AIFA-CIOBS Diploma in Investment Planning (DipIP)

The BPP AIFA-CIOBS Investment Planning Diploma (AIFA-CIOBS DipIP) is a qualification for existing advisers looking to upgrade their qualification, in line with the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) Retail Distribution Review (RDR) Level Four qualification requirements.

It is therefore only open to candidates who already hold an appropriate qualification at Level Three or equivalent.

Key Information

  • Upgrade your qualification in line with the new FSA Level Four requirements
  • Use the designation Professional Financial Adviser (PFA)
  • Upgrade your skills and gaining a prestigious qualification
  • Choose when, where and how to learn with our flexible study options
Contact Admissions: 020 8740 2396
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Keep up with RDR requirements

RDR Level Four requirements mean that exisitng advisers, at Level Three or equivalent, need to upgrade their qualification by 31 December 2012.

The AIFA-CIOBS DipIP will enable advisers to ensure they are RDR compliant and require no further gap-fill.

Syllabus

The syllabus covers areas that should be familiar to the experienced adviser. It focuses on demonstrating your ability to:

  • Analyse the macroeconomic factors influencing advice-giving
  • Explain the various tax regimes and their impact on holistic financial planning process
  • Describe and explain the risks posed by the range of products
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of key financial services regulation
  • Determine appropriate recommendations by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the wide range of savings and investment products
  • Construct and present recommendations and solutions logically, clearly and concisely

Study methods

You can study for the AIFA-CIOBS DipIP via distance learning, using a blended study support package – including study texts and online learning or revision facilities. Tutor support is also available via email.

Fees

The AIFA-CIOBS DipIP package of study materials and online resources, together with the exam entry fee, is available to AIFA members at £655 and to non-AIFA members at £695.

How to book

  • Contact our Client Services team at dipip@bpp.com
  • Call +44 (0)208 740 2396

Dates and prices will be available soon.

Learning outcomes

On completing the course you will be able to:

  • Understand the UK financial services industry, its European and global context and how the retail consumer is served
  • Understand the legal concepts and considerations relevant to financial advice
  • Understand the FSA’s responsibilities and approach to regulation of financial services
  • Apply the principles and rules as set out in the regulatory framework in practice for the consumer and understand the range of skills required when advising clients
  • Understand the FSA’s use of principles and outcomes-based regulation to promote ethical and fair outcomes, and apply the Code of Ethics to business behaviours of individuals
  • Critically evaluate the outcomes that distinguish between ethical and compliance driven behaviours
  • Analyse the characteristics, inherent risks, behaviour and correlation of asset classes and the impact of the macro-economic environment
  • Understand the merits and limitations of the main investment theories and the principles of investment planning
  • Apply the principles of the time value of money
  • Analyse and explain the nature and impact of risk on investment performance and analyse the characteristics, inherent risks, behaviours and relevant tax considerations of investment products
  • Apply the investment advice process and analyse the performance of investments
  • Understand the UK tax system and analyse investment taxation as relevant to the needs of individuals and trusts and analyse its role and relevance
  • Apply the knowledge of personal taxation to the provision of investment advice
  • Understand the political, economic and social environment factors which provide the context for pensions planning, and how the HMRC tax regime applies to pensions planning.
  • Understand relevant aspects of pensions law and regulation to pensions planning and the structure, relevance and application of the State Schemes to an individual’s pension planning
  • Understand the structure, characteristics and application of Defined Benefit schemes to an individual’s pension planning and analyse the range of Defined Contribution scheme options
  • Analyse options and factors to consider for drawing pension benefits and evaluate the aims, objectives and relevant issues of retirement planning 
  • Understand the consumer and retail market factors and trends relevant to financial protection, areas of need and the main sources of financial protection
  • Understand the role and limitations of State Benefits and state or local authority funded solutions for financial protection
  • Understand the range, structure and application of life assurance and pension based policies to meet financial protection needs
  • Understand the taxation treatment of life assurance and pension based protection policies
  • Understand the range, structure and application of income protection insurance and options to meet financial protection needs
  • Understand the range, structure and application of critical illness and long term care insurances to meet financial protection needs
  • Evaluate the needs and priorities for financial protection and the relevant factors in selecting appropriate solutions
  • Obtain appropriate client information and understand needs, wants, values and risk profile essential to the financial planning process 
  • Synthesise the range of client information, subjective factors and indicators to provide the basis for financial planning assumptions and decisions
  • Formulate suitable financial plans for action and justify recommendations
  • Implement, review and maintain financial plans to achieve the clients’ objectives and adapt to changes in circumstances

