CISI Investment Advice Diploma (IAD)
The CISI Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) gives you the skills and knowledge you need to comply with the Retail Distribution Review's (RDR) new exam standards – known as the 'Level Four' qualifications.
Developed by the CISI, the IAD will strengthen your understanding of securities, derivatives and packaged products. The qualification is made up of two core units and a third technical unit, which can be specially selected to meet your individual requirements.
Stay ahead of the curve
Following changes in the RDR qualification standards, if you're advising on, or working in, securities or derivatives and associated packaged products, you must have passed the Level Four qualifications.
Flexibility and choice
The BPP IAD gives you the flexibility to study when and where you choose – with a choice of either classroom courses or distance learning. We also provide an in-house service for some of the course – to find out more about this option call 0845 226 2422 or email financialservices@bpp.com
Assessment
All exams are multiple-choice, except Private Client Advice which is a three-hour written exam, sat in either June or December.
Industry-leading tuition
BPP provides industry-leading study materials. Constant revision and review techniques are used, including practice questions for the trickiest areas of the syllabus. Our e-Learning is of the highest quality – with MP3 and MP4 downloads, online tutorials and revision kits.
You will also receive full tutor support at every stage – whether you choose classroom-based or distance learning. Tutors are always on hand to answer questions, provide revision tips and study examples, and are contactable out of classroom hours via phone or email.
Dates and prices will be available soon.
Modules
1. Compulsory units one and two:
FSA Regulation and Professional Integrity
This exam tests candidates’ ability to apply appropriate knowledge and understanding of UK financial markets, regulation and ethics to financial planning, advice and management for retail customers.
It will test the following elements:
- The UK financial services industry and its relationship with UK consumers
- Professional ethics and integrity
- UK regulatory infrastructure, including European Union Directives
- The FSA’s supervisory objectives, principles and processes
- Authorisation of firms and individuals
- The regulatory framework relating to financial crime
- Complaints and compensation
- The regulatory framework relating to the provision of financial services, fair treatment of customers and protection of client assets
Investment, Risk and Taxation
This exam assesses candidates’ ability to apply the knowledge, theory and practical techniques required in order to assess a client’s current financial position and future requirements. It also tests their ability to make suitable investment recommendations, monitor performance and respond appropriately to changing needs and circumstances.
It will test the following elements:
- The macro-economic context of investment advice and planning
- The main asset classes; characteristics and applications
- The main investment products; characteristics and applications
- Investment theories and their practical application
- Identification, measurement and assessment of investment risks and returns
- Taxation of investors and investments in the UK
- Portfolio planning, construction, review and maintenance
- Provision of investment advice including the ability to analyse clients’ circumstances and apply suitable investment product recommendations to meet client-led objectives
2. Technical units
Chosen from one of the following:
Securities
This exam tests candidates’ ability to apply appropriate knowledge and understanding of securities, markets and related functions and administration.
It will test the following elements:
- Types of securities
- Money markets and cash
- Foreign exchange
- Settlement and safe custody
- Prime brokerage
- Accounting analysis
- Portfolio construction
- Investment selection and administration
Derivatives
This exam assesses candidates’ basic knowledge of the regulations and practices in financial and commodity derivatives, their underlying markets, trading and the principles of investment strategies.
It will test the following elements:
- Introduction to derivatives
- Underlying assets
- Exchange traded futures and options
- OTC derivatives
- Clearing
- Delivery and settlement
- Portfolio research and construction
- Trading, hedging and investment strategies
- Investment selection and administration
- Special regulatory requirements
Private Client Advice
This unit provides employees advising on packaged products with the planning skills for financial protection, pensions and retirement. It builds on the core knowledge gained from the FSA Regulation and Professional Integrity and Investment, Risk and Taxation units.
The three main areas of the syllabus are:
- Financial protection
- Pensions and retirement planning
- Application of knowledge and understanding
Structure
The IAD is made up of two compulsory core units:
- FSA Regulation and Professional Integrity – multiple-choice exams on demand, via Computer Based Training (CBT)
- Investment, Risk and Taxation – multiple-choice exams on demand, via CBT
Plus one option from the following technical units:
- Securities – multiple-choice exams on demand, via CBT
- Derivatives – multiple-choice exams on demand, via CBT
- Private Client Advice – assessed by a three-hour written exam
If you already have IMC Level Four, you are usually exempt from the FSA Regulation and Professional Integrity and the Investment, Risk and Taxation exam papers. We would recommend that you confirm this directly with the CISI.
You will need to pass three units to complete the Level 4 IAD. Two of the units are compulsory, and the third is a technical unit which you can select from three options.
The exams are multiple-choice and computer based, except the Private Client Advice paper, which is a three-hour written exam.
Flexible learning
The BPP IAD courses are designed to fit around your personal and business life. Choose to study either on a classroom-based course or, at your own pace, via distance learning.
Taught courses
IAD taught courses focus on the more technical aspects of the syllabus, running through examples and practising questions to help you get to grips with the complex issues involved.
All our courses are taught by tutors with both academic and professional experience. The classroom environment is fully interactive, meaning you can ask questions and get immediate feedback from your tutor.
Distance learning
Our distance learning option allows you to study when, where and how you want – using online tutorials, revision kits and study guides, as well as MP3 and MP4 downloads. You'll also receive tutor support at every stage – with contact via phone and email.
- MP3 and MP4 downloads
- Online tutorials and revision kits
- Full tutor support, whether learning in the classroom or distance learning
- Rapid email response
- Practice exam papers and consolidation exercises
- Study guides for time management tips and learning techniques
- PowerPoint course slides of class tutorials
We offer start dates for unit courses throughout the year. For more information please contact the BPP team on +44 (0)20 8746 4178 or email us at financialservices@bpp.com
Entry requirements
The Level Four Investment Advice Diploma qualification is intended for employees currently advising and/or dealing in securities and derivatives, and those advising on packaged products.
There are no formal entry requirements for the Level Four Investment Advice Diploma
How to apply
We offer start dates for unit courses from July to December. For more information please contact the BPP team on +44 (0)20 8746 4178 or email us at financialservices@bpp.com
