Certificate in Professional Financial Advice leading to the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) Designation

(In partnership with Atlantic University sligo)

 

Why the QFA?

 

The QFA meets the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC) requirements for those who wish to sell, advise on, or undertake specified functions on five of the eight categories of retail financial product set out in the Code. Learners  will gain a wide understanding of the financial services industry

The course is ideal for anyone working or wish to work in Life Assurance, Pensions, Investment, Mortgages/Loans and Credit Unions

Benefits to You

The QFA is the recognised benchmark designation for all those who work in the retail financial services sector. The QFA designation is widely sought by employers in all areas of the financial services industry, from financial advice/planning to sales support and management, as well as back-office and administration functions. If you are a financial adviser, or if you aspire to become a financial adviser, the Certificate in Professional Financial Advice is the qualification for you. for example  Complete the first two modules and you qualify as a mortgage advisor

Course Aims

The QFA is designed to provide the learner with the ability to:

− give competent advice to customers about their life assurance needs;

− discuss the need for, and types of, retirement provision and the regulation and restrictions on such provisions;

− explain the types of customer investment needs and the important risk-associated issues around investing;

− advise customers on loan offerings and the long term implications that can arise;

− describe relevant regulation that is used in the provision of financial services;

− use analytical skills to make recommendations to customers regarding financial planning.

By completing QFA Regulation and one or more of QFA Life Assurance, QFA Pensions, QFA Loans and QFA Investment, you can obtain one or more APA designation(s). These APAs are stepping stones, as well as incremental credentials that meet MCC, on your way to the full QFA designation.

Award

The Certificate in Professional Financial Advice is awarded by Atlantic Technical University (formerly IT Sligo) upon the completion of all six modules. (Level 7)

30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)

Regulation:

On completion of this module, successful participants should be able to:

  • demonstrate why governments regulate financial services.
  • identify the main regulatory authorities relating to the authorisation of financial services providers and the provision of financial services.
  • state the main regulatory requirements relating to the marketing of financial services products.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the main regulatory requirements relating to the sales / advisory process and to meeting potential clients.
  • identify the main regulatory requirements relating to handling complaints and to customer records.
  • recognise the main regulatory requirements relating to fitness and probity and to whistleblowing.

Click to Apply Now with the Cork College of Commerce Night college for Regulation module

Regulation module

Tuition Fee:                        €160 per module (Payable to the college)

Night                                    Monday

Time                                      6.30 – 8.30 p.m

Duration :                            10 weeks

Start Date:                          Monday 30th January 2023

 

Loans

On completion of this module, successful participants should be able to:

  • identify the regulatory bodies involved in the regulation of housing loans and consumer credit and their roles and interpret the obligations they place on providers of housing loans and consumer credit.
  • evaluate mortgage credit agreements, housing loans, home reversion agreements, consumer credit agreements, and associated insurances.
  • critique the operation of the mortgage market and demonstrate an appropriate level of financial and economic knowledge relevant to the mortgage market
  • assess the housing, consumer credit and associated insurances needs of consumers.
  • appraise the main details of, and apply the tax relief afforded to, interest for housing loans and mortgage credit agreements, including bridging loans.
  • calculate sums accumulated or discounted at compound interest.

Click to Apply Now  with the Cork College of Commerce Night college for Loan module

Loan module

Tuition Fee:                        €160 per module (Payable to the college)

Night                                     Wednesday

Time                                      6.30 – 8.30 p.m

Duration :                            10 weeks

Start Date:                        Wednesday 4th October 2023

 

Registration with Institute

It is the learners responsibility to register directly with LIA at

www.lia.ie

RESIGRATION WITH LIA WILL BE OPEN ON THE 1ST OF SEPTEMBER 20222

Once registered you will receive your material for he course within 5 days

All Modules are €325 each.

Study Fee €80 (this fee covers a student for 12 months study)

Examination

LIA exams take place in January, May and September annually. All exams are held online. For up-to-date exam schedules and enrolment closing dates, visit www.lia.ie.