Investment Management Certificate (IMC)

Get ahead with the IMC

The Investment Management Certificate (IMC) is your passport to a world of exciting career opportunities within the investment management industry. Administered by the CFA Society of the UK, it's an excellent introduction to investment management and a pre-requisite for many positions within the industry.

The IMC is designed for anyone seeking FSA 'Approved Person' status in the following roles:

• Managing investments
• Advising clients in investments and/or derivatives
• Dealing for clients in investments and/or derivatives
• Advising on investments in the course of corporate finance business
• Managing investments in relation to venture capital investments
• The activity of a broker fund adviser

The IMC is also useful if you work in a related area within the industry – such as information technology, compliance and marketing – and you want to understand the language of investments and the market.

The IMC would also be very valuable to someone leaving University or in their final year looking for something to give them that extra CV boost when looking for graduate positions. A professional qualification alongside an academic one can really make you stand out from the crowd.

Moving on to other qualifications

The IMC is an excellent entry point to give you confidence to attempt more advanced qualifications, such as the CFA Program, CISI Diploma or the CISI Masters in Wealth Management Programme.

Not sure which qualification is for you? Watch our presentation on demistifying the financial services qualifications.

Outstanding flexibility and study options

You can choose from classroom courses or distance learning. We also provide tailored in-house options. Please contact us on 020 8746 4178 or email financialservices@bpp.com for more information.

The latest learning materials

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

Moving on to the CFA® Program

The IMC is the perfect springboard into CFA® Level I. Many of the topics you'll cover in the IMC course are expanded on in the CFA Program. What's more, now that the new Level 4 syllabus ethics content is based on the CFA Code of Ethics, the IMC is closer to the CFA Program than ever before.

Structure

The IMC is split into two units. Unit 1 gives you an insight into the investment environment in the UK, while Unit 2 covers the more technical elements of the IMC qualification.

Changes to the IMC

The IMC has recently upgraded to an Ofqual Level 4 qualification in response to the FSA’s Retail Distribution Review (RDR). With more content and a higher level of difficulty, it now better prepares you for a career in investment management. 

The change also means you now need to pass both units of the IMC under one version of this qualification. Retail advisors can complete the Level 4 IMC and either CFA Level I – or selected modules from the CISI Level 4 Certificates – to become RDR compliant. Visit the RDR website to find out more.

IMC Unit 1 – Investment Environment

This unit considers the regulatory environment in the UK. The rules and principles that financial firms must follow are covered, along with the ways in which these are enforced by the FSA. European regulation and the impact of MiFID on these rules are also examined. 

Insider dealing, money laundering and other sources of investment crime are then explored, alongside rules with regards to takeovers. There is also a section on markets and the key trading platforms used within the UK. 

Taxation is covered, considering taxation of individuals and companies, taxation of investments, and tax planning. The final topic on client objectives considers what issues should be taken into account by investment advisors – and how they should go about giving advice.

IMC Unit 2 – Investment Practice

You will cover the fundamental approaches and methods used within the investment management industry. The unit gives a solid grounding in financial maths, covering statistical techniques such as calculating standard deviation and variance, as well as approaches for discounting cash flows to obtain present values. 

The basic principles of financial maths are carried over into the asset valuation section as the characteristics of bonds, equities and derivatives are covered, alongside various valuation methodologies. 

In order to understand businesses, you will cover the fundamentals of accounting along with an introduction to financial statement analysis. The use of resources within the economy is also examined with sections on both micro and macro economics. 

The jigsaw is completed with a look at portfolio management and techniques for constructing portfolios, as well as methods for evaluating and measuring investment performance. Delegates must pass both units to successfully complete the IMC. 

For more details on the syllabus, exemptions, and how to register for the exam, visit www.cfauk.org

Learning materials

We’ll provide everything you need to excel on your IMC course. So as well as getting the most up-to-date study texts and guides, you’ll have support whenever you need it, and practice tools to help make sure you pass first time.

Studying for your IMC exam 

While you’re studying for your IMC exam, you’ll get a combination of up-to-date study texts (also available as eBooks), online tutorials, downloads and PowerPoint™ slides. 

