1. Certificate for financial advises (CeFA) is awarded by the institute of financial
services (IFS) The CeFA qualification meets the requirements identified by the
Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC).
CeFA is accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and incorporated into the national
Qualifications framework at level 3.
CeFA consists of four modules as follows:
CeFA 1 - Module One - UK Financial Regulation Units 1 & 2.
UK Financial Regulation is a broad-based module that focuses upon the purpose and structure of the UK
financial services structure. The module is split into two units, focusing on the financial services
environment and regulation of the environment respectively.
• UK financial services industry structure
• Financial asset classes
• Financial services products
• Financial advice and regular reviews
• Legal concepts
• UK taxation and social security systems
• Inflation, interest rate volatility
• Non tax laws
• FSA regulation
• FSA's conduct of business rules
• Anti-money laundering rules
• Complaints and compensation
• Data Protection Act 1998
Unit 1 - Introduction to the Financial Services Environment and Products (1hr Examination 50 MCQ's)
Unit 2 - Financial Services and Regulation (1hr Examination 50 MCQ's)

2. CeFA 2 - Module Two - Investment and Risks Units 3 & 4.
The Investments and Risks module is split into two units focussing upon the principles of investment and
investment products.
• Macro environment factors
• Taxation
• Investment returns
• Investors risk
• Asset allocation
• Investment plannings
• Tax planning strategies, calculation and procedures
• Legal framework for providing advice
• Asset classes
• Product types
• Applying suitable investment product solutions
Unit 3 - Principles of Investment (1 hr Examination - Section A 40 MCQ's, Section B - 2 Case Studies of
5 questions each)
Unit 4 - Investment Products (1 hr Examination - Section A 40 MCQ's, Section B - 2 Case Studies of 5
questions each)

3. CeFA 3 - Module Three - Retirement Planning and Protection Units 5 and 6.
The Retirement Planning and Protection module is split into two units that focuses upon the main aim and
strategies of retirement planning and the purpose and scope of financial protection.
• Financial protection
• Life assurance
• Income protection policies
• Mortgage related insurance
• Retirement planning
• Tax treatment of pensions
• State pension benefits
• Pension schemes
• Investment of pension funds
• Legislation and taxation
Unit 5 - Retirement Planning (1 hr Examination - Section A 40 MCQ's, Section B - 2 Case Studies of 5
questions each)
Unit 6 - Protection (1 hr Examination - Section A 40 MCQ's, Section B - 2 Case Studies of 5 questions
each)

4. CeFA 4 - Module Four - Assessment of Investment Advice Knowledge.
The final knowledge assessment module requires you to apply the knowledge and understanding of
modules one, two and three in order to apply suitable financial solutions within the regulatory and ethical
framework.
• UK financial services industry, regulation and ethics
• Investments and risk
• Protection
• Retirement planning
(2 hr Examination - 6 Case Studies with 10 MCQs each)
• All CeFA examinations are multiple-choice, and can be sat at a choice of over 150 test
locations throughout the United Kingdom subject to availability.
• Each CeFA Module examination assessment last for 2 hours and the results are provided to
you before you leave the testing centre.
• Registration with the Institute of Financial Services (Ifs) for each module cost £135 (£540
total cost for CeFA 1, 2 , 3 & 4) and is valid for 12 months.
• Registration includes the Ifs learning manual and an examination entry.
• There is no pre-course study required and our CeFA courses are delivered at our fully
equipped training centre.
• The CeFA Training Solutions CeFA training courses include; supplementary paperwork,
numerous sample test papers and online testing. Our courses are designed for small groups
of normally 8 to 10 students allowing for individual support and attention providing you with
true value for money.
Grading
Pass 70%
Merit 80%
Distinction 90%