CII outlines proposals for new post-RDR Diploma
Press Release / News item
28/04/2010
New Look Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning to launch in June
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has published details of its proposed post-RDR level 4 qualification. The CII is keen to stress that the new Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning has been designed by practitioners for practitioners and reflects feedback from members, students and advisers.
It will offer a flexible and innovative solution to the complexities of the current examination regime and advisers will be able enter or sit an exam online on any working day. The new Diploma will incorporate multiple choice questions and case histories supported by extensive online and offline learning and study aids .
Under the FSA’s ‘no regrets’ policy, advisers who have already commenced study towards the existing CII Diploma in Financial Planning can continue to complete this qualification but will now also have the flexibility to access the new Diploma modules.
Sandy Scott, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said, “ As the leading professional body in this sector our scale and financial strength means we don’t have to produce a ‘one size fits all’ qualification for existing advisers. Instead practitioners working together with the CII have developed a Diploma that offers tremendous flexibility, allowing advisers to pick and choose the modules which are most relevant to them.
“It’s important that advisers understand the significant role that their peers have played in the development of this Diploma. In common with all our qualifications it has been created and will be marked and moderated by practising financial advisers, many of whom are Chartered.”
“To help our advisers pass we will provide an unparalleled suite of services, and study aids supported by market leading learning and revision materials that recognise the diverse and complex nature of this sector. These include:
- Comprehensive study text covering the entire syllabus in a straightforward and user friendly format including active learning exercises, case studies and key point summaries
- Extensive suite of online services to support your studies, through our RevisionMate portal. These include an online tutorial, personalised study planner, bank of hundreds of multiple choice questions, discussion forum, specimen exam papers, additional mixed media learning content, study hints and tips and a tailored collection of recommended reading and additional information.
- Audio courses covering key elements of the syllabus, formatted for use on your computer, phone or mp3 player.
- Comprehensive pocket sized booklets summarising the key information contained within the study text
- Programme of training courses delivered across the country, including evenings and weekends.
- ed. LEARN, an online system delivering online interactive tutorials, LEARN brings the study text to life and allows you to progress through your chosen units at your own pace.
“We are mindful of the time constraints placed on advisers but by utilising the experience and expertise of practitioners from across the sector we are uniquely able to offer a wider choice of routes than anyone else to RDR compliance. We believe we have successfully balanced the needs of advisers, the requirements of the regulator and the interests of the consumer.
“As a not - for - profit professional body we can say unequivocally that our new Diploma will be better value for money and less expensive than other comparable qualifications.
“The momentum towards greater professionalism continues to build. There are currently 25,000 individuals studying for higher-level CII financial advice qualifications and it’s testament to the commitment of the sector that despite the benchmark being set at QCF level 4 the number of advisers pushing ahead towards QCF level 6 , Chartered status , continues to grow . T - there are almost 2,000 practising Chartered Financial Planners and a further 3,800 studying towards Chartered status.”
The new Diploma directly mirrors the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC ) ApEx standards and, like all other qualifications will be launched following formal endorsement by the FSA, the FSSC and OfQual, in early June. The Diploma will meet the FSA level 4 Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) requirement, and will cater for both existing advisers and new entrants.
ENDS
Contacts:
David Ross, Director of Communications
david.ross@cii.co.uk
Office: 020 7417 4478
Mobile: 07545 401788
Lucy Grubb, Public Relations Manager
Lucy.grubb@cii.co.uk
Office: 020 7417 4430
Mobile: 07584 213408
Notes to Editors:
The CII
The CII is the world’s leading professional organisation for insurance and financial services. Its 95,000 members are committed to maintaining the highest standards of technical competence and ethical conduct.
A robust framework of learning and development solutions enables the CII to support corporate partners and individuals across the industry. It ensures that all members comply with minimum standards and inspires many more to achieve advanced levels of technical and professional competence.
