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 an accessible but thorough introduction to the Financial Services sector, providing you with the perfect foundation for your new career.

The course consists of 6 online Live Webinar modules plus a self-directed coursework.

Module 1 – Financial Services Regulation Ethics (FSRE)

This module 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 as it relates to institutions and individuals’ legal concepts, and the interplay between regulation and legislation.
• The FCA’s approach to ethical and unethical behaviours and the Code of Ethics.

Module 1 is delivered over 4 days with two 3-hour tutorials scheduled on each day.

Assessment for Module 1 is a 2-hour exam comprising 50 multiple-choice questions and 3 case studies with 5 multiple-choice questions each.

Modules 2-5 – Advanced Financial Advice (AFA)

The second part of DipFA builds upon the foundations of Module 1 and teaches you how to apply your knowledge in the real world of financial advice. 

• Module 2 – Taxation: 4 tutorials (3 hours each) over 2 days.
• Module 3 – Investment: 6 tutorials (3 hours each) over 3 days.
• Module 4 – Protection: 4 tutorials (3 hours each) over 2 days.
• Module 5 – Retirement Planning: 6 tutorials (3 hours each) over 3 days.

Each module will be assessed through a 90-minute exam comprising 40 multiple choice questions and 2 case studies with 5 multiple choice questions.

Module 6 – Coursework

After you’ve completed modules 1-5, you will also be required to undertake an e-learning coursework module. This module presents you with a pre-released fact find, and your assessed task is to write an essay in response.

Once you’ve completed the course you may add the designation ‘DipFA’ after your name, enhancing your CV. More importantly, once you hold your DipFA 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 Level 4 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.

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

After you’ve achieved CeMAP, another option for further study is CeRER (Certificate in Regulated Equity Release). This qualification allows you to advise on equity release products and is another option to enhance your service offering.

Ready to enrol?

If you have decided that DipFA is the perfect course for you, enrolment is easy. All DipFA seminars are delivered online via Live Webinar, and every class is taught by approachable, knowledgeable professionals. They’re always ready to answer questions and offer support as needed.

You could be qualified and ready to start your new career after just 6 months of part time study.

Find out more

Now you know a little more about DipFA and what this qualification could mean for your future.

You can book your DipFA course or any of our other courses online through our Financial Services course pages. If you have any queries about the courses or require help with planning your studies, our friendly Student Support team is available by email at [email protected] or on Freephone 0808 208 0002.