ifs - School of Finance

Since i am studying Financial Services in UK, i was thinking about giving some details to potential future students or graduates that need to take the CFP(Certificate in Financial Planning)/CeFA(Certificate in Financial Advice), a few details about the package, the costs and time needed to pass successfully(minimum 70%).

My university has given me this package for free as they have agreements with ifs-School of Finance London. It is incorporated by Royal Charter and provides financial education to financial services professionals throughout the world. They work closely with the best-known financial services providers from all around the world.

The CeFA certificate is obtained through 4 different exams (steps), which includes UK Financial Regulation, Investments and Risks, Retirement Planning and Protection and Assesment of Investment Advice Knowledge. Each package costs 135£ with the exam costing about 200£. So expect paying 350£ for each step. After registration a package will arrive in about 1 month which contains a file with all the documents you need.

Advice is given on how many hours one should spend studying in order to avoid having difficulties. A minimum of 60 hours is "prescribed" but more is recommended. I plan on studying 100 hours for it, revising and doing tests. The gradings are as follows: 70% - pass, 80% - merit, 90% - Distinction. I am aiming for the distinction but any way you choose, a minimum of 70 is required. Booking the exam is easy, they have test centers all over the world, an online application form should do it.

I recommend visiting their website for further info: http://www.ifslearning.ac.uk/
They have a video as well on the home page and you can view and browse the different certificates that are put at your disposal.

I have also added photos of the package itself so that you get a sense of its size and looks :P .. that's all for now. Cheers!

"If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it." - Socrates