DipFA FSRE Support Package

What is DipFA®?

The LIBF's qualification for financial advisers who wish to enhance their prospects by demonstrating a higher level of knowledge and skills. All parts of the DipFA® are accredited at Level 4 in the National Qualifications Framework.

The DipFA®

• is a challenging and relevant programme of study that builds on existing expertise and qualifications and reflects what advisers actually do
• registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Meets the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) examination standards
• enhances knowledge in core areas such as regulation, investment principles, risk, taxation and personal financial planning
• uses real-life scenarios to develop the essential skills to apply this technical knowledge in practice
• is achievable within nine months assuming you have already completed a relevant benchmark Level 3 qualification

Studying for the DipFA®

The level of DipFA® is reflected in the complexity of the technical knowledge and the mix of application and communication skills that is required for successful completion. It is a challenging and intensive programme of study that equates to over 300 hours of guided learning undertaken over a nine-month period. Study and assessment comprises three elements:

Unit 1 Element 1 - Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (FSRE)

• The initial period of study is oriented towards completion of the FSRE element, which assesses knowledge and understanding of the broader financial services environment and the specific issue of assessing risk within customer advice scenarios.
• Assessment of the FSRE element will take place from month three and will be an electronic objective test, available at over 150 test centres nationwide or at home, with confirmation of the results provided on the day.
• The pass mark is 70% for the objective assessment.

Unit 2 - Element 2 - The Coursework

• The second element is the completion of the Advanced Financial Advice coursework assignment, in month seven, designed to test technical knowledge and its application.
• Section 1: Main Written Task – With a maximum word count of 4,000 words (with a maximum of 75 marks). The content portion carries 60 marks, while 15 marks are allocated for assessing communication and presentation style. The main task necessitates the inclusion of a Reference List when incorporating direct quotations or paraphrasing.
• Section 2: Four Short Answer Questions (10, 5, 5, and 5 marks, totaling 25 marks). No bibliography is necessary for these questions.
• The pass mark is 50% for the coursework and examination.

Unit 2 - Element 3 - The Final Exam

• The third and final element, is a three-hour written (typed) examination combining knowledge, understanding and application of both units.
• It will be based on a realistic, real-life scenario that reflects what advisers need to do to provide added value to their customers in terms of detailed, technically appropriate advice delivered in language accessible to consumers.
• Six weeks before the exam the LIBF will issue a factfind on which the examination questions will be based.
• Students will be expected to formulate a report showing detailed analysis and recommendations.
• The pass mark is 50% for the examination.

The FSRE Support Package

The FSRE is your first step in the 9 month study period for the DipFA. Ideally you need to devote two months to your studies, but this depends on your situation. I'm assuming most people taking FSRE are in their first stages toward becoming a financial adviser. You are probably engaged as a mortgage and protection specialist or have another full-time job. Hence two months to study in every moment you get available.,

Our support package helps from a distance and is available to you on demand when you need it. It's not a classroom for a whole week – plenty of those are available. We provide support in three ways:

CeMAP 1 Bootcamp Videos

Access for three months of our CeMAP 1 Bootcamp. You may already have this exam or feel it is below you. FSRE is somewhat like CeMAP 1 "on steroids" – it broadly covers the same syllabus. Many of our videos (we have hundreds on CeMAP 1) cover the topic in depth. Quite a few videos are at the FSRE level because we feel you need to be an all-around expert at the job, not just have the ability to pass the exam. So you'll be pleasantly pleased to access videos to cover some of the more tricky areas.

FSRE Audio Collection

You also have exclusive access to our unique FSRE audio collection, which we recorded especially for students understanding FSRE. It is a discussion around the LIBF textbook covering:

1. 01 The role and structure of financial markets and government - recording
2. 02 Meeting Customer Needs
3. 03 Important Legal Principles
4. 04 Wills, Intestacy and Trusts
5. 05 The Development of the UK Financial Services Regulation
6. 06 The PRA and FCA responsibilities and approach to regulation
7. 07 Fair and ethical outcomes for customers
8. 08 The advice process and adviser skills
9. 09 The regulatory advice framework
10. 10 Ethical principles and professional behaviour

Each module is between 35 and 45 minutes long. They contain the topics explained, stories and examples and contemporary thinking around the subject. These are not available anywhere else and are not sold directly.

FSRE Test Collection

Finally, our FSRE Test Collection—online quizzes delivering FSRE multiple-choice questions. There are over 350 questions, but we will add more over the next few months. You could spend hours simply doing questions online. You get the answer immediately, so you can dive back into studying if you get any wrong.

Bonus - Test Dissection Videos

A bonus. Recordings of Paul talking through some of the FSRE tests on video. Paul takes you through 25 questions and discusses both exam techniques and the right/wrong answers—a beneficial study. Currently, we have two x 25 questions test examined and dissected on video.

Overall, it is a splendid package for those wanting to achieve their FSRE in the first two months of your "Route to Financial Adviser."

Your Investment

The investment is just £195 for the package as above. You'll be given 12-month access to our learning portal, where you can watch and listen to the videos and audio. The CeMAP 1 is a three-month license. It has excellent value and will help you get the exam out of the way as soon as possible. Then you're onto the Advanced Financial Advice AFA exam – coursework and the final exam.

How to Buy

Just click on the button to enrol, use your credit or debit card using our secure systems. Follow the instructions to enrol yourself directly onto our Learning Management System.

 

Please note, you’ll also need to pay The London Institute of Banking & Finance registration fees to complete your qualification. You’ll find more details on The London Institute of Banking & Finance registration and their fees on their website.

Paul Explains

 

Your Tutor

• Paul's credentials:

  • Began in the mortgage sector in 1983 - 39 years' experience. Mortgage Adviser, Financial Adviser, Manager, Consultant, Trainer and Coach.
  • CeMAP qualified, Level 4 IFA qualified, R01, R05, ER1, protection, equity release, supervisory qualified.
  • Author of a myriad of technical texts spanning all areas for both the CII and the LIBF.
  • All team are also fully qualified and experienced.
  • Began teaching FPCs, AFPC, R0 exams in the 1990s, trained thousands of students.
  • Founder and Managing Director of Archer Training Ltd in 2001
  • Working with dozens of banks, lenders, brokers and insurers in the UK and the world.
• Watch Paul in action on his YouTube Channel by going here. His LinkedIn Profile can be found here

After Passing the Exam?

Paul will provide further assistance in your journey to become a financial adviser. Paul can guide you on your self employed or employed positions via our trusted partners.

If you want more information, email Paul Archer