CISI Masters in Wealth Management

The CISI Masters in Wealth Management is the new, dedicated career pathway for wealth managers, private client managers and IFAs. Highly respected within the industry, it gives you the breadth of knowledge you need to deliver an excellent service to clients, winning you recognition and trust from both clients and employers alike.

With over a decade's experience in teaching towards CISI examinations, we understand the requirements better than anyone else – which is why the CISI has chosen BPP as their preferred training partner for the CISIM (Wealth Management). With BPP you'll benefit from expert tutor support, classroom and distance learning options with on and offline materials. Once completed, you'll be eligible for full membership status (MCSI).

Key Information

Use of the prestigious MCSI letters after your name
Spread your studies over 18 months
Eligible for Fellow of the CSI designation
Work towards RDR compliance requirements

Fully endorsed by the Financial Services Skills Council
Full-time support from expert BPP tutors
Meets the FSA's mandatory exam requirements
Recognised by private clients and employers alike

Lift your earnings potential

This flagship qualification wins you instant recognition as having the knowledge and skills needed to deliver an outstanding service to private clients. Once completed, you'll be eligible for full membership of the CISI and to use the prestigious MCSI letters after your name.

The CISIM (Wealth Management) has received an unprecedented endorsement from the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC). It is also on the FSA Appropriate Exam List for the following six regulated activities:

Advising on securities
Dealing with or for retail clients in securities
Advising on derivatives
Dealing with or for clients in derivatives
Advising on packaged products
Managing investments

Work towards RDR Compliance

As a level seven qualification, the CISI Masters (Wealth Management) meets the RDR requirements in full and can be taken by new advisers.

There are no gaps between the level seven CISI Masters (Wealth Management) syllabus and the new exam standards, therefore you won't need a qualification gap-fill.

Switching from the CISI Diploma

If you have been working towards your CISI Diploma and wish to switch to the CISIM (Wealth Management), you can. Knowledge acquired in the PCIAM qualification will help you with the training, and if you have already taken Investment Analysis (IA) and/or Interpretation of Financial Statements (IFS), you may be exempt from unit one. If you're not sure whether to move to the CISIM (Wealth Management), call us on +44 (0)20 8746 4178 and one of our team will be happy to help.

Outstanding flexibility and study options

The qualification consists of three units: Financial Markets, Portfolio Construction Theory and Applied Wealth Management. It is recommended you take them in this order – and the programme is designed so that you can take the units progressively over 18 months.

You can choose from classroom courses or distance learning. We also provide an in-house service. Please contact us on 0845 226 2422 or email in-house@bpp.com for more information on this option.

The latest learning materials

Throughout your CISI Masters, we'll provide the most up-to-date study texts and guides. We'll give you press cuttings, PowerPoint course slides and tutor support either face-to-face or via phone and email. We'll also help you prepare with practice questions and practice papers from past papers, to make sure you're fully ready for your exams.

Dates and prices

Details of our classroom course dates and prices and our Distance Learning options can be found within our booking form:

Download booking form

Structure

The CISIM (Wealth Management) is split into three consecutive units. You must study and pass exams for all three units to complete the qualification.

We recommend you study for one unit at a time. The exams for each unit take place twice a year, in June and December, and you can spread your studies over 18 months.

Unit 1 – Financial Markets

This unit focuses on the environment in which wealth management operates. The unit is broken down into the following syllabus areas:

Economics and interpretation of economic statistics
Introduction to financial statements
Investment mathematics
Investment analysis

Unit 2 – Portfolio Construction Theory

This unit looks at the theory of portfolio construction and behaviour. The unit is broken down into the following syllabus areas:

Portfolio construction theory
Taxation and trusts

Unit 3 – Applied Wealth Management

This unit reviews practical portfolio construction and management and is broken down into the following syllabus areas:

The advisor-client relationship
Cash management
Overview of insurance products
Overview of investment products
Pension wrappers
Use of other investments (e.g. property)
Effective philanthropy
Tools and techniques
The practice of portfolio construction

Please note that Unit 3 is a case study based exam, building on knowledge acquired from Units 1 and 2, and so we have developed a single phase course, that focuses on new areas as well as case study technique, to better prepare you for the Unit 3 exam.

Flexible learning

The CISIM is available to study both as a classroom-based course and through distance learning – allowing you to choose the option that best suits your circumstances.

We use a tried and tested two stage approach to teaching each course, to help maximise your chance of success. This includes:

Phase One – introduction to key concepts and ideas – learn and understand the main subject areas
Phase Two – broaden and apply your knowledge through testing and consolidation

Distance learning

Our distance learning course enables you to study at a time, pace and place that suits your lifestyle. This option gives you added flexibility, but it still covers all aspects of the syllabus, so you don't miss out on core subject areas. Throughout your studies, you'll also receive expert support from our experienced tutors.

Key benefits

Full tutor support, whether learning in the classroom or self-study
Practice exam papers and consolidation exercises
Study guide for time management tips and learning techniques
The best text books and user friendly learning materials
Press cuttings for real-world study
PowerPoint course slides of class tutorials

Tailored training

As well as offering courses for individuals, we're happy to work alongside firms to help develop their employees – improving capabilities and knowledge. Above all, we focus on the precise requirements of your organisation, providing tailored training at a time and location to suit you.

