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Diploma in Investment Planning
The Diploma in Investment Planning is aimed at existing advisers looking to upgrade their qualification in light of the new FSA Level 4 appropriate qualification requirements.
It is therefore only open to candidates who already hold an appropriate qualification at Level 3 or equivalent.
The DipIP will enable investment advisers to develop a range of investment advice skills, techniques and practices at a professional level which meet the new appropriate qualification requirements of the Financial Services Authority, published in June 2010.
The DipIP is SCQF Level 9, which is broadly equivalent to QCF level 5 which exceeds the minimum Level 4 requirement and eliminates the potential for CPD gap filling.
BPP Learning Media Study Package
Where can I get more information?
What will the syllabus cover?
The syllabus covers areas that should be familiar to the experienced adviser and focuses on demonstrating the candidate’s ability to:
- Analyse the macro-economic factors influencing advice-giving
- Explain the various tax regimes and their impact on holistic financial planning process
- Describe and explain the risks posed by the range of products
- Apply knowledge and understanding of key financial services regulation
- Determine appropriate recommendations by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the wide range of savings and investment products
- Construct and present recommendations and solutions logically, clearly and concisely
The full syllabus is available: Providing Investment Advice 
BPP Learning Media Study Package
The study materials have been specially designed to allow a flexible approach in terms of how, when and where you choose to study. Unlike other exam options, DipIP doesn’t focus on a specified number of study hours since this will vary greatly depending on your experience. Initial discussions indicate that DipIP should be achievable for most IFAs within three to nine months.
The four background reading study texts cover the following topics:
- UK Financial Services, Regulations, Personal Taxation and Ethics
- Investment and Risk
- Financial Protection
- Retirement Planning
The virtual learning environment will provide:
- A gap-analysis self test – an initial diagnosis of areas of weakness
- An extensive range of Personal Development Programmes which offer structured, individual focused, online training programmes designed to provide you with the learning required to bridge your knowledge gaps
- A bespoke library of case studies that cover all areas of the syllabus
- Case study practice – mock case study assessments with self-marking guidelines
- Self test and timed mock exams giving you the flexibility to test your understanding as you study
- An integral search engine facility to support your research
- Online study books, covering the key competencies set out by the FSA
- A specimen exam paper
How is the Diploma assessed?
Candidates are required to sit and pass one examination which will assess knowledge of the syllabus and the ability to use this in presenting suitable recommendations.
The Diploma exam:
- Can be taken online at centres throughout the UK
- Consists of a 3 hours 15 minutes typed examination comprising of five compulsory case studies
- Has a pass mark of 50%
Offering the exam online allows candidates to take the exam when they are ready to do so rather than wait for a set date.
A specimen paper can be viewed here: Specimen paper
The answers can be found on the Solution paper
Exam results will be sent to you within four to six weeks.
How much does the DipIP cost?
The above package of study materials and online resources, together with the exam entry fee, is available to AIFA members at £655 and to non-AIFA members at £695.
AIFA members apply now: Diploma in Investment Planning (AIFA members)
AIFA members who belong to the Sesame network can apply here: Diploma in Investment Planning (AIFA members - Sesame)
Non AIFA members: Contact BPP Learning Media
Where can I get more information?
If you would like more detail about the syllabus covered by the Diploma or would like to discuss your organisation’s specific requirements, please email BPP's Client Services team.
