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Investment
Advice
Diploma
Key
features
• RDR compliant
• Syllabus tailored to meet the needs of
What is the Investment Advice Diploma (IAD)? employees advising retail clients
The IAD provides a sound grounding in UK financial services and consumer
relationships, macro-economic environment, settlement, safe custody and prime • Benchmark Level 4 qualification
brokerage, exchange traded futures and options and financial protection. It has been
specifically developed to comply with the examination standards of the RDR.
• Pathway to higher level qualifications
Who should study for the Investment Advice • Recognised by the FCA - the IAD
Diploma? features on the Financial Conduct
Authority’s Appropriate Qualification
This qualification has been developed to provide employees advising and/ tables: IAD (Securities) regulated
or dealing in Securities or Derivatives, advising on Retail Investment Products activities 2 and 12; IAD (Derivatives)
and Friendly Society Tax-Exempt Policies and/or Managing Investments with regulated activities 3 and 13; IAD
the knowledge and skills required for their job roles. (Financial Planning & Advice) regulated
activities 4 and 6
Ofqual approval
• Free CISI student membership - become
The Investment Advice Diploma is regulated by Ofqual (on its Regulated Qualifications associated with a chartered professional
Framework) as the CISI Level 4 Diploma in Investment Advice. The Total Qualification body and take advantage of an extensive
Time for this qualification is 426 hours. Visit https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/. On the range of benefits
European Qualifications Framework, this equates to a level 5 qualification. For further
information visit cisi.org/eqf • ACSI designatory letters
How is the qualification structured? • Exams available online via remote
The RDR-compliant award is successfully achieved by passing these two units: invigilation or at one of our global test
centres
• UK Regulation & Professional Integrity
• Investment, Risk & Taxation
and one of the following:
• Derivatives
• Securities
• Financial Planning & Advice
10/21
Exemptions
The CISI grants exemptions from one of UK Regulation & Professional Integrity or Investment, Risk & Taxation to applicants who hold
appropriate CFA UK, LIBF or CII qualifications.
Advisers who hold the IMC4, CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning or LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers and who pass
one of the CISI’s Securities, Derivatives or Financial Planning & Advice units may be assured that they will still be eligible for a Statement of
Professional Standing provided they also meet the FCA’s non-qualification requirements. For more info visit cisi.org/iad
Studying for the IAD
The recommended study time is 140 hours per unit.
You can choose to self-study for the exams using CISI workbooks and elearning or have formal training with one of our Accredited Training
Partners (ATP). To find an ATP near you visit, cisi.org/atp
The CISI’s workbook policy requires, where available, the most up-to-date CISI workbook to be purchased when booking an exam, including
by an ATP on your behalf. This applies to all candidates sitting CISI exams in the UK (includes Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and Isle
of Man). Candidates sitting CISI exams outside the UK will receive the most up-to-date workbook for that subject in PDF format and this is
included in the international exam price.
If you are not currently a CISI member you will receive free CISI Student membership whilst you study and have access to a wide range of
benefits. Visit cisi.org/membership
Assessment
The two core units within the programme are two-hour exams comprising:
• UK Regulation & Professional Integrity - 80 multiple choice questions
• Investment, Risk & Taxation - 80 multiple choice questions
Candidates must also pass one of the following exams:
• Derivatives - 80 multiple choice questions (two hour)
• Securities - 80 multiple choice questions (two hour)
• Financial Planning & Advice - 80 multiple choice questions (two hours)
Exams can be taken remotely or at one of our Computer Based Testing (CBT) centres. Visit cisi.org/cbt to find your nearest test venue and
cisi.org/remoteexams to find out more about sitting remotely.
Book your exam
Online – cisi.org/iad Don’t forget to set your results preferences afterwards at
By phone – +44 20 7645 0777 cisi.org/resultsdashboard
Via email – customersupport@cisi.org
Visit cisi.org/prices for current prices
Next steps
CISI Membership Higher level CISI qualifications
If you successfully complete the Investment Advice Diploma you To further theoretical and practical knowledge upon completion
will be eligible for Associate membership of the CISI and you will of the IAD, higher level qualifications to take include:
be entitled to use the designatory letters, ACSI. The extensive • Certificate in Private Client Investment Advice &
continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities Management
available through the CISI’s suite of membership benefits ensures • Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification
financial services practitioners can maintain competence and • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification
meet the requirements of firms and the regulator.
Visit cisi.org/membership
cisi.org/iad +44 20 7645 0777 customersupport@cisi.org
The CISI’s purpose is “to champion lifelong learning and integrity, raising individual standards of knowledge, skills and behaviour globally to
enhance public trust and confidence in financial services.”
