Achieving CII qualifications with prior learning based on the Scottish Qualifications Authority Level 4 Diploma in Professional Financial Advice
The following examples illustrate different routes to CII qualifications and membership designations based on the Scottish Qualifications Authority Level 4 Diploma in Professional Financial Advice
Other routes are available and these examples don't guarantee that all applications will receive the same prior learning award.
Similar qualification structure
The SQA Level 4 Diploma in Professional Financial Advice has a similar structure to the CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning:
- Each consists of six units.
- The unit names are similar
- The learning outcomes and assessments are similar for most units
- However, the unit 6 Application of Professional Financial Advice has a different assessment to CII's (R06) Financial planning practice, so there is no R06 exemption.
Non-CII qualification and Statement of Professional Standing
Susanna is an experienced financial adviser who has a Statement of Professional Standing for advising on retail investment products and securities, having completed the SQA Level 4 Diploma in Professional Financial Advice.
Susanna joins the Personal Finance Society and renews with CII when her SPS expires.
CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
Susanna claims her exemptions from R01, R02, R03, R04 and R05, then passes R06 to complete the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and use the DipPS professional designation.
Susanna now has 100 CII credits that contribute towards the CII Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
Prior learning awards for the SQA Level 4 Diploma in Professional Financial Advice cost 20% of the price of the CII qualification units.
CII Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, Chartered Financial Planner title and Fellowship
Susanna completes the CII Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning qualification, achieves the Chartered Financial Planner title and PFS Fellowship in a similar route to others who pass their remaining units through direct CII assessment.