Diploma in Financial Planning (Dip PFS)
Previously referred to as The Advanced Financial Planning Certificate (AFPC)
Independent Financial Advisers with a 'Diploma' in Financial Planning are professional advisers that have chosen to develop their specialist financial planning skills in order to prove (by examination) to their clients, that they have a higher level of financial planning knowledge and to differentiate themselves from the majority of mainstream advisers who hold the lower level qualification known as the 'Certificate in Financial Planning' .
The 'Diploma' builds on existing skills and develops advanced technical knowledge across a number of key areas of financial planning. It helps to consolidate and expand on previous studies undertaken and exams taken, in house training and experience.
The 'Diploma' covers financial planning at a higher level in areas that are crucial to all financial planners such as:
- Personal tax and trust planning
- Business financial planning
- Pension planning and pension transfer advice
- Investment planning
On completion of the Diploma, advisers are better placed to offer their clients a more sophisticated and comprehensive approach to financial management which helps to ensure they are also able provide a higher level of advice.
Once an adviser is qualified to 'Diploma' level, he or she can then start working towards the 'Advanced Diploma' and in time will then be able to apply for 'Chartered Financial Planner' status, (subject to a minimum of 5 years experience although not necessarily post qualification).
Chartered is the premium title for the professional financial adviser as it is for other professionals such as accountants and solicitors.
