Entry Level
Level 4 – Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA®)
Overview
The DipFA is a leading qualification in the financial world. It is FCA approved and prepares you with the skills to offer advice on retail investment. You are not only tutored in relevant theory, but the practical use of new knowledge.
Designed specifically for those entering the industry you could complete the whole programme within just seven months of part time study. The course is easy to follow, practical and leaves you confident in your role as a financial adviser.
Key points
- The Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) is an RQF level 4 qualification accredited by Ofqual and awarded by the London Institute of Banking & Finance.
- This financial adviser course is split between 2 units.
- Register for unit 1 throughout the year and choose from a selection of start dates for unit 2.
- Knowledge of unit 1 is assessed by a multiple-choice exam, unit 2 is assessed through a combination of coursework and written exam.
- Successful completion allows you to add the designation ‘DipFA’ after your name and apply for your Statement of Professional Standing (SPS).
Qualification
The DipFA is a level 4 qualification registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework and consists of two units.
| Units | Learning Outcomes | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 – Financial Services Regulation Ethics (FSRE) |
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 relate to institutions and individuals’ legal concepts and interplay between regulation and legislation. The FCA’s approach to ethical and unethical behaviours and the Code of Ethics. |
2-hour objective exam comprising 90 multiple-choice questions and 2 case studies with 5 linked multiple-choice questions. |
| Unit 2 – Advanced Financial Advice (AFA) |
Products services and legislation that inform the financial planning and advice process. Principles theories and interrelationships of investment retirement planning and protection. The importance of consumer-oriented communication and ethical behaviours. |
Assessed through a combination of coursework and written exam: Coursework comprises of a written assignment and short answer questions. 3-hour typed exam based on pre-released fact find available 6 weeks prior to exam. |
Progression
At Simply Academy we offer a range of courses and routes for career progression.
Achieving success as a financial adviser means having more than just the right qualification. Our AdviserSkills programme is deigned to give learners all the day to day skills they need to work as advisers on top of ‘knowing their stuff’ from a technical point of view.
The Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP) is an industry leading qualification, perfect if you aim to give mortgage advice alongside retail investments.
Tip: Enrol onto AdviserSkills at the same time as DipFA to receive a preferential rate.
Study Options
Customer Reviews
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Book A Course
Course Bundle Deals – Save £££
Book FSRE + AFA at the same time to receive £100 off (Use promo code DIPFA100)
Book FSRE + AFA + AdviserSkills at the same time to receive £150 off (Use promo code DIPFA150)
Important Notice: Exam Registrations Fees
| Full qualification registration (FSRE + AFA) | £940* (£50 off normal RRP) |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (FSRE) only | £360 |
| Unit 2 Advanced Financial Advice (AFA) only | £680 |
*This discounted rate is applicable for students whose registrations are made via Simply Academy (only).
Why Choose Us?
Specialists in Financial Education and Apprenticeships
Passion
We provide exceptional learning, empowering our students to reach their potential
Confidence
Our carefully selected training consultants are amongst the most knowledgeable in their fields
Knowledge
We set the standards, over 15,000 people have studied with Simply
Trust
We are approved by professional institutions and work with the world’s top banks
Clear Methods, Clear Results
Trusted, awarded and accredited
Fully accredited to ensure we provide the highest possible standards in learning
FAQs
What is the DipFA qualification?
The Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) is an FCA approved qualification perfect for those wishing to start a career in financial advice. Throughout the course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to offer professional advice on retail investment. The course is thorough, interesting and a very popular route into the industry.
Once you successfully complete your DipFA exams you will have everything you need to begin your new career.
How and where do I sit my DipFA examinations?
The qualification is split into 2 units, knowledge of Unit 1 (FSRE) is assessed by a multiple-choice exam, Unit 2 AFA is assessed through a combination of coursework and written exam.
Our tutors will help you understand the course content and exam technique to enable you to pass.
Further details on how to register for and book your examinations are provided upon enrolment with Simply Academy.
What is included in my DipFA Course?
DipFA training is classroom based and you will be taught as part of a small group. Your course fees cover expert tuition by an experienced trainer and comprehensive learning materials. Our 5 day FSRE workshop covers the whole syllabus in an easy to understand manner including exam technique. By the end of your AFA Coursework workshop you will have a firm idea of the basic content you want to include and a basic structure for the assignment. The AFA Exam is based upon a pre-released fact find, you will be taught how to write an appropriate suitability letter and how to fill out appropriate recommendations in the correct format.
If required, further tutor support can be accessed outside the classroom via our helpdesk.
Where are DipFA training centres located?
Your DipFA training will be completed within a classroom at one of our modern, fully equipped training facilities. We offer DipFA courses in Birmingham, Manchester and London, and all of these centres are easy to find, with excellent transport links.
Why study DipFA with Simply Academy?
Simply Academy are “Trusted Partners” of the awarding body. This recognition is the highest awarded and not to be confused with the lesser “Recognised Learning Support Provider” status. Students undertaking DipFA with us are guaranteed training of the highest order from a company with a proven track record specifically within the financial services sector.
DipFA® Live Webinar
Simply Academy Live Online webinars give you all the benefits of classroom learning with the ease and convenience of home study. Wherever you choose to join the lectures from, you can talk directly to your tutor while also interacting with the other students on your course.
All of our lectures are recorded, giving you an opportunity to reinforce your knowledge of the topics and catch up on any sections that you may have missed. And when it’s time to get ready for your exams, the recorded lectures also make excellent revision material.
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18 LIVE TUTORIALS
The Simply Academy DipFA includes 18 live tutorials, each lasting 2.5 hours. They all feature interactive study activities as well as group discussion and practical exercises. These will all help to give you a solid foundation in the vital skills you’ll need in your new career.
SMALL CLASS SIZES
Because we purposefully keep our class sizes small, your tutor can really get to know your strengths and weaknesses. This lets them focus on the topics where you need more support, helping you to reach your potential.
EXPERIENCED TUTORS
Every Simply Academy tutor is fully qualified with an impressive level of personal experience in their field. We take particular care to select tutors who have a high standard of knowledge and the ability to deliver engaging online training.
FULL STUDY PACKS
Our high quality training materials perfectly complement the content of the Simply Academy Live Webinars. Together they’ll help to ensure you have a solid understanding of the course material, and provide excellent support for exam revision.
Recorded Session
Because all of our Live Webinars are recorded, they give you the opportunity to catch up on any sections that you need to revisit. And the recorded sessions also make ideal resources for consolidating your knowledge before your exams.
PASS ASSURANCE SCHEME
The Diploma for Financial Advisers course gives the solid grounding you need to take your first steps in your new career. We’re so sure of this that we guarantee your enrolment with our Pass Assurance Scheme, which lets you take the course again completely free of charge* if you don’t pass your exams the first time around.