I want to study to become a CFP professional
1. How can I register for the level 6 Advanced Financial Planning exam?
You will need to meet the entry requirements. The entry requirements are to hold an RDR-compliant
qualification for FCA Activities 4 and 6 (with gap fill if required). To check you meet these entry
requirements, please
complete
our eligibility form.
2. Can I sit the new exams in the level 7 CFP in any order?
No. To obtain the level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning (which is the new qualification part of
the CFP) you must ensure you meet the entry criteria, and then pass the level 6 Advanced Financial
Planning exam before you can undertake the level 7 Financial Plan Case Study.
3. How many study hours are recommended for the qualification that forms part of the route to
becoming a CFP?
The notional study hour for the level 6 Advanced Financial Planning exam is 200 hours. The notional
study hours for the level 7 Financial Plan Case Study is 210. The actual study time will however vary
from one candidate to another.
4. Is training available through independent Accredited Training Partners?
Through our independent Accredited Training Partners, there is training available for both the level 6
advanced financial planning exam as well as the level 7 financial plan case study.
Accredited Training Partners (ATP) for the CISI's Level 7 Diploma in Advanced
Financial Planning
Level 6 Advanced Financial Planning Exam
Glascow Consulting Ltd
0203 292 9229
Level 7 Financial Plan Case Study
The Financial Planning Training Academy
0844 824 6990
5. Where can I sit the level 6 Advanced Financial Planning exam?
It will be offered at the same narrative venues that we currently offer for our other narrative exams
which are in Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isle of Man,
Jersey, Leeds, London and Manchester.
6. When and where can I sit the advanced financial planning exam?
There are two exams sittings each year (March & September) for the advanced financial planning exam.
Once you have passed this exam candidates are then able to move to stage two of the diploma in advanced
financial planning which is the financial plan case study. The diploma in advanced financial planning
must be taken in this order. Exams will be offered at the same narrative venues that we currently offer
for other narrative exams which are in Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Leeds, London and Manchester.
When can I start on the financial plan case study?
Once candidates have passed the advanced financial planning exam they are then able to request their
case study at the next available submission window. Each year there are four submission windows for
candidates embarking on the level 7 Financial Plan Case Study. The submission dates can be found
here
under the Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning tab.
Candidates have 10 weeks, from receipt of their Case Study, to prepare a Financial Plan based on the
client scenario using the syllabus and assessment criteria as a guide. The Financial Plan is assessed
independently by an experienced assessor using the assessment criteria and results will be agreed by a
moderation committee. The CISI will issue results 12 working weeks after the submission date for the
submission window. The results date for the submission window is also detailed on the CISI website.
7. Once I have achieved the level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning, how do I apply to
become a CFP professional and what happens?
You must meet all the requirements to become a CFP professional. The qualification is one part of the
process. You must join the CISI at a minimum level of Member (MCSI) - your qualification will make you
eligible for this. Then, you should complete the CISI’s IntegrityMatters test upon joining.
Then complete the application form located on this page below, declaring that you have the relevant
experience (1-3 years). To maintain your CPD, you should complete 35 hours of CPD per year. More
information on this
can be found here.
8. A member of my team has all the qualifications to obtain FCA permissions 4 & 6 but
isn’t actually authorised, can they sit the new CFP pathway?
They do not need to be authorised or hold an SPS to meet the entry criteria. To take the new level 6
Advanced Financial Planning exam, candidates need to hold a qualification that meets FCA Activities 4
and 6.
9. What, if any, CII exemptions can be achieved?
There are no exemptions in this case.
10. For the level 7 Financial Plan Case Study, do you have an example financial plan?
Level
7 Financial Plan Case Study candidate guidance is available to aid you in preparation for the
case study. Candidates who book onto the level 7 Financial Plan Case Study will also get an example Case
Study and example Plan to assist them with their studies.
11. Are there exemptions to the exam and assessment that form the level 7 Diploma in Advanced
Financial Planning?
We have undertaken a thorough review of numerous relevant qualifications to see if any exemptions can be
offered. Unfortunately, this was not the case and as such there are no exemption available to either the
advanced financial planning exam or the financial plan case study. The only exception to this is for
those who hold the CISI Level 6 Diploma in Financial Planning, who can obtain an exemption from the new
level 6 Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning. You will then need to complete the new level 7
Financial Plan Case Study. Please contact us at
fpexams@cisi.org
for more information.
The emphasis on the CFP pathway is proof of application of knowledge, not just straight knowledge. We
fully expect those with Chartered status with other professional bodies who are already giving financial
planning advice, to be able to work through the Level 6 Advanced Financial Planning exam and apply their
knowledge to pass the Level 7 Financial Planning Case Study.
12. I am interested in becoming a CFP™ but I don’t have any supervised one year or
unsupervised
financial planning experience.
The experience requirement to become a CFP professional, can be achieved concurrently whilst achieving
the Level 4, 6 and 7 qualifications, by demonstrating the below:
- Engaging in practice described in FPSB’s Financial Planning Practice Standards.
- Applying the abilities, skills and knowledge described in FPSB’s Financial Planner
Competency Profile;
and
- Adhering to ethical principles described in FPSB’s Financial Planner Code of Ethics and
Professional
Responsibility.
Whilst it would be beneficial, this experience does not need to be solely Financial Planning focused.
Other acceptable forms of experience can be gained in client facing advisory roles.