To find out more about how we could help your organisation, please contact us on 0845 226 2422 or email in-house@bpp.com.

How to apply

The CISIM (Wealth Management) has no set entry requirements. However, it's recommended you pass a benchmark qualification such as the Investment Management Certificate, Certificate in Securities, Investment Advice Diploma, or gain industry experience before embarking on this qualification.

Also, you may sit the exam as many times as you like.

Possible exemptions

Exemptions are available on the following papers, depending on your existing qualifications and experience:

CISI Diploma in Interpretation of Financial Statements
CISI Diploma in Investment Analysis

Please contact the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment to see if you're eligible for exemptions – email exemptions@sii.org.uk, or visit their website.

Scenarios for existing CISI diploma delegates

If you've studied towards one or more papers from the existing CISI Diploma and can't decide whether to continue with the CISI Diploma or move onto the new CISI Masters in Wealth Management programme, we've outlined some scenarios which could help you decide. If you would like to speak to someone about this, please do not hesitate to contact our Course Booking Team on +44 (0)208 746 4178 and one of our team will be happy to help.

Studied towards one CISI Diploma paper

The options below are applicable to delegates that have studied towards one existing CISI Diploma paper. They show the options available depending upon the paper you have already sat. Please note that you could take any of the three modules from the CISI Masters in Wealth Management as one of your papers to complete the CISI Diploma (certain restrictions apply - see table at the bottom of this page).

Regulation and Compliance (R&C)

You could either decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (2 more subjects and exams); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (3 modules and exams).

Private Client Investment Advice and Management (PCIAM)

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (2 more subjects and exams); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (3 modules and exams, but PCIAM knowledge will assist you in the CISI Masters in Wealth Management).

Investment Analysis (IA)

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (2 more subjects and exams); OR start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management because you are exempt from module 1 (Financial Markets) of the CISI Masters in Wealth Management so can progress straight to module 2 (Portfolio Construction Theory).

Interpretation of Financial Statements (IFS)

Any other CISI Diploma paper........

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (2 more subjects and exams); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management from the beginning (3 modules and exams).

Studied towards two CISI Diploma papers

The options below are applicable to delegates that have studied towards two existing CISI Diploma papers. They show the options available depending upon the papers you have already sat. Please note that you could take any of the three modules from the CISI Masters in Wealth Management as your third paper to complete the CISI Diploma (certain restrictions apply - see table at the bottom of the page).

Regulation & Compliance (R&C) and Private Client Investment Advice and Management (PCIAM)

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (3 modules and exams, but PCIAM knowledge will assist you in the CISI Masters in Wealth Management); OR finish the CISI Diploma (taking Investment Analysis or Interpretation of Financial Statements) and then complete the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams), because IA or IFS gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets).

Regulation & Compliance (R&C) and Investment Analysis (IA)

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because IA gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)); OR finish the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam) and then complete the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because Investment Analysis gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)).

Regulation & Compliance (R&C) and Interpretation of Financial Statements (IFS)

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because IFS gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)); OR finish the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam) and then complete the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because IFS gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)).

Investment Analysis (IA) and one other CISI Diploma paper

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because IA gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)); OR finish the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam) and then complete the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, as IA gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)).

Interpretation of Financial Statements (IFS) and one other CISI Diploma paper

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because IFS gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)); OR finish the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam) and then complete the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 modules and exams, because IFS gives you an exemption from module 1 (Financial Markets)).

Any other combination of two CISI Diploma papers

You could decide to either continue and complete the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam); OR stop the CISI Diploma, and start the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (3 modules and exams); OR finish the CISI Diploma (1 more subject and exam) and then complete the CISI Masters in Wealth Management (2 or 3 modules and exams – level of additional workload will depend upon which two specific CISI Diploma papers have been taken).

If you are still unsure and would like to speak to someone, please call our Course Booking Team on +44 (0)208 746 4178. For specific information on exemptions, we recommend that you contact the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) directly on +44 (0) 20 7645 0600.

CISI Diploma papers that count towards CISIM (Wealth Management) modules

The existing CISI Diploma papers that can be taken with the new CISIM (Wealth Management) modules to achieve the CISI Diploma are represented in the table below:

Financial Markets

Bond & Fixed Interest Markets
ICAEW Diploma in Corporate Finance
Financial Derivatives
Fund Management
Global Operations Management
Management Studies
Private Client Investment Advice & Management
Regulation and Compliance

Portfolio Construction Theory

Bond & Fixed Interest Markets
ICAEW Diploma in Corporate Finance
Financial Derivatives
Global Operations Management
Interpretation of Financial Statements
Investment Analysis
Management Studies
Regulation and Compliance

Applied Wealth Management

Bond & Fixed Interest Markets
ICAEW Diploma in Corporate Finance
Financial Derivatives
Fund Management
Global Operations Management
Interpretation of Financial Statements
Investment Analysis
Management Studies
Regulation and Compliance

Study locations

Classroom teaching for the CISIM (Wealth Management) is held at the London Liverpool Street study centre – close to Bank, Moorgate and Liverpool Street. Based at the heart of the UK's corporate finance world, it allows us you to rub shoulders with the industry's leading thinkers.