CII Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning (QCF)
Qualification summary
The Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning is a new qualification introduced in April 2007 to enable professional financial advisers to develop their specialist planning capabilities, providing clear differentiation from the main body of advisers. It was developed as the natural progression route for those having already completed the CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning (QCF). It consolidates and advances work already undertaken in completing the Diploma, building on existing skills and developing knowledge gained through previous study.
The Advanced Diploma is appropriate for anyone who gives financial advice to clients, including independent financial advisers, tied advisers, para-planners and related staff such as pension analysts and financial analysts. It is suitable for those already holding the Diploma in Financial Planning or comparable qualification-holders wishing to develop their financial planning expertise including accountants, lawyers, actuaries and others carrying out financial planning activities.
The Advanced Diploma covers topics key to all financial planners:
(AF1) Personal tax and trust planning
(AF2) Business financial planning
(AF3) Pension planning
(AF4) Investment planning
(AF5) Financial planning process – mandatory
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.
This qualification represents the highest level of achievement in the CII’s financial planning examination framework.
It also provides an ideal platform from which holders can continue to maintain and enhance technical knowledge and professional skills. Extending skills and refining the way business is conducted as a professional financial adviser provides a sound basis for continuing long term business success.
Candidates achieving the Advanced Diploma are eligible to apply to use the designation APFS and are also eligible for ‘Chartered Financial Planner’ status, the premier title for the professional financial adviser.
Financial Adviser/Planner
Paraplanner
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15 Business, Administration and Law
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15.1
Accounting and Finance
To enter for the Advanced Diploma, candidates must already hold, as a minimum, one of the following or equivalent:
• Certificate in Financial Planning
• Financial Planning Certificate (FPC)
• Certificate for Financial Advisers (CeFA)
It is also strongly recommended that candidates complete the CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning before tackling the Advanced Diploma, as this provides the essential technical knowledge required for completing the Advanced Diploma.
Candidates must pass a total of four units - the mandatory unit from Group A and any three units from Group B.
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A -
Mandatory
Mandatory units
Credit Value required: Minimum 15, Maximum 15.
Sub-components required: Minimum 1, Maximum 1.
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B -
Optional
Optional Units
Credit Value required: Minimum 45, Maximum 45.
Sub-components required: Minimum 3, Maximum 3.