Retail Distribution Review (RDR)

Financial advisers, act now!

As a result of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) all Financial Advisers must be qualified to an Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator) accredited Level 4 qualification. Existing advisors will be required to achieve the level 4 qualification by 31 December 2012, with new advisers starting on this path of study with immediate effect.

The Chartered Insurance Institute currently offer 2 level 4 qualifications being the ‘Diploma in Financial Planning’, and the ‘Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning’.

The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning has recently been introduced to fully satisfy the FSA requirements for this exam. People who qualify in the Diploma in Financial Planning, which has been established now for some time, may have to undertake some additional knowledge gap fill (but no more exams) with the CII.

Completion of either Diploma will enhance your technical knowledge, support regulatory compliance, help reduce risk and improve your career prospects. It provides an objective measurement of your knowledge and understanding and will enhance your client’s confidence in your service.

Which path of study should I choose – Diploma in Financial Planning or Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning?

How we can help you

Our financial services division, incorporating PMC, have many years experience in training Financial Advisers. We specialise in both knowledge based training to achieve qualifications and more generic sales, sales management, sales leadership and coaching skills. We only use consultants that have a proven track record in achieving outstanding results. We also have a great deal of experience in field based selling and use this experience to bring our programmes to life. Trainers involved in this programme are qualified to level 4, so can share their experiences, empathise with the students and pass on best practice tips for study.

For each qualification we are offering a number of revision workshops which will be held around the country.

As well as offering our public courses we also offer bespoke in house training programmes and would be more than happy to discuss this with you on an individual basis.

What do the revision workshops cover?

The workshops are all interactive with the focus being that they are ‘revision’ workshops, so aim to build on the knowledge you have already gained through reading your manual prior to attending the programme.

We put your underlying knowledge into practice through a range of exercises and exam style questions. These questions are approached in groups, pairs and individual exercises, with group discussion and provide you with an opportunity to cement your knowledge further or resolve any areas that you may have been unsure of. The courses all focus on the key elements of the syllabus for the chosen unit.

For more information about the Diploma in Financial Planning and course availability please click here.

For more information about the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and course availability please click here.

How do I book my exams?

You book your exams direct with the CII via their website.