IFS DipFA AFA Training

Course content:

If you want help gaining the DipFA® qualifications before the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) comes into force at the end of 2012; then you’ve come to the right place.

Futuretrend is one of UK’s leading Financial Advisor Training Centres and our supportive and dynamic environment will make your exam preparation easy and enjoyable. Our comprehensive DipFA® training programme provides you with the study support and discipline required for first time exam success. Our tutors are fully DipFA® qualified and are also official web tutors for the awarding body: The ifs School of Finance. They use the best resources and incorporate multiple learning styles and study methods to help you understand the DipFA® requirements and exam process.

The AFA section of the DipFA® comes in 2 parts: the course work and the final exam based on a Factfind. This section must be completed within the time frame, they cannot be separated. Please ensure that once you commit yourself, that you can afford to allocate 360 hours of study time (approx 10 hours per week) over the 6 months.

AFA unit 1 Coursework Revision workshop (2 days): This part of the programme comprises of a 1 day technical content overview + tax issues and 1 full day's coursework workshop which relates to the specific coursework questions/topics. This course is suitable for existing financial advisors as well as those new to the sector.

• Coursework workshop outline:
  • How to get started
  • How to structure your article
  • Who is your target group
  • Exemplars are provided
  • How to submit your work
  • How to source information
  • How to gain valuable marks
  • Tips and ideas on coursework content
  • How to reference your article
  • How to build your bibliography
  • The short questions are assessed thoroughly, giving pointers on where to find the information

The classes are small and provide opportunities to ‘brain storm’ ideas with other students. The course will provide you with a clear guide to staring your coursework with confidence. Your trainer has already helped many other students pass this component and provides valuable insight into what is needed.

Stage 3:
Advanced Financial Advice Exam

The Fact find and exam: The second AFA assessment will represent 70% of the overall unit mark weighting and will take the form of a written examination combining knowledge, understanding and application of AFA. This assessment will be taken at an examination centre at the end of the 6 month period of study. The exam can be hand written or on a computer and must be completed within 3 hours at the centre. You will receive the Factfind 6 weeks prior to the examination date. The pass mark for this assessment is 50%.
IFS school of Finance

Exam workshop (1 Day)

This class will provide essential information required to write the suitability report based on the factfind. The classes are small and personal, enabling opportunities to gain ideas and formulas from your tutor and other students. Your tutor has completed the DipFA and provided support to other students who have gone on to pass the exam. The workshop will provide the following:

• Analysis of the fact find
• Client categorisation/life stage
• Financial planning mistakes made by consumers
• How to structure your report
• Tax calculations and tax planning ideas
• What areas to consider when formulating strategies
• Possible recommendations
• Further information on providing the correct recommendations
• Technical support on products and recommendations