Expand+•The minimum second level educational requirements for entry to the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice are as follows:

- Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics

- Five O Level/GCSE passes, including...

Hide-•The minimum second level educational requirements for entry to the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice are as follows:

- Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics

- Five O Level/GCSE passes, including English Language and Mathematics.

The Institute will also consider applications on a mature candidate basis from applicants who are 23 years of age before the date of their application for admission to the programme.

•You must be a member of the Institute or become a member to do this programme

•To enrol in the Financial planning module, candidates must have enrolled in, passed or be exempt from the first five modules

Expand+Who is this programme for?
The Professional Diploma in Financial Advice is a six-module level 7 qualification and is a must for all those pursuing a career in retail and business banking. It is the industry recognised, premier designation qualificat...

Hide-Who is this programme for?
The Professional Diploma in Financial Advice is a six-module level 7 qualification and is a must for all those pursuing a career in retail and business banking. It is the industry recognised, premier designation qualification, for financial advisers in retail financial services in the Republic of Ireland. If you are a financial adviser, or wish to become one in the future, then the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice will enhance the breadth and depth of your knowledge to provide consumers with sound professional advice.

How you benefit

On successful completion of this programme and on attaining the recognised professional designation QFA, you will be able to:

•Provide competent advice to consumers regarding the various loan offerings available, the process involved and the implications of these offerings to consumers

•Discuss the need for, and types of, retirement provision available and the regulation and restrictions on such provision

•Describe relevant regulation that is used in the provision of financial services and the impact it has in this environment

•Explain the types of investment needs of consumers and the important issues arising as a result of these needs

•Provide competent advice to a consumer regarding their life assurance needs and the implications of decisions they may make

•Use analytical skills to make recommendations to clients regarding financial planning

This programme is offered in partnership with LIA and the Insurance Institute.

Minimum Competency Code

Holders of the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice are invited to apply for the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation, thereby meeting the Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code for those who wish to sell, advise on, or undertake specified functions for the following five categories of retail financial products:

•Life Assurance
•Pensions
•Savings and Investments
•Housing Loans, Home Reversion Agreements and Associated Insurances
•Consumer Credit Agreements and Associated Insurances

Continued use of the QFA designation is subject to meeting annual CPD requirements. The QFA designation is overseen by the QFA Board, which includes representatives from the Institute of Banking, the Insurance Institute and LIA.