Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS)
Level 4
DipPFS is a widely-respected Level 4 qualification
Qualify to Provide Regulated Financial Advice with DipPFS
The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS) is a widely-respected Level 4 qualification that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver professional, FCA-compliant financial advice in the UK. Achieving DipPFS status demonstrates your commitment to high standards and qualifies you to advise retail clients across a broad range of financial planning areas, including pensions, investments, protection and tax planning.
DipPFS offers a clear and structured route into the world of regulated financial planning advice, whether you’re building on your experience in Mortgage Advice or entering the profession with a fresh perspective. The qualification is recognised across the Financial Services industry and opens up career opportunities in financial advice, wealth management, and personal financial planning.
Training is delivered through tutor-led Live Webinar sessions, allowing interactive learning in a supportive environment. Real-world case studies and practical exercises help reinforce technical knowledge and build the confidence to apply your learning in client-facing situations.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming a trusted financial planner, the DipPFS is the ideal qualification to support your career progression.
Qualification Overview:
The DipPFS course in Financial Planning is awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and is made up of six units.
*You may choose to sit units 2-5 in any order.
Unit 1
Financial Services Regulation & Ethics (RO1)
Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics (R01) enhances your understanding of the Financial Services industry, with a focus on key areas such as regulation, relevant legislation, and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Ethics.
Assessment
Multiple-choice exam
100 questions
Pass mark: 65%
Duration: 2 hours
Unit 2
Investment principles and risk (RO2)
Investment Principles and Risk (R02) builds your knowledge of investment products and deepens your understanding of how to apply the investment advice process in practice.
Assessment
Multiple-choice exam
100 questions
Pass mark: 65%
Duration: 2 hours
Unit 3
Personal Taxation (RO3)
Personal Taxation (R03) builds your knowledge of the UK tax system and develops your ability to assess how taxation applies to individuals and trusts within the context of providing investment advice.
Assessment
Multiple-choice exam
50 questions
Pass mark: 65%
Duration: 1 hour
Unit 4
Pensions and Retirement Planning (RO4)
Pensions and Retirement Planning (R04) expands your knowledge of pension arrangements and deepens your understanding of key issues involved in retirement planning.
Assessment
Multiple-choice exam
50 questions
Pass mark: 65%
Duration: 1 hour
Unit 5
Financial Protection (R05)
Financial Protection (R05) strengthens your understanding of financial protection products and enhances your ability to assess protection planning needs and solutions.
Assessment
Multiple-choice exam
50 questions
Pass mark: 65%
Duration: 1 hour
Unit 6
Financial Planning Practice (R06)
Financial Planning Practice (R06) focuses on applying your financial planning knowledge to real-life client scenarios, helping you develop the skills needed to analyse client needs and formulate suitable financial advice.
Assessment
A three hour written exam based on two financial planning case studies, which are provided to candidates two weeks before the exam date.
Pass mark: 55%
Duration: 3 hours
Most students complete their Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS) qualification within 12 months of part time study.
+ Course & Exam FeesFinancial Services Regulation and Ethics (RO1)
4 Days
£495+VAT
From – £227
Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (RO1)
Duration: 4 Days
Course Fee: £495+VAT
Exam Fee*: From – £227
Investment principles and risk (RO2)
3 Days
£375+VAT
From – £227
Investment principles and risk (RO2)
Duration: 3 Days
Course Fee: £375+VAT
Exam Fee*: From – £227
Personal Taxation (RO3)
2 Days
£250+VAT
From – £227
Personal Taxation (RO3)
Duration: 2 Days
Course Fee: £250+VAT
Exam Fee*: From – £227
Pensions and Retirement Planning (RO4)
3 Days
£375+VAT
From – £227
Pensions and Retirement Planning (RO4)
Duration: 3 Days
Course Fee: £375+VAT
Exam Fee*: From – £227
Financial Protection (R05)
2 Days
£250+VAT
From – £194
Financial Protection (R05)
Duration: 2 Days
Course Fee: £250+VAT
Exam Fee*: From – £194
Financial Planning Practice (R06)
Access to support materials designed to help you feel more prepared for your exam.
£125+VAT
From – £227
Financial Planning Practice (R06)
Duration: Access to support materials designed to help you feel more prepared for your exam.
