Financial Concepts

To achieve the Associateship grade, individuals would be required to have 6 AFPC (Diploma) units or equivalent. This shows a commitment to continuous professional development.

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

An internationally recognised financial planning credential. The holder must demonstrate a combination of experience, financial qualifications (usually AFPC/DipPFS) or equivalent, an IFP assessment, ongoing educational activity (continuous professional development) and ethical behaviour.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the principles of equity release, the different types of schemes available and the circumstances where equity release is an appropriate solution for the customer.

This qualification assesses the knowledge and skills to enhance the career and promotion prospects of those aspiring to middle and senior management positions.

This unit covers common types of products and schemes, the legal and regulatory framework, factors affecting the value of commercial property, risk management in the various commercial sectors, information gathering, affordability, suitability and breaches of payment.

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 qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the general insurance environment, its products and the manner in which the industry is regulated.

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 regulatory and practical implications of the Treating Customers Fairly initiative.

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

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

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the application of the investment advice process.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse financial protection planning issues.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK taxation system, and the ability to analyse the taxation treatment of individuals and trusts during the investment advice process.

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

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry, including regulation, legislation and the Code of Ethics.

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 an ability to analyse pension and retirement planning issues.

The Diploma enhances knowledge in core areas such as regulation, investment principles, risk, taxation and personal financial planning using real-life scenarios to develop the essential skills to apply this technical knowledge in practice

Having achieved the APFS designation, advisers can go onto to achieve this recognisable benchmark of quality and ethical practice for financial services professionals, elevating financial planning and advice in the public eye to the same standing as other Chartered professions. The holder must demonstrate a combination of experience, financial qualifications, ongoing educational activity (continuous professional development) and ethical behaviour.

This examination enhanced general pension knowledge, particularly in pension transfers and opt-out business.