualified make up only 25% of the demand from employers in the UK), while simultaneaously helping people retrain into a lucrative financial career with a bright future. Its courses include CeMAP courses, DipFA training, and CeFA courses; all fully accredited, approved and recognised in the UK financial industry. Based in the City of London, Simply Academy extends its courses across the United Kingdom and specialises in flexible course options which allow delegates to study at the speed and in the manner which is most convenient to them. Most importantly, the team at Simply Academy guarantees that delegates will pass first time, otherwise they will be supported until they do pass, completely free of charge.

Check out the Simply Academy course options for yourself and start planning the next chapter of your working life: http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

07/12/10

Financial adviser training: what are your course options?

Financial adviser training courses are in high demand because they are a gateway to a lucrative and reliable career. The experts in financial training Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) helps more individuals train as a financial adviser than just about any other academy in the UK thanks to multiple flexible course options. All of the financial adviser training courses from Simply Academy are designed to work around the delegate’s current personal and professional commitments and to provide full support until each delegate passes.

Some people seeking financial adviser training will wish to train, pass and enter into a new career as soon as possible and are able to dedicate all of their time to fulfilling this goal. However, others will need the financial adviser courses to work around their home life, due to childcare commitments for instance, or around their current employment. Simply Academy understands that delegates’ requirements differ, which is why they offer a number of different course options, all of which culminate in achieving full financial adviser qualifications.

Anyone who wishes to work as a financial adviser from 2012 onwards must have a DipFA qualification – a Diploma for Financial Advisers - according to new regulations set out by the Financial Services Authority. While the CeFA qualification will at some point become redundant due to this new requirement, it is still a useful qualification to achieve prior to embarking on DipFA training, especially for those new to the financial industry. Simply Academy holds nationwide Fast Track CeFA courses for those wanting to speed up their financial adviser training, as well as nationwide Part Time CeFA courses for those who need to work their studies around their current commitments.

Once delegates are ready to proceed on to the DipFA courses, there are similarly flexible options to complete your financial adviser training. For those looking to qualify as soon as possible, there’s the DipFA Fast Track courses. There are three options within Fast Track: option one involves ifs registration and a full programme of course workshops alongside tutor support. Option two offers individual workshops covering Unit 1 (Financial Services Regulations and Ethics) and both stages of Unit 2 (Advanced Financial Advice). Option three is solely Unit 2 (Advanced Financial Advice), coursework assignment review only.

No matter what path you choose to complete your financial adviser training, choosing a Simply Academy course means you are guaranteed full support until you reach your goal and achieve your qualification. For further information on financial adviser courses from Simply Academy visit http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

24/11/10

What is DipFA and what can it do for you?

DipFA stands for Diploma for Financial Advisers and, as the name suggests, it is the qualification designed for financial advisers in the UK. But just what does achieving a DipFA entail, and what benefits will you enjoy on becoming DipFA qualified? Here, Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) explains DipFa and what it can do for you.

A career as a financial adviser is a lucrative one and there is continued demand in the financial industry for DipFA qualified individuals, which explains the popularity of DipFA training. The FSA’s Retail Distribution Review sets out new guidelines whereby as of 2010 anyone advising on retail investment products has to hold a recognised Level 4 qualification, and DipFA is approved by the FSA as just such a qualification.

Far from being a mere hurdle to cross to reach your financial career goals, however, DipFA is in fact hands-on, relevant financial adviser training that provides real-world solutions that will be valuable throughout an adviser’s entire career. This challenging course is designed to build and develop knowledge within key areas such as investment principles, personal financial planning, regulation, risk and taxation; knowledge which will be invaluable when put into practice upon qualifying and entering into a career as a financial adviser.

To achieve the full DipFA qualification it is essential to complete two units: Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (FRSE) and Advanced Financial Advice (AFA), both of which are the required Level 4 units. The first FRSE unit is an ‘objective test’ and will be carried out at one of over 150 test centres around the country, while the second AFA unit is a combination of written coursework, carrying 30% of the pass mark of the unit, and a written examination, carrying the remaining 70% of the DipFA training. It is essential that you pass all three of these assessments (the ‘objective test’, coursework and exam) to become DipFA qualified.

