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Professional Qualifications

The Academy programme is designed to enable you to become a qualified financial adviser by attaining the ‘Chartered Insurance Institute Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning’ professional qualification.

The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is designed for both new entrants and experienced advisers seeking to meet the requirements of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).  There are no prior learning requirements.

This is a modular qualifcation based on six formal examinations:

  • R01: Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics (20 credits) 
  • R02: Investment Principles and Risk (20 credits)
  • R03: Personal Taxation (10 credits)
  • R04: Pensions and Retirement Planning (10 credits) 
  • R05: Financial Protection (10 credits) 
  • R06: Financial Planning Practice (30 credits) 

To complete this professional qualification you need to pass all six units and obtain 100 credits.  R01-R05 are computer based exams consisting of multiple choice questions, and R06 is a written exam.  St. James’s Place has built a learning support programme that gives candidates the best opportunity to achieve this professional qualification in the shortest possible time.

The CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning’ professional qualification offers many advantages:

  • Demonstrates your commitment to learning and personal development, assisting you in building your business, and career progression.
  • With its modular structure, this professional qualification allows you to develop a learning programme that reflects your personal circumstances.
  • Credits are retained throughout your working life and can count towards completion of higher-level financial planning professional qualifications and designations such as ‘Chartered Financial Planner’ if you wanted to further develop yourself throughout your career.
  • Upon completion, candidates can apply to use the designation DipPFS which provides a means of demonstrating educational achievement to your clients (membership and Continuing Professional Development requirements apply).

In today’s financial climate it is essential that all St. James’s Place Partners continue their technical and professional development, through professional qualifications ensuring that both the knowledge they hold and the advice they give remains current.

You will be required to have attained the R01 level entry exam before you are able to start the Academy programme.