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.

DipFA Final Exam Online Workshop

• Reviewing your studies
• The AFA Exam - marking system, tips
• The Factfind initial thoughts
• Affordability calculations
• Other calculations
• Exam report structure
• Solution and recommendations including technical update
• Practise the exam
• Action plans

Benefits

• You're at the last hurdle for the DipFA exam and the fact find exam is looming. You haven't done as much preparation as you would like with work pressures and everything, attending this workshop will allow you to be fully prepared.
• Your tutor will be prepared and would have examined the fact find and worked out the needs and recommendations required.
• After the workshop, you'll totally understand the nature of the exam, pass marks, word count, style and structure. You'll be very versed on the content of the fact find and will be reminded of an ideal structure to maximise your marks. And finally you'll have the bones, with flesh, of a report that'll help you pass the exam, and you'll create this all yourself with facilitation and guidance from the tutor plus other delegates.
• You'll have a useful networking session with other likeminded individuals.
• And you don't need to leave your home.

What's the Investment?

• £375 including VAT per delegate

How to Enrol Online

1. Have a good read of the Terms and Conditions by clicking here
2. Email Paul to make sure there are spaces on your chosen cohort - paul@paularcher.com
3. Just click on the button below to enrol, use your credit or debit card using our secure systems.

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.

Do book early as we're limiting the number of delegates to 8 per cohort to ensure maximum interaction and online learning.    

2023/2024 Workshop Dates

2023 Cohorts	DipFA Coursework Dates	DipFA Final Exam Dates
1 – Start April 2023	·         Completed	·         10th and 11th October 2023 ·         Exam Date 19/10/23
2 – Start July 2023	·         15th and 29th September 2023 ·         13th and 27th October 2023 ·         Deadline – 6/11/23	·         3rd and 4th January 2024 ·         Exam Date 18/1/24
1 – Start October 2023	·         1st and 15th December 2023 ·         5th and 19th January 2024 ·         Deadline 5/2/24	·         27th and 28th March 2024 ·         Exam Date 11/4/24

Paul Explains

 

 

Your Tutor

• Paul's credentials:

  • Began in the mortgage sector in 1983 - 40 years' experience. Mortgage Adviser, Financial Adviser, Manager, Consultant, Trainer and Coach.
  • CeMAP qualified, Level 4 IFA qualified, 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 DipFA in 2009, when it started.
  • 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