Simply Academy has a choice of DipFA courses including direct tuition and fast track options. Due to the practical nature of DipFA training and the idea of building on some basic previous knowledge in the field, Simply Academy recommends initially completing the UK Financial Regulation qualification (CeMAP, CeFA 1) with them, before entering straight into the DipFA studies. The team at Simply Academy guarantees to fully support all delegates until they pass and are able to add the DipFA letters after their name and can begin a rewarding career as a financial adviser. For further information and upcoming course dates, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

17/11/10

Book Simply Academy financial and mortgage adviser training courses now and beat the 2011 VAT rise!

It’s been a tough year for the UK economically and 2011 looks like it may be just as challenging, with talk of "austerity Britain" and news that the coalition government plans to raise VAT to 20% in a bid to reduce the UK budget deficit. There’s no better time, then, to book your Simply Academy financial and mortgage adviser training courses: book now at http://www.simplyacademy.com/, beat the 2011 VAT rise and enter the lucrative world of the finance industry.

Careers in finance such as mortgage and financial advisers offer rich rewards: stable careers which can pay up to £100,000 per annum. The demand for qualified advisers still far outstrips supply, however, with the number of people currently qualified accounting for only 25% of the demand. When you consider today’s uncertain economic climate these facts make mortgage broker and financial adviser training hugely appealing.

Simply Academy helps people meet their career goals even in a downturn thanks to consistently affordable course prices. For instance, CeMAP courses (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) start from just £400 plus VAT for the award-winning interactive E-Course (CeMAP modules 1, 2 and 3; individual course price: £225 plus VAT) and £495 plus VAT for the full Fast Track Course. What’s more, delegates who book the CeMAP E-Course before the end of November 2010 can take advantage of a 10% autumn discount. Simply Academy’s DipFA courses (Diploma for Financial Advisors) start from only £395 plus VAT with the full course available for a discounted rate of £1295 +vat which is payable in installments throughout your study period.

Book any of the Simply Academy mortgage adviser and financial adviser courses now and take advantage of the low prices before sales tax rises to 20% as of 4th January 2011. You can save even more money by taking advantage of Simply Academy’s 'Early Bird Discount': a £25 saving on course bookings made 21 days prior to the course start date. Find out more information at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

04/11/10

The non-graduate route to a career in the financial industry

Jobs in the financial industry are highly sought after: they offer high levels of pay and they represent stable long-term careers. With the recent news that the UK government plans to raise university tuition fees to £9,000 – almost three times the current level – more people than ever will be looking for a non-graduate route to a career in the financial industry. That’s where Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) comes in. The UK’s top financial training academy offers financial adviser training and mortgage adviser courses to non-graduates as well as graduates and to those with no prior experience in the financial industry.

When you consider that a financial adviser can earn upwards of £100,000 per annum and take into account the longevity of this career path, it’s little wonder that financial and mortgage adviser training is always in demand. Simply Academy is committed to helping people enter the financial career of their choice, regardless of whether or not they have a degree and if they have no knowledge of the financial sector.

Simply Academy offers CeMAP training (the Certificate in Mortgage advice and Practice), CeFA training (Certificate in Financial Advice for retirement planning and investment advice) and DipFa training (the Diploma for Financial Advisers). The UK’s leading training academy prides itself on bringing these courses to delegates at the lowest possible price, on offering flexible learning options (classroom-based study or E-learning) and – above all – achieving impressive pass rates (85-90% pass rates per course). Simply Academy extends its course to delegates across the UK, regularly adding new courses around the UK. For instance, you’ll currently find CeMAP Birmingham, CeMAP Manchester, CeMAP Leeds, CeMAP Newcastle, CeMAP Bristol and CeMAP London programmes.

With university tuition fees likely to soar, there is no better time to reconsider studying at university and to turn instead to financial adviser courses from Simply Academy. For further course information, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

25/10/10

Simply Academy: offering CeMAP financial training to delegates across the UK

Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) offers CeMAP financial training to delegates across the UK. CeMAP, or Certificate in Mortgage advice and Practice, is one of the most popular financial courses available and to help cater to this demand, the UK’s leading financial training academy holds Fast Track CeMAP courses in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Bristol, in addition to an interactive E-Learning course which is open to delegates located anywhere in the UK.

The Financial Services Authority rules that it is compulsory to have a full CeMAP qualification in order to give advice on mortgages and certain insurance products. Careers in financial and mortgage advice are highly sought after, as are mortgage adviser training courses. While Simply Academy’s online courses are flexible for those who prefer to study in their own home or office and in their own time, there are many financial adviser training delegates who prefer classroom-based study. Studying in this way can be more effective for some delegates due to peer study, direct tutor interaction and the chance to learn and develop alongside fellow students.

