UNDERSTANDING THE QUALIFICATIONS
AND TITLES OF ADVISERS
The below descriptions give details of the qualification levels of advisers, with the highest qualification at the top of this list.
Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society(PFS) regarded as the highest achievable qualification for a financial adviser. Achieving Fellowship of the PFS gives financial services practitioners genuine differentiation. The PFS is one of the main awarding bodies in the financial services industry, and is well known around the world, for the quality and breadth of its exams and qualifications.
Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) confirms commitment to continuing to develop specialist financial planning skills and builds on existing knowledge gained through study and workplace training over many years. It is the equivalent level to a Bachelor honours degree, and is a major achievement in the financial industry as it demonstrates the acquisition of skills and knowledge at the highest of levels.
FPFS
Felowship of the PFS is regarded as the highest achievable qualification
5 years experience and highest qualification level.
CFP
Chartered Financial Planner
5 years experience and second highest qualification level.
APFS
Advanced Diploma In Financial Planning
Second highest qualification levels, no experience necessary.
DipPFS
Diploma in Financial Planning
Diploma Level Qualifications, no experience necessary.
Cert CII / Cert PFS
Members who have completed a certificate level qualification