Certificate for Financial Advisers (CeFA)

Achieving the Certificate for Financial Advisers (CeFA) will enable you to gain a thorough understanding of the principles of good advice and the financial services industry.
CeFA enables you to develop an extensive knowledge and understanding of UK financial regulation, investments and the risks that go with them, retirement planning and protection. It will also establish your ability to synthesise knowledge across product areas. Studying CeFA demonstrates a desire to continue your professional development, improves career and promotion prospects and can offer access to further professional development.

Upon successful completion of CeFA you will understand:

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The purpose and structure of the UK financial services industry Regulation of the financial services environment Taxation, asset allocation, investment planning and investment products The purpose and scope of Financial Protection The main aim and strategies of retirement planning How to apply and select suitable financial solutions within the regulatory and ethical framework

Facts at a glance
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Study and learning resources

CeFA is a distance learning qualification, allowing you to study at a pace and time that suits you. A comprehensive set of learning materials is provided at registration, both in hard copy and online via the information gateway my ifslearning. Specimen examination papers, revision notes and online tutor support is also available to support your studies.
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The ifs Level 3 Certificate for Financial Advisers (CeFA) is a Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) qualification accredited by Ofqual CeFA consists of four mandatory modules Registration costs 155 per module and is valid for 12 months Registration includes learning materials, initial assessment entry and online access to any relevant updates during the registration period Assessment for CeFA consists of a 2-hour multiple-choice assessment for each module. Assessments can be taken on demand at Pearson VUE centres with confirmation of your result on the day Students only resit units that they have not passed, allowing them to focus on areas of weakness rather than having to revisit the entire syllabus In-house examinations via ifs e-test are available through participating employers. Please visit www.iofs.org.uk/e-test for more information

Registration
Register online at www.iofs.org.uk/OnlineRegistration or download a registration form at www.iofs.org.uk/CeFA.

You can also register by phone on +44 (0)1227 818609 (option 1). Please have your Visa / Mastercard / Debit card to hand when you call.
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www.iofs.org.uk/CeFA
The Institute of Financial Services is a division of the ifs School of Finance, a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter.

Certificate for Financial Advisers (CeFA)

Qualification structure
Module 1 UK Financial Regulation Unit 1 Introduction to the Financial Services Environment & Products 50 recommended learning hours 1 hour exam UK Financial Services and Regulation 30 recommended learning hours 1 hour exam

Cost
Registration fee (per module - includes learning materials and initial examination entry) Examination resit fee (per module) Specimen paper (per paper) Revision notes (per module) Revision notes bundles (per module) Ask the Expert Online tutor support service 155

120 20 25 40 20

Unit 2

Module 2 Investments & Risks Unit 3 Principles of Investment 50 recommended learning hours 1 hour exam Investment Products 50 recommended learning hours 1 hour exam

Unit 4

Post qualification
Upon successful completion of this qualification you will be able to use the designation CeFA after your name. CeFA can act as a stepping stone towards the ifs Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) which is a benchmark qualification that meets the standards required for those giving professional advice on retail investment products beyond 2012. DipFA has been designed specifically with the intended outcomes of the FSAs Retail Distribution Review (RDR) in mind. It is a highly relevant programme of study that develops the knowledge required whilst also enhancing the skills and practical understanding of the subject matter needed to apply it effectively to the work-place. It can be completed in as little as 9 months. Visit www.iofs.org.uk/DipFA to find out more.

Module 3 Retirement Planning & Protection Unit 5 Financial Protection 50 recommended learning hours 1 hour exam Retirement Planning 50 recommended learning hours 1 hour exam

Unit 6

Module 4 Assessment of Investment Advice Knowledge Unit 7 Assessment of Investment Advice Knowledge 40 recommended learning hours 2 hour exam

Qualification: CeFA (Certificate for Financial Advisers)

About the Institute of Financial Services

The Institute of Financial Services supports and promotes professionalism in the regulated advice sector and the wider financial services industry. It does so through the provision of qualifications, continuing professional development services and through the dissemination of best practice. The Institute is a division of the ifs School of Finance, a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter. It is an FSA Accredited Body and is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual.

Membership
Membership of the Institute of Financial Services provides access to cost-effective and appropriate services that meet the very specific needs of the financial and mortgage adviser community and costs just 66 per annum. Further information can be found at www.iofs.org.uk/Membership.

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Institute of Financial Services, ifs House, 49 Burgate Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2XJ

T +44 (0)1227 818609 E customerservices@ifslearning.ac.uk W www.iofs.org.uk

Every effort was taken to ensure this information sheet was accurate at the time of going to press; the Institute of Financial Services is not liable for any errors or omissions in this publication. The Institute reserves the right at any time and without notice to vary the content of its courses and syllabuses previously announced and to modify as appropriate the facilities and arrangements for students. SS11/12