Brendan Sheehan at Continuum Financial Services (605306)

To achieve DipPFS individuals must achieve 140 credits. At least 80 credits must be at Diploma or AFPC level.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, long term care insurance products and the giving of long term care insurance advice.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: the basic structure of the tax system and self-assessment; the main taxes on income and capital that may be charged on individuals, the self-assessment system and how tax liabilities are computed; impact of residence and domicile on an individuals liability to UK tax.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the different types of equity release products, risks to the consumer associated with equity release and application of suitable equity release solutions according to the circumstances of different customers.

This qualification helps advisers develop and demonstrate their financial planning capabilities. 

Associate members are experienced alumni members who have successfully completed an ifs BSc (hons) degree or Associateship qualification and undertaken a programme of post-qualification Continuing Professional Development.

To achieve the CertPFS (DM) and individual needs to pass 2 diploma units in Regulation and ethics and Discretionary Investment Management

This qualification is for those individuals that wish to undertake additional qualifications above the benchmark requirement and covers investment strategies, taxation, trusts and later life planning.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry together with packaged products (pensions, protection and savings and investments) and the giving of investment advice. Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS) qualifications are subject to a separate grading with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) - www.scqf.org.uk

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of pension transfer options available and their implications, including income options, legislation and regulations impacting pension transfers, transitional issues as a result of different forms of protection, and the relationship between pension returns and options and investment and capital risk.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the mortgage process and the principles of equity release.

This exam accesses understanding of the financial services and their regulation.

This exam accesses understanding of protection, savings and investment products.

This exam accesses understanding of identifying and satisfying client needs.