CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (QCF)
Qualification summary
The Diploma in Financial Planning aims to develop advanced technical knowledge and understanding across a broad range of key advisory areas including: personal taxation, trusts, business taxation, pension funding, pension income, investment and supervision in a regulated environment. Further units may be developed as required to ensure that key technical subject areas are covered.
Its modular structure, with no compulsory units, allows candidates to develop a learning programme reflecting their job role and career requirements. The format of the individual units reflects the needs of today’s market for current, targeted technical learning. Each unit is tested via a two-hour written short answer exam. Completion of the Diploma will enhance technical knowledge, support regulatory compliance, help reduce risk and improve career prospects. It provides an objective measurement of knowledge and understanding and will enhance the clients’ confidence in the services provided by the holder.
The Diploma is suitable for financial advisers seeking to develop in-depth technical understanding of specific disciplines, accountants, lawyers, actuaries and other staff carrying out financial planning activities, and financial planning staff wishing to progress to higher financial planning qualifications.
Qualification details
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
Candidates achieving the Diploma in Financial Planning are eligible to apply to use the designation DipPFS. The credits obtained in achieving the Diploma can be used towards the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning leading to a professional-level designation and Chartered Financial Planner status.
Candidates could also progress to work in other related professional roles such as accountancy, law or taxation.
Financial Adviser/Planner
Paraplanner
Supervisor/Team Leader
E. Updating and continuing professional development (CPD)
E1. Update knowledge and/or skills relating to legal, technical, process or best practice changes/requirements
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15 Business, Administration and Law
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15.1
Accounting and Finance
Candidates must have passed CII Level 3 Certificate in Financial Planning (or its equivalent).
To complete the CII Level 3 Diploma in Financial Planning, candidates must pass any 4 units from Group A.
Within the Group, none of the units are mandatory and any combination of 4 units may be chosen to complete the qualification.