QFA Professional Financial Advice

The Certificate in Professional Financial Advise, is a level 7 qualification which awards the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation. This designation is a highly regarded credential for finance professionals in Ireland. It satisfies the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC) requirements for advising on and selling five of the eight categories of retail financial products outlined in the Code.

Minimum Entry Requirements Institution LIA Leaving Cert or Equivalent 5 x O6/H7 or higher Leaving Cert English Minimum of Grade O6/H7 Leaving Cert Maths Minimum of Grade O6/H7 RPL Yes – see below Alternative Qualifications Yes – see below English Language IELTS 5.5 or An equivalent qualification at the same level (e.g. A levels; Highers/Advanced Highers (Scotland), International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate etc). Any QQI level 5/6 FE qualification is acceptable. All applicants are required to have competency in English endorsed by the Irish Leaving Certificate or other equivalent award. All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where a candidate’s mother tongue is not English, he or she is required to provide a proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test (e.g. IELTS 5.5) or other similar English Language qualifications. Mature applicants who do not have a Leaving Certificate will be assessed for entry based on work experience along with a demonstrated commitment towards the academic requirements for the programme. This may be assessed using a written application from the candidate and/or by interview. Such learners will have relevant employment and will have access to the IT facilities necessary to participate in the programme. RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) applicants will be required to complete a personal statement which addresses how the applicant has met the minimum standard by reference to QQI’s Business Standards at Level 6. All other applicants, who do not meet these criteria, will be dealt with on their individual merits and on a case-by-case basis. Decisions made under this mechanism will not set a precedent for adjudicating similar applications.