For delegates living or working in and around London, Simply Academy offers CeMAP London courses in the prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters in the City of London. There are of course many potential delegates around the UK which cannot make CeMAP courses in London, which is why Simply Academy has extended its classroom-based Fast Track training to include CeMAP Birmingham, CeMAP Manchester, CeMAP Leeds, CeMAP Newcastle and CeMAP Bristol programmes. These classroom-based courses may be Fast Track but they are designed for people entirely new to the industry and boast fantastic pass rates across the national courses. All ten day courses are located in modern and easily accessible city centre locations and held in small study groups of no more than ten students, led by highly experienced mortgage industry tutors. Included in each classroom-based course fee is free access to the interactive E-Learning course – worth £400 – which gives delegates the best of both worlds and an even higher chance of passing first time.

To find out further information on nationwide CeMAP training and all of the Simply Academy courses visit http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

12/10/10

Flexible mortgage broker training with Simply Academy

Simply Academy understands that everyone has different requirements when it comes to mortgage broker training. It’s not as simple as just having the desire to pass the course - there’s the type of learning, the frequency and timings of classes, the length of the course, etc. Every delegate will have differing needs – some will need to fit the learning around family life or a full-time job and some will want to complete the course as quickly as possible. That’s why Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) offers its delegates flexibility in all of its training courses.

To achieve your mortgage adviser training goals you should consider your own circumstances and plan your learning around them to help ensure success. If you’re a mother who wants to return to work or you have a desire to retrain, you’ll need the course to fit in around your home life, with flexible class times and online learning options. If you are currently in full-time employment but are looking to move industries or further your career then you’ll need learning opportunities outside of standard working hours. In these types of scenarios, the learning process may well be stretched over a longer period of time because of every-day time restraints. In these cases, revision and refreshments of topics covered will be essential. Alternatively, you may not have such time restraints and simply want to crack on with your mortgage broker training in order to be qualified and working in your new career as soon as possible.

Whatever your personal circumstances may be, the likelihood is that Simply Academy has a course that is right for you. As the leading financial training academy in the UK, Simply Academy understands that while passing their qualifications is the universal aim of all delegates, their learning requirements are often very different. Simply Academy has therefore designed a range of mortgage adviser courses which are highly flexible. Delegates can choose from part-time CeMap courses which take place over a course of one to five Saturdays or CeMAP/CeFA courses taking place over a course of two and three to five Saturdays.* Alternatively, delegates can choose a full-time CeMAP Fast Track course available in centres up and down the country and spanning a full-time five-day working week.

Regardless of the type of mortgage broker training delegates choose, they will be able to take advantage of the superior course material, experienced teaching skills, mock exams with past question papers and a whole host of other tools which have helped to earn Simply Academy its enviable reputation as the UK’s premier financial training academy. Find out more about all of the flexible courses on offer at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

*course timetables change annually, check the Simply Academy website for the latest schedule.

01/10/10

Simply Academy offers direct tuition for DipFA success

DipFA is the Diploma for Financial Advisers, the qualification specifically designed for financial advisers which is approved by the FSA as a QCF Level 4 qualification. The course is comprised of two units – both compulsory and both set at National Qualifications Framework Level 4: Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (FRSE) and Advanced Financial Advice (AFA). Thousands of hopeful delegates seek to attain this qualification every year in a bid to add the prestigious DipFA letters after their name and progress their financial career to the next stage. Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/), the UK’s premier financial training academy, helps delegate achieve their DipFA success with the benefit of direct tuition.

Simply Academy has leveraged its extensive experience and expertise in financial adviser training to create DipFA courses which are unique in the financial training industry. Created to make it easier for delegates to achieve their diploma, the DipFA fast track courses have direct tuition as their cornerstone. Face-to-face learning in a workshop environment has been proven to be a far more effective teaching method than individual home study. That’s why Simply Academy’s nationwide DipFA programme has been designed around direct tuition in workshops which provide superior structure and motivation to learn.

All delegates of the DipFA fast track courses benefit from the impressive industry experience of the course leader Roger Southgate, who brings to the programme more than 30 years expertise as an Adviser, Sales Manager and Training Development Manager. Workshops are broken down into sections of the study manual for each unit, offering delegates the opportunity to study directly with course tutors and fellow delegates, benefit from revision and mock exams and develop exam success techniques. Delegates of the London programme can even take advantage of the venue’s exclusive Test Room (for the FSRE exam only). All of this helps to achieve outstandingly high pass rates in DipFA diplomas; in fact Simply Academy guarantees to support all their delegates until they pass.

