Expand+Requirements
The minimum entry requirements are as follows:
• Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics, OR;
• Five O Level/GCSE passes, including English Language and Mathematics, OR;
• IOB will also conside...

Hide-Requirements
The minimum entry requirements are as follows:
• Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics, OR;
• Five O Level/GCSE passes, including English Language and Mathematics, OR;
• IOB 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.

Professional Body Membership
You must be a current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme.

Designation
Accredited Product Adviser (APA)

Minimum Competency Code
The minimum entry requirements are as follows: • Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics • Five O Level/GCSE passes, including English Language and Mathematics And • APA in Pensions IOB 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 current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme.

Continuous Professional Development
If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.

Expand+Overview
At a glance
The Professional Certificate in Financial Advice is a must for all those pursuing a career in retail and business banking. It is the benchmark qualification for product advisers in retail financial services products in the Repu...

Hide-Overview
At a glance
The Professional Certificate in Financial Advice is a must for all those pursuing a career in retail and business banking. It is the benchmark qualification for product advisers in retail financial services products in the Republic of Ireland.

For people who are interested in...
If you are a product adviser, or wish to become one in the future, then the Professional Certificate in Financial Advice will enhance the breadth and depth of your knowledge to provide consumers with sound professional advice.

How you will benefit
On successful completion of this programme and on attaining the recognised professional designation APA, you will be able to;
• Provide competent financial product advice to consumers
• Describe relevant regulation that is used in the provision of financial services and the impact it has in this environment
• Use analytical skills to make recommendations to clients regarding a financial product.

Expand+Modules and learning outcomes
In this programme you study one core module and one optional module:

Core:
QFA Regulation (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Identify the different forms of Regulation, relating to financial service providers, and the main regu...

Hide-Modules and learning outcomes
In this programme you study one core module and one optional module:

Core:
QFA Regulation (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Identify the different forms of Regulation, relating to financial service providers, and the main regulatory bodies in Ireland and their functions. Discuss the range of regulatory rules that apply to intermediaries and/or product providers in their dealings with clients. Describe the impact of legislation relating to consumer protection, money laundering, distance marketing, data protection & privacy, Investor compensation, unfair terms in consumer contracts and tax evasion. Explain the functions and powers of the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Pension Ombudsman.

Optional (choose 1):
QFA Investment (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Discuss the operation of the financial services markets and the impact of government economic and monetary policy on Investments. Describe the features, benefits, limitations and risks associated with the different classes of investment assets available within the Industry. Identify and discuss the basic investment principals. Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of investments required to effectively advise clients.

QFA Life Assurance (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Describe the main life assurance needs of the consumer at all life stages. Explain the main features, benefits, limitations and risks of different types of life protection policies. Detail the issues involved in starting a policy and in paying out benefits. Identify the constituents in a valid will and know the impact of the Succession Act. Discuss financial mathematics principles that underpin personal life assurance and pension products, and perform related calculations.

QFA Loans (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Describe the personal financial need for a loan, and the different ways in which such a need can be met by different types of loans and consumer credit on offer. Explain the features, benefits, limitations, security requirements and taxation treatment of consumer loans and credit arrangements, and their associated insurances. Discuss and demonstrate the impact of regulation on the provision of housing loans and different forms of consumer credit. Detail the steps and documentation involved in obtaining a housing loan and evaluate and recommend an appropriate housing loan option from those on offer. Identify the issues and processes involved in debt restructuring and equity release and describe the process and protocols to be adopted for the recovery of loan arrears.

QFA Pensions (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Explain the need for retirement provision. Describe the taxation, legislation and regulatory framework for pensions. Identify the features, benefits and risks of pension product options available to clients. Display the skills and competencies required to effectively advise clients in all areas of Pensions.