Course Fee: £125+VAT
Exam Fee*: From – £227
*Exam fees may vary slightly depending on the CII’s current pricing or any membership discounts.
Customer Reviews
We use Coursecheck to collect feedback from everyone we train, so you can see for yourself what customers say about us.
Will F | 17 December 2025
Anthony was a very good course leader and very knowledgable on all of the content involved in CeMAP. He also took the time to stay on zoom after the course had ended on Friday to answer a couple of extra questions that I had. As I’m writing this I have already passed my cemap 2 and 3 exams already within 1 week ...
James M | 17 December 2025
After passing CeMAP, I was keen to lean CeRER. I passed my CeRER exam, this morning and I will be coming back to complete DipFA in the new year!
Beccy E | 17 December 2025
A lot of information to take in, but the tutor Dave put all our minds at ease. The support staff were also amazing, especially Daniel.
Why Study with us?
Simply Academy delivers expert-led DipPFS training designed to help you succeed in regulated financial planning. With quality tuition and dedicated support, we help professionals build the knowledge and confidence to advance their careers.
Confidence
Over 25,000 people have studied with us.
Knowledge
Our training consultants are amongst the most knowledgeable in the industry.
Trust
We are government backed and approved by professional institutions.
Book a Course
In order to achieve your DipPFS qualification you must pass all six units (RO1/RO6), You may choose to sit RO2-RO5 in any order.
Course Bundle Deal
Save 10% when you book RO1 to RO5 units at the same time (use code DIPPFS10%)
Frequently asked questions
What is DipPFS?
DipPFS (Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning) is a well-established qualification awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). It meets the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) minimum qualification requirements for giving retail investment advice in the UK. The programme covers key areas such as financial services regulation, investment principles, pensions, personal taxation and financial protection. Once qualified, advisers are equipped to support clients with a range of financial planning needs including savings, retirement planning and wealth management.
Who is DipPFS for?
DipPFS is designed for individuals who want to become qualified Financial Advisers or enhance their financial planning knowledge. It’s ideal for new entrants to the sector, experienced professionals looking to formalise their expertise and those switching careers into financial advice. It’s also a valuable qualification for paraplanners, mortgage advisers or banking staff who want to provide a broader range of financial advice. DipPFS provides both technical knowledge and practical application, preparing candidates to deliver FCA-compliant, client-focused advice.
How long does it take to complete the DipPFS qualification?
The DipPFS qualification can typically be completed in around 12 months, depending on your chosen study route and how much time you can dedicate to learning. It’s a modular qualification made up of multiple units (R01–R06), which allows learners to study flexibly alongside other commitments. Guided study and structured support from training providers like Simply Academy allows learners to progress steadily through the programme at a pace that suits them.
What are the career prospects after achieving the DipPFS qualification?
Holding the DipPFS qualification opens up a broad range of career opportunities in the Financial Services sector. Qualified advisers can work independently or as part of financial planning firms, banks, wealth management companies or insurers. Many go on to specialise in areas such as pensions, investments or tax planning.
DipPFS also serves as a foundation for further professional development, including progression towards Chartered Financial Planner status. It’s a respected qualification that supports long-term career growth and client trust.
What is the difference between the DipFA and DipPFS qualifications?
DipFA and DipPFS are FCA-recognised Level 4 qualifications from two different awarding bodies. Both allow you to advise on retail investments in the UK and cover the same core topics, but differ slightly in structure.
DipPFS is offered by the CII while DipFA is awarded by LIBF. Both courses are modular, with separate assessment for each unit, and DipPFS ends with a 3-hour exam while DipFA has a final coursework module.
Your choice of financial planning qualification may depend on your preferred learning style, previous qualifications or future study goals. If you’ve already studied with LIBF or CII, sticking with the same awarding body can provide continuity.
Why choose to study DipPFS with Simply Academy?
Simply Academy offers high-quality financial planning training designed to support your success in the DipPFS qualification. Our DipPFS training course is delivered via live interactive webinars, providing a structured and engaging learning experience that fits around your existing commitments. The Live Webinars are supported by clear, easy-to-follow course materials and expert tutor guidance, making them an excellent resource for students working towards a Level 4 financial planning qualification.
With strong pass rates and expert support, Simply Academy helps you build the knowledge, confidence, and real-world skills you need for success as a Financial Adviser.