DipFA training is only one area of financial training which has helped make Simply Academy the UK’s top training academy. Join the ranks of over 5,000 delegates who have chosen Simply Academy for financial adviser courses and mortgage adviser training. Find out more at http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

20/09/10

CeMAP online courses: set your pace, reach your goals

Research has proven that studying at your own chosen and consistent pace, backed up by regular revision, leads to excellent pass rates in examinations. This may sound simple, but in practice the pace of many courses – financial courses included – is often set by the course programme, the tutors or the examination schedule. At Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) we understand the correlation between being able to set your own pace of learning and reaching your qualification goals, which is why we designed the award-winning interactive CeMAP online course.

Simply Academy offer classroom-based fast track CeMAP courses for those delegates who wish to achieve their qualification goals within a 4 week timeframe. However, there are those who cannot complete mortgage adviser training in such a short period of time, perhaps because of current work or family commitments, as well as those who simply prefer to set their own pace of learning. It is for these people that Simply Academy designed the CeMAP online course, which provides successful delegates with full certification in mortgage advice (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) modules 1, 2 and 3, as required by the Financial Services Skills Council.

The Simply Academy CeMAP E-learning course is the only one of its kind. Successful delegates achieve full CeMAP certification but with the benefit of being able to study for the course at their own pace and in their own environment. Although everything required to pass the course can be accessed, studied and revised from the comfort of the delegate’s home or office, full support and guidance is provided by the Simply Academy team, with its extensive experience in CeMAP training. Free email support from a fully qualified tutor is available for each delegate of the E-course making it truly interactive. Arguably the most valuable element of this course is the unlimited access: delegates are entitled to stay as delegates until they pass, being able to revise the course material and sit mock exams until they are entirely confident to take the final exams.

For a full demonstration of this unique interactive course, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/ where you’ll also find out details of the other Simply Academy mortgage adviser courses.

09/09/10

Top 5 reasons why Simply Academy is the market leader in financial training

Simply Academy, the UK’s premier financial training academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/), has been at the cutting edge of financial training since the company’s inception in 2006. Based in the City of London and serving the thousands of delegates that seek a career in the financial sector each year, the company has had to be the very best to survive in a crowded marketplace. More than 1,000 delegates chose Simply Academy courses (training in CeMAP, CeFA and DipFA) in 2009 alone. So what is it that sets Simply Academy apart from its competitors? These are the top 5 reasons why they have quickly become the market leader in financial training:

  1. 50 years of educational excellence
    Simply Academy draw on half a century of learning and educational excellence to provide courses spanning the financial sector which are second to none (including mortgage broker training and financial adviser training). The financial industry is highly rewarding, which is why competition is fierce. Training with Simply Academy allows delegates to benefit from the company’s impressive experience and begin their career one step ahead.
  2. ifs School of Finance training material
    All of the training material used by Simply Academy is produced by the ifs School of Finance and approved by a panel of experts (made up of academic and practitioner members). This, combined with outstanding Training Consultants and unique training methods, positions Simply Academy as the finest in their field.
  3. Unique training methods
    The training methods used by Simply Academy are unique, tried and tested to ensure pass rates of between 85% and 90% per course, from DipFa courses to mortgage adviser training. In fact, Simply Academy is so confident of course pass rates that they guarantee delegates will pass first time, or they will support them completely free of charge.
  4. Unrivalled training facilities
    Simply Academy’s training facilities are in the prestigious ifs School of Finance headquarters in the City of London. These facilities are the best London has to offer, boasting hi tech audio and visual conferencing equipment, modern and spacious meeting rooms in an inspiring setting, and a bespoke test room which allows delegates to sit exams in a familiar venue on the final day of every course.
  5. Impressive network opportunities
    Simply Academy has an exclusive agreement with Simply Mortgage which provides delegates with one of the very best networking opportunities available. Simply Academy is not in the business of providing courses, but in creating careers, and this networking proposition is just one of the ways that the company helps delegates take the first solid steps into their future in the financial sector. Network opportunities are not just for those studying mortgage adviser courses, however. Simply Academy’s current clients include powerhouse institutions such as Citibank and HSBC, providing training delegates the opportunity to train with some of the financial stars of the future.

These are just five of the multiple reasons behind Simply Academy’s recognized status of UK’s leading financial academy. To find out more, go to http://www.simplyacademy.com/.

Editor’s Note: Simply Academy (http://www.simplyacademy.com/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.