SCQF Level 9 Practical Investment Planning

Deliver effective, compliant, professional, structured telephone pitch meetings and face-to-face/virtual fact-find meetings to retail investment clients.

Synthesise professional, compliant, suitable investment plans for retail investment clients.

Present professional, compliant, suitable investment plans for retail investment clients.

   PIP is assessed via two coursework assignments. The first is the production of a written suitability report based on a fact-find provided by us.

 The second coursework assignment is the production of a small portfolio of work-based evidence such as transcripts, roleplays, and/or reflective statements evidencing the achievement of the Learning Outcomes. See our Qualification Specification (downloadable below) for full details of what can/can't be included, but candidates are broadly free to build their own unique portfolio.

Finally, the two coursework assignments are underpinned by a professional discussion with an Assessor via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, typically lasting around half an hour.

For those on a budget, the Foundation package provides your 361-page, full-colour, premium quality textbook, plus unlimited support via e-mail if you get stuck or need any assistance. For clarification, it provides your assessments as well.

This is your comprehensive study support option. The Deluxe provides everything in the Foundation package, plus up to three hours of online support via Microsoft Teams, one free coursework resubmission for each assignment, and one-to-one assessment feedback sessions via Microsoft Teams. This is PIP as it was originally intended.

The Fast-Track Week provides everything in the Foundation and Deluxe packages, plus a dedicated week of lectures, independent study, and group work to enable you to complete your assessments within that week. It is perfect for busy professionals who prefer to set dedicated time aside for their qualifications, rather than fit them into their working hours, evenings, and weekends. Please note that prep work is expected prior to the week to maximise your chance of passing. 

Candidates can sign up for PIP and get started at any time. This is a pragmatic qualification which fits in with busy financial planning professionals.

Once enrolled, candidates have 12 months to complete the qualification.

Assessment decisions are binary - you either pass by meeting all requirements for an assessment as specified in our Qualification Specification (downloadable below), or you fail.

There is no "50% pass mark".

Results for each assignment are provided via e-mail within 3 weeks of being handed in. Fast-Track Week candidates benefit from getting their assignments graded throughout the week, generally within 24 hours of submission.

While it is expected that candidates should have their full CII or LIBF Level 4 Diploma before undertaking PIP, there is no formal requirement.

You do NOT need to be a Financial Adviser to undertake PIP, and many of our candidates are Paraplanners.

PIP is available via a variety of study support packages as follows:

The Foundation Package is £599

The Deluxe Package is £899

The Fast-Track Week is £1,199

"PFE's accreditation process is very robust and to a very high standard, so it’s an organisation that we are very happy to endorse."

"A fantastic qualification that has been invaluable the last six months since joining the profession. In my opinion, it should be compulsory for all those who have recently qualified and want to start giving financial advice."

"This exam really raises the bar, and clearly sets a new path for an Adviser... It tests the pragmatic application of skills and knowledge in the areas that count."

"What PFE have done with the PIP qualification is exceptional."

Disclosure: Jon Dunckley undertakes assessment work for PFE.

"The content and support have really prepared me for providing client advice as part of my new role with Sandringham (as well as giving me tons of confidence to do so). I really enjoyed this qualification, very different to anything out there currently and packed full of value!”

"A fantastic fast track week with PFE on their Practical Investment Planning unit. I certainly took a lot away from the course and will be using a number of my learns in future client meetings to further enhance the experience and service I provide those who I am fortunate enough to work with."