Whatever stage you’re at in your career, studying our professional qualifications is the most flexible way to achieve chartered status. You may even discover that you’re already on the way to achieving chartered status without even knowing.
Our professional qualifications allow you to fit your studies around work and other commitments – as well as to choose a route that suits your career and ambitions. To achieve chartered status, you will need to complete two stages:
Stage one: Diploma for Financial Advice (DipFA), which is at Level 4
Stage two: Diploma in Financial Advice (Adv DipFA) at Level 6.
While studying for both these qualifications, you will automatically become a Member of LIBF – giving you access to our professional networking events and careers support.
Stage one: Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA)
The DipFA is an industry benchmark financial adviser qualification, required by the Financial Conduct Authority for all retail investment advisers.
Created with the workplace in mind, this qualification covers regulation and ethics as well as financial advice at an advanced level. It will support your work while you study, and you will also benefit from forums with tutors and other students, coursework, and specimen exam papers.
After stage one you will:
Have the opportunity to continue your membership of LIBF.
Have access to continuing professional development (CPD) services.
Be one step closer to being eligible for a statement of professional standing (SPS).
Be able to use the ‘DipFA’ designation after your name and in your email signature.
Stage two: Level 6 Diploma in Financial Advice (Adv DipFA)
Developed with financial advisers and employers, the Adv DipFA builds on the DipFA to give you the expertise you need to provide customers with complex financial advice and planning services. You can study the four required units in any order, and we will support you with weekly study guides and dedicated online tutors.
After stage two – provided you have three years’ professional experience – you will be eligible to apply for chartered status.
You will also:
Have the opportunity to continue your membership of LIBF.
Have access to continuing professional development (CPD) services.
Be able to use the ‘Adv DipFA’ designation after your name and in your email signature.
Ready to apply?
If you have completed both stages, and have three years of professional experience, you are ready to apply.
Complete the application form
Do you have an enquiry?
If you’d like to talk to someone about your eligibility for chartered status, phone us on 01227 818609.
Contact us
Membership
When studying one of our qualifications, you will automatically become a Member of LIBF, our membership services will support your studies.
Find out moreQuestions about our professional qualifications?
If you have any questions about our professional qualifications in finance and banking, please contact our customer services team.
Our professional qualification customer services office is open:
Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm UK time.
