Financial services Level 6 Diploma in Financial Advice (Adv DipFA)

As with any profession, financial advisers will have different levels of experience and expertise as they go through the stages of their careers.

You can now differentiate yourself based on your knowledge about likely changes in the sector and what your clients need.

• Get the expertise you need to provide complex financial advice and planning services.

• Tailor your learning to match your current and future areas of specialism by picking modules relevant to you.

• Develop your skills to provide advice for a variety of areas – bringing in new opportunities for your business.

And if you have three years' relevant work experience, achieving Adv DipFA could lead to chartered status.

While you study online, we will support you with learning materials for each module.

During your studies, you’ll become a Member of LIBF (MLIBF), receiving benefits including careers support and access to professional networking events.

• Financial advisers

• Paraplanners

• Technical support staff

• Administrators

To study Adv DipFA you must already hold a Level 4 financial advice qualification approved by the FCA with us or another awarding body. If not, please see our Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA).

And if you have qualifications from us or another awarding organisation, you may be able to count them as credits towards Adv DipFA. See our Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

Entry requirements

• Hold an RDR-compliant qualification in financial advice, with us or another awarding body.

OR

• Hold a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) as a retail investment adviser, with us or another awarding body.

Take your exam at home with remote invigilation, on a fixed date as per the study timetable. Access to a portable camera to do a 360 degree room scan will be required.

Once you’ve passed, you’ll receive a digital certificate. A paper copy can also be ordered for an additional fee. 

Adv DipFA comprises of five modules but you only need to complete four, which you can study in any order.

The two compulsory modules are Taxation, Trusts and Tax Compliance (TTTC) and Managing Investments (MANI). You can then pick: 

• PETR and FPIR, or 

• PETR or FPIR and a Level 4 specialist module such as CertLTCP or CeMAP Diploma.

  
  

  
  

If you decide to take CeMAP Diploma as the specialist optional module, you must already have CeMAP or an equivalent Level 3 mortgage qualification. 

Are you eligible for an exemption?

If you have qualifications from us or another awarding body, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. 

Taxation, Trusts and Tax Compliance (TTTC)

Managing Investments (MANI)

Level 6 optional modules

Level 4 specialist module options

If you have a previous financial advice qualification, you may be exempt from some of the modules.

Here are a few exemptions you can use towards Adv DipFA:

• You can claim credit for the specialist module if you have completed the Later Life Adviser Accreditation from the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). For further details, please see: society of later life advisers

• Practical Investment Planning (PIP) has been formally recognised by LIBF as an eligible specialist module for Adv DipFA.

• If you have started an advanced qualification with another awarding body, you may have credits you can use towards the Adv DipFA.

You’ll need to provide details of your current qualifications and accreditations via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form.

If you’re not sure whether an exemption applies to you, please contact our Student and Customer Services team on +44 (0) 1227 818609 or email customerservices@libf.ac.uk

You can register for one of the following study sessions throughout the year:

We assess each module of Adv DipFA differently.

• TTTC –  One 90-minute written electronic exam and one timed assessment with pre-released fact find. 

• MANI –  One 90-minute written electronic exam and one timed assessment with pre-released fact find. 

What is a timed assessment? 

You will be provided with a case study a week in advance of your timed assessment date which you can use to familiarise yourself with. 

A series of questions will then be released on your assessment day, and you will have 4 hours in which to complete the open-book assessment and submit your response. 

Your exam and timed assessment will be taken at home with remote invigilation on a set date depending on which study session you join. Please refer to the timetable above for exam deadlines.

You will also be assessed when you take the optional modules. The popular choices are:

• Certificate in Long-term Care and Later Life Planning (CertLTCP), which is tested by an electronic exam. 

• CeMAP Diploma has two elements – an exam with 50 multiple-choice questions and coursework. 

• PETR has two 90-minute typed exams. 

• Financial Planning in Retirement (FPIR) has  one 90-minute written electronic exam and one timed assessment with pre-released fact find. 

To register for the next study session, please complete our online registration form.

You can also call our Customer Services team on +44 (0)1227 818 609 or talk to them on live chat.

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.

We understand that everyone has different learning styles. Some students prefer a qualification route with extra learning support.

We have recognised a select number of Advanced DipFA training providers offering to help support your learning and understanding of the concepts and materials.

Please note that using a learning support provider is entirely up to you: it is NOT a requirement of your studies.

When you've completed your Adv DipFA, if you have three years' relevant work experience you will be eligible to apply for chartered status.

Or, if you’re happy to get started, register today.