Certificate in Paraplanning

CISI level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning

Remote exams now available

Why study the Certificate in Paraplanning?

The Certificate in Paraplanning was developed in conjunction with Paraplanners, Financial Planners and trainers to test the application of skills and the technical knowledge needed by Paraplanners.

If you are currently working as a Paraplanner, whether in-house or outsourced, the qualification will help you by building on your existing skills and enable you to become more efficient in your job. If you are thinking of becoming a Financial Planner in the future, then this is an ideal step towards CFPTM certification as it covers some of the core competences tested as part of this globally recognised qualification.


Is the Certificate in Paraplanning right for me?

The Certificate in Paraplanning is the ideal qualification for individuals who are aspiring to become, or currently practising as a paraplanner in the UK. It's a challenging and relevant qualification which is designed to further develop and test your financial planning skills and how well you can apply technical knowledge in financial planning situations. Success in the exam also provides powerful professional recognition that you have the appropriate combination of technical knowledge and planning skills required to fulfill the role of paraplanner.

Key features:

Qualification factsheet

Qualification Structure

The Certificate in Paraplanning is achieved by passing the two units listed below, exemption details are available here.

Total Qualification Time:
263 hours

The total qualification time (TQT) for this qualification is 263 hours. TQT is an estimate of the number of hours that a typical candidate might reasonably spend in achieving the qualification. This will vary depending on your previous experience, and includes any formal study as well as self-study and assessment time.
Investment Risk & Taxation
+
Financial Planning & Advice

 

 

Exam Details

Exam Availability

Pass Mark / Pass Rate

The current pass rate for this exam is and the pass mark is . The exam grades are as follows:

Regulated Qualifications Framework

credits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework are awarded upon successfully passing this exam

Feedback and Appeals

For further details on how to give us your feedback and / or Appeal your result, please refer to our Exam Policies.

Study support

Financial Planning & Advice

Students studying for Financial Planning & Advice may benefit from attending our Integrated Financial Planning Course. We have also created some support materials to help you with some of the new concepts in this examination and to help as a refresher for your technical knowledge. More details are available below:

Integrated Financial Planning Course Supplementary Learning Material

Self study

CISI workbooks are available and are required to be purchased when booking CISI exams. This is to ensure there is one standard workbook from which all exam candidates can prepare. You can also choose to purchase CISI elearning to support your exam preparation. You can also choose to complete formal training for our exams with a CISI Accredited Training Partner (ATP).

Buy study material Find out about My Study Find an ATP near you

Become an Accredited Paraplanner

Once you have achieved the Certificate in Paraplanning and have upgraded your membership to at least Associate level you can apply to become an Accredited Paraplanner and recieve the benefits:

  • Gain professional recognition with peers and clients like
  •  Boost your career through your success in a relevant qualification which specifically tests financial planning skills
  • Differentiate yourself as a qualified paraplanner and use the APP designation.

Criteria for becoming an Accredited Paraplanner

CISI Level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning
Or
An external Level 4 qualification such as CII Certificate in Paraplanning, PMI Diploma in Professional Financial Advice or the LIBF Diploma for Financial Advisers
+
Associate member of the CISI or above
+
35 Hours CPD per annum (21 structured, 14 unstructured)
+
Currently working within paraplanning or financial planning

Application process

Please return the application form to applications@cisi.org, or post to Customer Support Centre, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BY. Applicants will receive notification via email when the CISI has received the application form.

There is no fee to apply to be an Accredited Paraplanner however you are required to be at least an Associate member of the CISI.

The standard processing timescale for all applications is up to 15 working days, including three to five days required to post any confirmations or certificates. If you have sent your form to the CISI and you have not received email confirmation of receipt within 28 days please contact us

If you are a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional you are already eligible. Simply complete the application form and return it to us at applications@cisi.org to apply.

Post Qualification Opportunities

Membership

Obtaining the Certificate in Paraplanning entitles you to join the Institute at ACSI membership level. As a member of the Institute, you will enjoy the recognition of being a professional in a world of increasing competition. The extensive continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities available through the CISI’s suite of membership benefits ensures financial services practitioners can maintain competence and meet the requirements of firms and the regulator.

Higher Level Qualification

The Investment Advice Diploma (Financial Planning & Advice) is the next step in the CISI’s financial planning study pathway, and is now a pre-requisite for those who wish to register for the Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning and, ultimately, progress to CFPTM certification.