Neil has achieved Chartered status by passing The Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. This qualification goes beyond the benchmark exam standards and enables professional advisers to develop their specialist planning capabilities. And with completion leading to Chartered status, this QCF Level 6 qualification gives holders clear differentiation from the main body of advisers.

It builds on existing skills and develops knowledge gained through previous study and workplace training. It consolidates and advances work already undertaken, most typically in completing the Diploma in Financial Planning or the first completion level of the AFPC (both of which carry the membership designation DipPFS’).

The Advanced Diploma covers topics key to financial planners with one compulsory unit:

• Personal tax and trust planning
• Business financial planning
• Pension planning
• Investment planning
• Senior management and supervision
• Financial planning process – compulsory

On completion of the Advanced Diploma advisers are better prepared to offer a sophisticated and comprehensive approach to financial management, ensuring that clients are provided with a level of service that meets or exceeds their expectations.
Upon completion of the Advanced Diploma PFS members are entitled to use the designation APFS (Continuing Professional Development requirements apply).

Advanced Diploma holders are also eligible to use the Chartered Financial Planner title (subject to having five years’ experience, not necessarily post-qualification).

Chartered status reinforces the importance of professionalism in a fast-moving and competitive market. It also helps place the financial advice sector on a par with other professions, such as accountants and solicitors and distinguishes holders from their competitors and peers.

Independent research reveals that the Chartered Financial Planner title, which is now held by more than 3,500, individuals, resonates best with the public in terms of recognition, trust and confidence.