How the course is structured

Providing Investment Advice (Top Up) module content:

  • QCF Level 5 or SCQF Level 9
  • 40 SCQF Credit Points

Aim of module

To enable investment advisers to develop a range of investment advice skills, techniques and practices at a professional level which meet the requirements of the Financial Services Authority.

Exam structure

  • Five case study questions worth 100 marks
  • Question one is a detailed case study worth 40 marks
  • Question two-five are smaller case studies worth 15 marks each
The question bank has been designed to ensure that all aspects of the core and specialist syllabuses are covered.

Candidates are required to complete one online written examination. The pass mark for this examination is 50%. Results are available 6 weeks after the exam.

Study any time, anywhere

This subject is delivered by Distance Learning, using a blended study support package – including workbooks and online self-study or revision facilities.

Study when, where and how you want – with a flexible range of study materials. Unlike other exam options, DipIP doesn’t focus on a specified number of study hours – this will vary depending on your experience – but it should be achievable within six to nine months.  

Study texts 

There are four study texts for the AIFA-CIOBS DipIP covering the following topics:

  • UK Financial Services, Regulations and Ethics
  • Investment Principles and Risk
  • Personal Taxation 
  • Pensions, Retirement Planning and Financial Protection 
In addition, a study guide and a book of practice case studies and our virtual learning environment will provide you with extra study support. 

How you'll be assessed  

You will be required to sit and pass one exam lasting for three hours and fifteen minutes, and comprising five compulsory case studies. 

This can be taken online at numerous Pitman examination centres across the UK and will assess your knowledge of the syllabus and your ability to apply this in presenting suitable recommendations. 

The pass mark is 50%. As the exam is taken online, this means that candidates can sit it as and when they are ready, rather than waiting for a set date.

How to apply

Candidates who wish to study for the DipIP must hold an appropriate financial advice qualification at Level Three under the pre-RDR qualification requirements. There are no age restrictions on entrants.

Exemption requests will not be considered for this exam.

To find out about the entry requirements for the AIFA-CIOBS DipIP please email our Client Services team at dipip@bpp.com call +44 (0)208 740 2396.

Study any time, anywhere

This subject is delivered by Distance Learning, using a blended study support package – including workbooks and online self-study or revision facilities.

Study when, where and how you want – with a flexible range of study materials. Unlike other exam options, DipIP doesn’t focus on a specified number of study hours – this will vary depending on your experience – but it should be achievable within six to nine months.  

Study texts 

There are four study texts for the AIFA-CIOBS DipIP covering the following topics:

  • UK Financial Services, Regulations and Ethics
  • Investment Principles and Risk
  • Personal Taxation 
  • Pensions, Retirement Planning and Financial Protection 

In addition, a study guide and a book of practice case studies and our virtual learning environment will provide you with extra study support. 

How you'll be assessed  

You will be required to sit and pass one exam lasting for three hours and fifteen minutes, and comprising five compulsory case studies. 

This can be taken online at numerous Pitman examination centres across the UK and will assess your knowledge of the syllabus and your ability to apply this in presenting suitable recommendations. 

The pass mark is 50%. As the exam is taken online, this means that candidates can sit it as and when they are ready, rather than waiting for a set date.