Whatever the format, you’ll find our material practical, easy to read, and packed with examples, subject reviews, exam tips and more. If you are new to financial maths or economics we also have useful introductory modules in these areas, available to access online. 

Preparing for your IMC exam 

Practice makes perfect – which is why we’ll send you plenty of practice exams so you can focus your revision and hone your knowledge. You’ll also get a question bank containing questions on all key areas of the syllabus, and a copy of Review Exercises – a pocket-sized revision tool.

Tutor support 

Our tutors are always available to help you, whether face-to-face, by phone or email. So whatever question or query you have, get in touch. And rest assured, we will reply to your emails within one business day – so you’re never held up with your studies. 

Practical tools

You’ll get a comprehensive toolkit that includes everything from a handy guide to using a scientific calculator, to a formulae sheet to help you memorise the formulae you’ll need for the exam. We’ll also provide a useful Study Guide for planning your time, along with our popular Passcards which summarise the syllabus in a handy, visual format.

Flexible learning

The IMC is available as both a classroom-based course and through distance learning – allowing you to choose the option that best suits your circumstances. Both options allow you access to our comprehensive online and physical learning materials as well as allowing you to contact tutors with your queries.

Classroom study

The Unit 1 course runs over two days. For Unit 2 you can choose a five-day comprehensive course or a three-day accelerated course.

We recommend our comprehensive Unit 2 course to most students, as it covers the entire syllabus assuming no prior knowledge or experience.

We also offer an accelerated Unit 2 training course, specifically designed for students with a strong background in finance. Consider this only if you have an MBA, accounting qualification or equivalent. With this option it is possible to fit Unit 1 and Unit 2 into one week. See our dates and prices PDF for more information.

All of our IMC classroom courses are accredited by the Law Society for continuing professional development (CPD).

Introduction to Financial Maths

Our popular one day financial maths course is for anyone who would like an introduction or refresher on the financial maths elements of the Unit 2 syllabus. in this interactive day we focus on building your confidence with many practice examples using the Casio Scientific calculator. We run these courses every month and you can be assured of personal help from the tutor if you have concern over the mathematical content of IMC.  For more information see our date and prices PDF.

Distance learning

Our distance learning course enables you to study at a time, pace and place that suits your lifestyle. Our online and physical study materials cover all aspects of the syllabus, so you won't miss out on core subject areas. You will receive all of our hard copy and online learning materials, as well as access to our bank of pre-recorded lectures which can be viewed online or downloaded to watch on the move.

Start-date flexibility

We offer start-dates throughout the year. For more information see our dates and prices PDF, or get in touch with the BPP team on +44 (0) 20 8746 4178 or email us at financialservices@bpp.com

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 call +(0) 20 8746 4178 or email in-house@bpp.com

Entry requirements

The Investment Management Certificate (IMC) has no set entry requirements. However, we recommend you consider taking the one-day Introduction to Financial Maths course if you are at all concerned about the mathematical content or using the Casio Scientific calculator.

Take a quick test to find out if you should attend the Introduction to Financial Maths course for a recap.

Introduction to Financial Maths

Refresh your mathematical skills in this one-day course and you'll be able to get even more out of your IMC training. Tutors guide you step-by-step through the mathematical element of the IMC Unit Two syllabus and give you the opportunity to practice questions. Topics include:

• Location and Dispersion (means, medians and mode)
• Financial Maths (basic discounting and compounding, annuities, perpetuities, mortgage repayments)
• Statistical Measures (standard deviation, normal distribution, covariance)
• Share Valuation and Return
• Bond Valuation and Return Measures
• Return Measures (HPY, time weighted, money weighted)
• NPV and IRR

Is IMC the right course for you?

See our presentation on demystifying the financial services qualifications.

Study locations

Classroom teaching for the IMC qualification and the Introduction to Financial Maths course 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's perfectly located to allow you to rub shoulders with the industry's leading thinkers.

Classroom training for the IMC course is also held at our Edinburgh study centre, conveniently located just off the Royal Mile and just five minutes' walk from the Edinburgh Waverley train station. Please note that the Accelerated Learning and evening classes are not available at this location.

• BPP London – Liverpool Street
• BPP Edinburgh