Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Welcome to SCQF Level 9 Practical Investment Planning
Introduction
SCQF Level 9 Financial Philosophy & Ethics is a single unit qualification which assesses the practical and soft skills involved in client interactions and in the synthesis of professional investment advice.
Practical Investment Planning is designed for UK retail Financial Advisers and those in related support roles who have already completed their Level 4 Diploma and are seeking to develop their practical skills as an investment adviser, or to better understand the day-to-day a challenges of Financial Advisers.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, Learners will be able to:
- 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.
Entry Guidance
While there are no formal entry requirements for SCQF Level 9 Practical Investment Planning, it is expected that Learners have completed their Level 4 Diploma with the CII, CISI, or LIBF. Learners should be comfortable with extended written analysis. This qualification assumes familiarity with the financial planning process and regulatory environment. It is assumed that Learners are currently working either as a Financial Adviser, or in a related support role.
Qualification Level
Practical Investment Planning has been credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at Level 9 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). This is the same level as a bachelor’s degree, and broadly comparable to RQF Level 6 in England.
Financial Philosophy & Ethics provides 10 SCQF credits, which means that most Learners are expected to spend around 100 hours completing this qualification. Once enrolled, Learners have twelve months to complete their assessment.
Notional Learning Hours
This qualification carries 10 SCQF credits, aligned with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework convention that one SCQF credit represents approximately 10 notional learning hours. The total notional learning time for this qualification is therefore 100 hours.
Notional learning time reflects the average amount of time a typical learner is expected to spend achieving the learning outcomes and completing the associated assessments. It includes guided learning, independent study, reflection, assessment preparation, and assessment activity.
Recognition
Qualifications Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
Qualifications Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
Qualifications Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
This qualification has been credit rated by Qualifications Scotland. It provides 10 SCQF credits at Level 9. Practical Investment Planning is available to look up on the SQA website here: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46378.html. Practical Investment Planning is also detailed on the national database held by the SCQF, searchable here: www.scqf.org.uk
Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
Qualifications Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
Qualifications Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
This qualification is recognised prior learning for the CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and PFS Fellowship. It provides 15 non-unit specific credits at Level 6. This is confirmed on the CII website in the Exemptions Search here: Your eligibility and apply | Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Full details, including the current scheme rules, application process, frequently asked questions, the application form and CII qualifications are accessible at: www.cii.co.uk/prior-learning and www.cii.co.uk/qualifications
Practitioner Status (PFE)
Graduates who are also AdviserStream subscribers will be awarded Practitioner Status by PFE, and can use the post-nominal designation PoFP® and our gold Practitioner logo.
London Institute of Banking & Finance
The Specialist unit of the LIBF Advanced Diploma in Financial Advice can be the Practical Investment Planning qualification. To use PIP towards the Adv DipFA®, you need to complete the LIBF’s Recognition of Prior Learning form and e-mail it to enquiries@libf.ac.uk.
Assessment Structure
1. Written Assignment
2. Portfolio of Work-Based Evidence
2. Portfolio of Work-Based Evidence
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.
2. Portfolio of Work-Based Evidence
2. Portfolio of Work-Based Evidence
2. Portfolio of Work-Based Evidence
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.
3. Professional Discussion
2. Portfolio of Work-Based Evidence
3. Professional Discussion
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.
Support Options for Learners
Standard
Fast Track Week
Fast Track Week
£899
Our textbook, and access to our WhatsApp Group for support.
Learners can also contact us for support by telephone.
This provides 1 assessment attempt per assignment.
Fast Track Week
Fast Track Week
Fast Track Week
£1,199
Our Fast Track Week provides everything in the Standard Package, plus a full week's assessment support in an online group learning environment.
This provides unlimited assessment attempts where submitted during the designated week.
Why Study Practical Investment Planning?
Soft Skills Development
The role of the Financial Adviser has evolved dramatically over the last decade, and is now predominantly one of relationship management, not technical. But, most investment planning qualifications have not kept up with the speed of the change, with many still focused on technical equity and bond work as opposed to real life, modern-day investment planning.
However, SCQF Level 9 Practical Investment Planning focuses much more on relationship management, and the practical application of relevant technical knowledge. As such, we believe that Practical Investment Planning is the perfect complement to your Level 4 Diploma.
Feedback from Learners and Institutions is Exceptional
"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." - The London Institute of Banking & Finance
"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." - Christopher D, Financial Adviser
"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." - Richard W, Head of Financial Services & Compliance
"What PFE have done with the PIP qualification is exceptional." - Jon D, Training Manager
"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!” - Louise B, Financial Planning Manager
"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." - Cavan H, Financial Adviser